The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has officially launched NUSHIP Pilbara (OPV 205), the third Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV), during a ceremony at the Henderson Maritime Precinct in Western Australia. Named after the Pilbara region, renowned for its rich mining and industrial heritage, the vessel symbolizes the nation’s maritime strength and local industry partnership.
Led by the Chief Commissioner of Port Hedland, who serves as the ship’s sponsor, the event marked another milestone in Australia’s ongoing SEA1180 Phase 1 OPV program, which aims to deliver six next-generation patrol vessels by 2029. The Arafura-class initiative forms part of Australia’s 2024 National Defence Strategy, designed to enhance maritime security and reinforce presence across the Indo-Pacific.
NUSHIP Pilbara is the first of four OPVs being assembled at Civmec Defence Industries (CDI) in Henderson, and notably, the largest naval ship ever constructed in Western Australia. It follows HMAS Arafura (OPV 203) and NUSHIP Eyre (OPV 204), both built in South Australia and delivered earlier this year. CDI will now complete the vessel’s fit-out and conduct sea trials before its official handover to the navy in 2026.
Construction is also progressing on three additional vessels—NUSHIP Gippsland (OPV 206), NUSHIP Illawarra (OPV 207), and NUSHIP Carpentaria (OPV 208), with the latter’s keel laid in August. Designed for coastal patrols, border protection, and disaster response, the Arafura-class OPVs are 80 meters long, powered by twin diesel engines, and can reach speeds of 22 knots with a range of 4,000 nautical miles. Each ship carries up to 40 personnel, three rigid-hull inflatable boats, and supports light unmanned aerial systems.
