Acquisition and technical support for Australian border force fleet

The Cape Class Patrol Boat (CCPB) program involved the acquisition of eight vessels to replace the Bay Class Patrol Boats, delivering improved range, endurance, and operational flexibility. The program required close collaboration with the shipbuilder to ensure effective translation of requirements into practical and cost-efficient design solutions.

Specific activities delivered by AMT, now part of BMT, under the Maritime Engineering Services contract included redevelopment of the Functional and Performance Specification for RFT release, tender evaluation support, comprehensive design review, technical studies, and in-service acceptance support for the Cape Class into service.

The success of this role in the CCPB program was extended into the Australian Border Force’s next acquisition, where we provided similar design review and engineering support for the Long-Term Ashmore Capability (LTAC), including ABFC Thaiyak.

We also provided technical support for the Southern Ocean Maritime Patrol and Response Capability (SOMPARC) program, which involved the lease and modification of a commercial vessel to meet unique operational requirements. This included tender evaluation, engineering investigations, design review, and certification support for the conversion of Skandi Bergen into Ocean Protector.

These programs required the integration of commercial regulatory frameworks with para-military operational requirements, demanding careful alignment of technical solutions with mission needs. Our whole-of-ship design and engineering capability was well suited to supporting this diverse and complex customer environment.