U.S. boatbuilders secure Coast Guard contracts for international patrol vessel sales

U.S. boatbuilders Silver Ships and Metal Shark have secured multiple contracts through the U.S. Coast Guard’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program to provide patrol vessels to several partner nations.

Alabama-based Silver Ships was awarded projects to supply eight boats to El Salvador and the Philippines. The initial orders are valued at $4.33 million, with total potential value estimated at $12.2 million over five years. The vessels for El Salvador are configured for counter-drug trafficking, coastal patrols, and search and rescue, while the Philippines project involves 27-foot boats designed to support visiting ships.

Louisiana-based Metal Shark has been awarded contracts to build 38 Defiant patrol boats for the maritime forces of Cameroon and Georgia. These welded-aluminum vessels are intended for coastal patrol, maritime interdiction, and port security. The contracts include transport trailers, spare parts, and operator training, with construction taking place at the company’s facility in Jeanerette, Louisiana.