The Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessel Program celebrated another milestone today, with the official launch of NUSHIP Eyre in Osborne, South Australia.
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 many Australian partners.
NUSHIP Eyre is the last one of its class being built in South Australia.
The ceremony was steeped in Navy tradition, including a blessing of the ship by its sponsor, the Hon. Justice Natalie Charlesworth which involved smashing a bottle of water from the Eyre Peninsula onto the bow.
Luerssen Australia CEO, Jens Nielsen, said the launch of the vessel is a testament to the hard work and cooperation of everyone at Osborne Naval Shipyard.
“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,” Mr Nielsen said.
”Everyone has worked tirelessly to deliver a formidable vessel to the RAN. You can be proud of your efforts.”
Luerssen Australia brings almost 150 years of shipbuilding and sustainment knowledge and is committed to growing local companies, creating local jobs and strengthening the sovereign shipbuilding capability of this nation.
For media enquiries, please contact Krystle Thein on 0477 959 409 or krystle.thein@luerssen.com.au