The vessel named Te Mataili III is a 39.5m steel monohull patrol boat. Credit: Office of Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans Affairs/© Austal.

Austal Australia has delivered the 21st Guardian-class Patrol Boat (GCPB), named Te Mataili III, as part of the Australian Department of Defence’s (DoD) SEA3036 Phase 1 – Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement (PPB-R) project. 

Te Mataili III was officially accepted by the Commonwealth of Australia and then the vessel was handed over to the Pacific Island nation of Tuvalu on 16 October 2024.  

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This vessel replaces Te Mataili II, which was irreparably damaged during twin cyclones in Vanuatu in 2023.  

The 39.5 metre (m) steel monohull patrol boat has been built based on a proven design platform. It will help bolster the maritime capabilities of nation. 

It is claimed to be faster than the previous Pacific-class patrol boats and offers improved seakeeping, better amenities, and enhanced mission capabilities.  

These advancements are expected to strengthen Tuvalu’s ability to conduct border patrols, regional policing, search and rescue operations, and other domestic and international tasks. 

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The PPB-R project, awarded to Austal Australia in May 2016, has expanded with contract options in April 2018, November 2022, and June 2024.  

The total project now encompasses 24 vessels valued at more than A$400m ($268m).  

This initiative supports 200 direct jobs at Austal and more than 200 indirect jobs through Australian businesses in the supply chain. 

Austal’s collaboration with supply chain partners and the DoD has achieved more than 60% Australian industry content for the Guardian-class Patrol Boats.  

Austal CEO Paddy Gregg said: “Austal Australia has now delivered 21 Guardian-class Patrol Boats in just five years, which is a fantastic achievement and great demonstration of the capability and efficiency of the Western Australian naval shipbuilding industry. 

“For five years now, we have been collaborating successfully with our supply chain and project partners (including the Department of Defence), industry stakeholders and Royal Australian Navy to deliver this important, sovereign capability-building project for Australia and our Pacific Island neighbours.” 

In June 2024, the Royal Australian Navy placed a follow-up order with Austal for two additional Guardian-class patrol boats, valued at A$39m.  

Between 2018 and 2022, Austal already delivered 30 Guardian vessels to 13 other Pacific island nations, with 19 of those delivered to Australia.