Vestdavit secures naval orders for lightweight davits

This latest contract brings the total number of PLAR davits supplied for Cape and Evolved Cape-class vessels to 20, further underscoring the reliability and popularity of Vestdavit’s systems.

“Operational efficiency in modern naval vessels hinges on the performance of their boat launch-and-recovery systems, which are critical for mission success,” says Rolf Andreas Wigand, managing director of Vestdavit. “The repeat selection of our proven PLAR davits by Austal for the RAN demonstrates the robustness and dependability of our systems. We are particularly grateful to our agent in Australia, Antelope, for securing the initial contracts.”

The PLAR-6501, slated for hulls 819 and 820, represents an enhancement of the earlier PLAR-6500 model, designed in accordance with the DNV-0498 standard, which includes fatigue analysis. One of the key advantages of this lightweight, high-grade aluminium davit system is a 30% weight reduction compared to conventional steel alternatives. This weight-saving not only reduces the burden on the vessel but also contributes to improved stability, increased payload capacity, enhanced manoeuvrability, lower fuel consumption, and higher speeds.

The Evolved Cape-class patrol vessels (pictured), vital to Australia’s national security, will perform a variety of naval and law enforcement missions. These versatile and high-performing assets require robust equipment like the PLAR-6501 to ensure mission success in a wide range of operating conditions.

Vestdavit’s PLAR davits will be utilised for the rapid launch and recovery of fast rescue and interceptor craft—essential components of the patrol vessels’ mission portfolio. Safety, reliability, and ease of use are paramount, especially when frequent launches are required in challenging sea states. The davits’ ability to operate efficiently in rough seas ensures that both personnel and equipment are safeguarded while allowing for an extended operational window.

Austal is contracted to deliver a total of 10 Evolved Cape-class patrol vessels to the RAN. These represent an evolution of the original Cape-class design, with 10 units previously delivered to the Australian Border Force and Royal Australian Navy, and an additional two to the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard in 2021.

The modular PLAR davit, with a safe working load (SWL) range from 850 to 7,000 kg, is pre-assembled and skid-mounted for easy installation, even in confined spaces. Despite its compact and lightweight design, the system remains capable of high-performance operations, particularly in rough conditions. Furthermore, lifecycle costs are reduced through the use of aluminium, which is non-magnetic and corrosion-resistant, enhancing the durability of the system.

Vestdavit continues to expand its presence in the naval market, supplying davit systems to most NATO navies, including the Royal Australian Navy, US Navy, and the UK’s Royal Navy. “We are continually evolving our davit systems in close collaboration with end-users, adhering to a policy of continuous innovation,” Wigand explains. “Our product portfolio has grown to include new naval solutions, such as Mission Bay, which enables the inboard storage and deployment of various craft for multi-role operations.”