The Arafura class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) NUSHIP Eyre has been launched at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, on 22 November 2023.
NUSHIP Eyre is the second in a fleet of 12 Arafura Class OPVs being designed and built by Luerssen Australia for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), in collaboration with its Australian partners.
“We would not be launching this ship without the commitment and passion from our production and shipbuilding teams, including the Naval Construction Branch and Navy,” said Jens Nielsen, Luerssen Australia CEO.
”Everyone has worked tirelessly to deliver a formidable vessel to the RAN. You can be proud of your efforts.”
The Arafura class OPVs are intended to replace the Armidale class patrol boats and have been designed to perform maritime patrol and response duties for the Australian Defence Force.
Named for the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, the OPV will be the first Royal Australian Navy ship to carry the name Eyre.
“The launch of NUSHIP Eyre is a significant milestone for the Arafura class OPV program, made possible by the commitment and cooperation everyone here at the Osborne Naval Shipyard," said Jim McDowell, Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Luerssen Australia to deliver these Arafura vessels.”
NUSHIP Eyre is the second of two OPVs to be constructed at the Osborne Naval Shipyard and follows the launch of NUSHIP Arafura in December 2021. It will be the last one of its class built in South Australia.
The remaining vessels will be built by Luerssen Australia at the Henderson Maritime Precinct in Western Australia.
“On behalf of the Chief of Navy, and the sailors and officers of the Royal Australian Navy, I congratulate the defence industry workforce at Osborne on the launch of Australia’s second OPV, NUSHIP Eyre," said Rear Admiral Stephen Hughes, Head Navy Capability.
“We look forward to accepting Eyre into service and thank the many skilled shipbuilders who contribute to ensuring the RAN continues to operate capable warships of the highest quality.”