The Australian Morrison Government’s National Shipbuilding Program has reached another milestone with the keel laying for the first Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) under construction in WA, HMAS Pilbara.
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Rendering of Arafura class offshore patrol vessel. (Picture source: Luerssen Australia)
Named from the indigenous word Bilybara, meaning ‘dry’, the area was first recorded in 1861 by the English explorer Francis Gregory and following the discovery of gold in 1885 European settlement of the region intensified.
The name honours the role of the Western Australian Shipbuilding industry in supporting the Navy, and this will be the first vessel of the OPV class built in Western Australia.
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the keel laying is an important naval tradition that brings good luck to the build of the ship and the life of the vessel by placing a coin under the keel.
Rendering of Arafura class offshore patrol vessel. (Picture source: Luerssen Australia)
The OPVs are based on the Lürssen PV80 design.
The first two vessels are under construction at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia and will be followed by 10 ships to be built at the Henderson shipyard.
About the Arafura class:
Length: 80 m
Beam: 13 m
Draught: 4 m
Speed: 20 knots (maximum)
Range: 7,400 kilometres
Displacement: approx. 1,640 t
Crew: 40 crew with accommodation for up to 60 personnel
Armament: 40mm gun / 2 x 50 calibre machine guns
