Defence, Industry, and State and Federal Government representatives tour the second Offshore Patrol Vessel constructed at Osborne, NUSHIP Eyre, as part of the Ship Acceptance Ceremony held at Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia. Photo courtesy of RAN and Civmec.

Civmec and Luerssen Australia are proud to announce the acceptance of NUSHIP Eyre, the second Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV).

In a ceremony on Friday 12 September, Civmec and Luerssen Australia celebrated the South Australian workforce and suppliers that have laid the foundations for the SEA 1180 project by building the first two Arafura Class OPVs at the Osborne Naval shipyard.

Shipbuilding for the Arafura Class OPVs now transitions exclusively to Civmec’s Naval shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia, where the remaining four vessels are under construction.

The delivery of ship two, NUSHIP Eyre marks ongoing progress for the SEA 1180 project. HMAS Arafura (OPV 1) was commissioned in June. NUSHIP Pilbara (OPV 3) will be launched later this year. NUSHIP Gippsland (OPV 4) and Illawarra (OPV 5) are under construction, and the keel laying ceremony for NUSHIP Carpentaria (OPV 6) was held in August.

The Arafura Class OPVs will bring new capabilities to the Royal Australian Navy. The modern 1,625 tonne and 80m long ships will contribute to maritime security, regional engagement and support humanitarian and disaster relief.

Civmec acquired Luerssen Australia in July 2025 as part of a consolidation of its Naval shipbuilding business.

Mark Clay, Civmec’s General Manager Defence, said, “The delivery of NUSHIP Eyre is a proud moment for the project and all who were involved.

“I am deeply grateful to the entire Adelaide workforce and our suppliers, all of whom have shown skill, commitment and pride in building HMAS Arafura and NUSHIP Eyre to such a high standard. I also want to thank and acknowledge the Western Australian based workforce who supported the program, often sacrificing time away from their families to support the project.

“Like a relay team, the shipbuilding baton has now been passed to our Henderson workforce who I know will continue to rise to the challenge.

“The transition ensures we harness the full strength of Australia’s shipbuilding capability and shows the value of South Australia and Western Australia working together as part of one national team to deliver these vital ships to the Navy.”