Sydney company awarded $9 million seaboat contract for new Cape Class Patrol Boats

Joint media release

• Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP

Sydney based company Britton Maritime Systems has been awarded a $9 million contract to build 12 Gemini seaboats for the new evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats.

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the contract demonstrates the Morrison Government’s commitment to supporting Australian industry and Australian jobs.

“The Gemini are specifically designed for the Cape Class vessels, and are already in operation with the current fleet of Navy Cape Class Patrol Boats,” Minister Reynolds said. 

“The seaboats are the primary mission system for the Patrol Boats, providing an insertion capability for boarding and landing parties in support of operational requirements.

"Two seaboats will be delivered and fitted to each of the six evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats currently under construction at the Austal Shipyard in Western Australia.

“This Government is keeping Australians safe with our up to $183 billion Naval Shipbuilding Plan which will see more than 70 naval vessels built here in Australia, by Australian workers.

“This is the largest regeneration of the Navy since the Second World War, and delivers on this Government’s clear objective to build a globally competitive Australian shipbuilding enterprise.”

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the Gemini seaboat acquisition would invest more than $6 million into local industry.

“This project will have up to 68 per cent Australian Industry Content, delivering a significant boost for our defence industry,” Minister Price said.

“It demonstrates the capacity of Australia’s East and West Coast defence industries to deliver much needed naval capability.

“And it also shows the Morrison Government’s strong backing of Aussie small businesses and its continued push to deliver local jobs.”