Metal Shark
Metal Shark News
US Shipyards Forge Ahead Through COVID-19
As the novel coronavirus and its impacts continue to spread across America, U.S. shipbuilders, by and large, continue to build. While most yards have been deemed essential to marine transportation and/or national security and have been able to maintain operations, the situation at and around every shipyard is different, and there are several builders across the country that have had to temporarily suspend activity.
Metal Shark Delivers Patrol Boat to San Juan PD
US shipbuilder Metal Shark said it has delivered a new 36-foot welded-aluminum patrol boat to the Policia Municipal de San Juan (San Juan Police Department).The new patrol boat is a 36 Fearless stepped-bottom center console vessel built at Metal Shark’s Jeanerette, La. production facility and custom-configured to meet the specialized requirements of its newest Puerto Rican customer. The high performance…
For Fireboats, The Heat is On
These days, cost-conscious municipalities across the fruited plain, from sea to shining sea, are ordering new waterborne assets to cover their many local responsibilities.
USN’s Next-Gen Patrol Boat Near End of OT&E
Shipbuilder Metal Shark and the US Navy are nearing the end of the operational test and evaluation (OT&E) trial period for the Navy’s incoming standardized “40 PB” patrol boat platform.Developed as the replacement for up to 160 patrol vessels deployed worldwide with Navy Expeditionary Combat Command’s Coastal Riverine Forces (CRF), Metal Shark’s 40 Defiant design was selected in late 2017 from a field of seven competing shipbuilders.Metal Shark produced two of the 40-foot…
Metal Shark Delivers 30th Passenger Vessel
USA shipbuilder Metal Shark has delivered its 30th passenger vessel since June of 2017. Built at Metal Shark’s Franklin, Louisiana shipyard, the newest ferry delivery, a 97-foot, 350-passenger, USCG Subchapter “K,” welded-aluminum, high-speed, low-wake catamaran, was handed off to its operator last week and will soon enter service.“To achieve this extraordinarily high volume production of passenger vessels…
Metal Shark Delivers Two Pilot Boats to New Orleans
Shipbuilder Metal Shark has delivered two new pilot boats to New Orleans-based operator Belle Chasse Marine Transportation, LLC (BCMT).Designed in-house by Metal Shark and built at the company’s Jeanerette, La. production facility, Jet 1 and Jet 2 are 45-foot welded aluminum Defiant-class monohull pilothouse vessels featuring an extensively proven hull design. The vessels feature a unique deck arrangement…
Metal Shark To Build Fireboat for Canaveral
Shipbuilder Metal Shark is significantly expanding its presence in the fireboat market with a diverse range of fireboats currently in production for multiple customers. Most notably, the company has announced a custom “70 Defiant” fireboat to be built for Canaveral Fire Rescue in Cape Canaveral, Florida.The new Canaveral fireboat is a 70’ x 22’ welded aluminum monohull pilothouse vessel designed by Metal Shark’s in-house engineering team utilizing a military-proven hull form.
New Sharktech Autonomous Vessel
USA-based shipbuilder Metal Shark and Sea Machines, a Boston-based developer of autonomous marine technology, have partnered on the introduction of a new 29-foot autonomous vessel now being offered through Metal Shark’s “Sharktech” autonomous division.The new Sharktech 29 Defiant welded aluminum monohull pilothouse vessel features OEM-integrated Sea Machines technology offering a full range of advanced capabilities including active control and collision avoidance.
Metal Shark Delivers Foil-assisted Catamaran
Shipbuilder Metal Shark said it has delivered a new excursion vessel to Southwest Florida tour and charter boat operator Pure Florida.Sea Flight is a custom 40’ x 14’ welded aluminum foil-assisted catamaran designed and built to USCG Subchapter “T” standards and configured to carry up to 33 passengers.Designed by Jutson Marine Design, the vessel features a foil-assisted catamaran hull delivering unsurpassed performance, economy, and ride comfort, the builder said.
Metal Shark Expands Into Peru
USA-based shipbuilder Metal Shark has announced its expansion into the country of Peru, with a new patrol boat order now in production, and a multiyear co-production agreement recently established with the state-operated Peruvian shipyard Servicios Industriales de la Marina (SIMA-PERU SA).The first round of Peruvian Navy maritime interdiction vessels are now being built by Metal Shark in the United States.
MN100: Chris Allard: Co-Owner / CEO Metal Shark
A naval architect and graduate of the Webb Institute, Co-Owner/CEO Chris Allard introduced the engineering-centric approach that has fueled Metal Shark’s growth; driving innovation and transforming the company from a regional builder to a globally recognized industry leader.Under Allard’s direction, Metal Shark has successfully captured over $500 million in government and military contracts while expanding…
Metal Shark Wins Miami-Dade Fire Boat Contract
Shipbuilder Metal Shark has been selected to build the next generation of fire boats for the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department.Miami-Dade has selected the Metal Shark “50 Defiant X” fireboat, a welded aluminum monohull vessel featuring a proven hull form and a specialized arrangement optimized for firefighting. The new fire boats are being built at Metal Shark’s Jeanerette, Louisiana production facility…
INSIGHTS: Metal Shark's Chris Allard
A naval architect and graduate of the Webb Institute, Co-Owner/CEO Chris Allard introduced the engineering-centric approach that has fueled Metal Shark’s growth; driving innovation and transforming the company from a regional builder to a globally recognized industry leader.A member of the ownership team since 2005, Mr. Allard has overseen the expansion of Metal Shark from several employees to over 350. Under Mr.
Across the Big Pond: Metal Shark Expands Again
Metal Shark Expands Internationally with New Croatia Engineering Facility.Shipbuilder Metal Shark has established a foothold across the Atlantic with the opening of a dedicated European engineering office.Metal Shark’s first location outside of the United States, “Metal Shark Croatia” is a new engineering facility recently opened in the city of Rijeka on Croatia’s northern Adriatic coast.The facility currently employs nearly 20 naval architects…
Shipbuilding: Chris Allard, CEO, Metal Shark
Metal Shark has arguably been one of the more active and successful boat builders in the U.S. over the last 12 to 24 months, boasting a strong order book and expanding facilities and portfolio. In particular, the company has been able to capitalize on the burgeoning ferry market, today accounting for about a quarter of its business, as Chris Allard, CEO, explains.When you look at the ferry business today in relation to Metal Shark’s business…
New Pilot Boat Delivered to Brazos Pilots Association
Louisiana-based shipbuilder Metal Shark has delivered a custom welded-aluminum pilot boat to the Brazos Pilots Association in Freeport, Texas.The new vessel, “Brazos Pilot,” is a 64’ x 19’ Defiant-class monohull pilot boat designed by Metal Shark and built at the company’s Franklin, Louisiana shipyard. This new pilot boat is intended to replace the pilots’ smaller, single-engine 40’ pilot boat, improving…
Metal Shark Delivers New Patrol Boats in Aruba
Four new high speed patrol boats manufactured by shipbuilder Metal Shark have entered service with the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG) on the island of Aruba.The vessels were commissioned into service with a ceremony on January 23rd at DCCG’s Station Aruba in the district of Savaneta on Aruba’s southeast coast. Among those present were officials from the Aruban government, Dutch Ministry of Defense…
GREAT WORKBOATS: The Very Best 10 of 2018
MarineNews showcases the ten best of North America’s 2018 workboat deliveries. Domestic shipyard production is robust, innovative and getting greener. And, that…
Metal Shark to Showcase New Products in New Orleans
Shipbuilder Metal Shark will be showcasing an array of new products and technology at this year’s International Workboat Show in New Orleans.Perhaps most notably, Metal Shark has selected this year’s Workboat Show to give the public it’s first look at the U.S. Navy’s newest patrol boat, the imposing “40 PB.”“In 2016, the Navy’s PBX Industry Day was one of most talked-about events of the Workboat Show,” said Stickles.
Metal Shark, BNT Join Forces
Metal Shark continues to build on its successful business platform, announcing that it has partnered with the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) to support the preservation of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, home to the second-largest coral barrier reef in the western hemisphere spanning 176 square miles in the Exumas region of the Bahamas.The partnership entails Metal Shark supporting the park’s full-time staff and volunteers by providing boats…
