Australia to construct replacement Pacific Patrol Boats

Australia to construct more than 20 replacement Pacific Patrol Boats

On 6 June, Defence Minister David Johnston announced that the Australian Government has brought forward an open competition with Australian industry to construct more than 20 replacement Pacific Patrol Boats.

The Australian Government will work closely with the Samoan Government on the replacement for the Samoan Patrol Boat Nafanua.

The replacement vessel will be steel hulled and have a greater capability than the current patrol boats. The design of the vessel will be finalized in close consultation with partner countries.

Australia’s Maritime Surveillance Adviser to Samoa, Lieutenant Commander Mal Parsons, said ‘I am thrilled with the prospect of the new vessel with its improved capability and the benefits this would bring for Samoa’. He noted that the Nafanua does a great job in patrolling Samoa’s waters.

Minister Johnston’s announcement reiterates the Australian Government’s ongoing commitment to broadening and strengthening the region’s capacity to respond to maritime security, fisheries protection and transnational criminal threats.

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