According to a statement released on January 20, 2021, Sydney-based company, Britton Maritime Systems was awarded a $9 million contract to build 12 Gemini seaboats for the Australian Navy’s newest Cape-class patrol boats.
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Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) of the Australian Navy. (Picture source Australian Navy)
Australian Defence’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group’s head of maritime systems Rear Admiral Wendy Malcolm said the contract was another example of Australian industry’s ability to support the National Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise.
“Defence is undertaking the largest regeneration of the Royal Australian Navy since World War II, with more than 70 naval vessels to be built in Australia,” Rear Admiral Malcolm said.
Gemini seaboats were already in service with the current fleet of Navy Cape-class patrol boats and were a great example of what Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) could provide. The seaboats will be constructed in Australia while also utilising a vast local SME support network stretching from the east coast to the west coast.
Britton Maritime Systems (BMS) has been established since 1987 specialising in the manufacture, maintenance and integration of military/law enforcement and commercial craft. BMS has sole distribution agency status with such companies as BAE Halmatic RHIBS ( Portsmouth UK), Gemini Boats and Mark Ellis Boats all of which have been supplied and are in service here with Federal and State Government bodies. Britton Maritime has a long standing relationship with Gemini Marine South Africa in supplying specialised inflatable and foam collared RHIBs (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) to Defence, Law Enforcement and Commercial users.
The Gemini range is regarded as the most innovative range of military inflatables and RIBs(Rigid Inflatable Boats). Each Gemini RIB is built to achieve perfect hydrodynamic efficiency. Gemini hulls feature a true monocoque so the hydrodynamic efficiency of the monohedron shaped hull softens each ride and delivers teams anywhere in complete comfort and safety in even the most difficult conditions.
The Cape class is a ship class of 10 large patrol boats operated by the Marine Unit of the Australian Border Force and Royal Australian Navy. The ship can carry two 7.3 m (24 ft) Gemini RHIBs.
