Silver Ships Wins $6.12 Mln Patrol Boats Contract

Alabama-based boatbuilder Silver Ships said it has been awarded a contract award worth $6.12 million from the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) to supply six Riverine Patrol Boats (RPB).

The Riverine Patrol Boat is a U. S. Navy Foreign Military Sale (FMS) that will benefit a Pacific region ally. The 40-foot vessels are a rugged, center console design and are powered by twin Yanmar 440-horsepower engines and waterjets. They are armed, armored and have been designed to carry 20 personnel, or a typical crew of six with 14 additional troops and cargo.

RPBs are designed to support military operations in inland waters and rivers as well as coastal areas. Typically, they are used to counter terrorism and lawlessness but can also be used for humanitarian assistance, medical evacuation, command and control, counter-drug, search and rescue, and other missions.

The builder said several partners were involved in supporting the project including Laborde Products, Inc., JDCI/Boatmaster and SKYDEX, among others.