All six vessels will be constructed at Austal’s facilities in Henderson, Western Australia and are scheduled for delivery by early 2010. During the construction period, Austal will provide a training programme including familiarisation of vessel operation, ship based engineer training as well as maintenance training for shore based support personnel.

Following delivery of the vessels, a five year comprehensive maintenance and support services program will be provided by Austal, which will include scheduled planned and preventative maintenance support, unscheduled maintenance, management and performance of annual surveys and maintenance periods as well as shore based engineering support.

The fast patrol craft will play a major role in ensuring the safety of shipping, as well as the preservation of the marine environment. The vessels will also target the illegal trafficking of drugs, safety at sea and perform search and rescue duties.

Each patrol boat is to be powered by two MTU 16 cylinder 2000 series diesel engines driving a Kamewa waterjet propulsion system, allowing a maximum speed of 40 knots and a maximum range of more than 1000 nautical miles at 10 knots.