Austal has thus far delivered 15 Guardian class patrol boats.
AUSTAL
Australia’s partners in the Pacific Maritime Security Programme have been advised of a potential fault in the exhaust system of the 40m Guardian class patrol boats gifted to various Pacific Island nations. Until each vessel is assessed, their sovereign operators will have to make their own decision as to whether they choose to continue to operate them or pause operations.
The exhaust concern is the latest issue with the Austal-built vessels. In the past 16 months other identified problems have included cracking in the coupling between the engine and the gearbox and ventilation deficiencies in the sick bays. Any temporary rectification measures ahead of a longer-term solution will be covered under warranty as part of the AU$2.1 billion PMSP agreement.
Meanwhile, Australia has agreed to replace Nafanua II, the first Guardian class patrol boat delivered to Samoa, which was damaged beyond repair after crashing into a reef in August 2021. Austal will deliver a total of 21 vessels.