Metal Shark has been chosen to build near coastal patrol vessels for U.S. partner nations through the Defense Department's Foreign Military Sales program, the company announced.
The selection, made by the U.S. Navy, results in the Louisiana-based company receiving upwards of $54 million to build up to 13 85-foot, Defiant-class, welded-aluminum cutters that can accommodate a large range of missions including search and rescue, counter-narcotics operations, police and customs, and more. Metal Shark is to also supply NCPV operators with electro-optical infrared sensors, diagnostic equipment, in-country reactivation, crew familiarization and test support, according to the company.
The aluminum cutters are based on the Damen Shipyards' Stan Patrol 2606 design.
Metal Shark has produced several builds including their recent delivery of six 88-foot, high-speed passenger vessels for the new NYC Ferry Service in New York and the first six of 18 patrol boats for the Vietnam Coast Guard.
Metal Shark is an entity of Gravois Aluminum Boats.
Rachael Kalinyak is an editorial intern with Network Solutions.
