Navy Orders Four Metal Shark Patrol Boats

ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Navy has placed an order for four patrol boats from Gravois Aluminum Boats, doing business as Metal Shark Boats, according to a July 7 announcement from the Pentagon.

The Navy’s Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, Gulf Coast, Pascagoula, Mississippi, awarded a $7.03 million firm fixed-price delivery order for the four 40-foot-long patrol boats, designated PB-2001 through 2004. The order also included design, planning, material support, shipping and documentation.

The 40-foot welded-aluminum monohull “Defiant” is powered by two Cummins QSB 6.7 diesel inboard engines that use twin disc MG5065SC transmission systems to Hamilton HTX30 waterjets. The boat is designed to achieve a speed of 40 knots.

The boats will begin to replace up to 160 patrol boats operated by the Navy’s Coastal Riverine Force, offering increased firepower and capabilities to enable crews to operate in hostile environments that preclude operation of current force protection boats.

The new boats offer ballistic protection; an armored, climate-controlled pilot house; five SHOXS 4800-series whole-body isolation suspension seats to reduce crew fatigue; and an advanced communications, navigation, and situational awareness suite.