The Australian Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) programme managed to brought together the two halves of the first Arafura Class OPV and made a complete hull.
Namely, the two halves built by Luerssen Australia and its partner ASC have been brought together and welded to form a complete hull.
What is more, this was the largest block move conducted by the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia.
For the records, the two blocks which weigh 1.000 tonnes in total, were maneuvered into place millimeters apart.
Moreover, the HMAS Arafura is estimated to be fully operational from the early 2020, while conduct border protection and maritime patrol missions.
Concluding, the OPV programme consists of 12 vessels, which will replace the Armidale Class and Cape Class Patrol Boats. Last month, the Australian Government announced the keel-laying of the second Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) in Adelaide as part of the Australian Defence Force’s $90bn National Shipbuilding Program.
