Metal Shark building new patrol vessel for Guyana Defense Force

Louisiana-based boat builder Metal Shark has revealed it is building a welded-aluminum monohull patrol vessel 115 Defiant for the Guyana Defense Force (GDF).

As informed, the construction of the new multi-mission boat is currently underway at Metal Shark’s Franklin, Louisiana shipyard.

The 115 Defiant has been configured to meet the performance requirements of the GDF. Powered by twin 1,600 BHP CAT C32 diesel inboard engines turning conventional propellers through Twin Disc marine gears, the vessel is expected to deliver a cruise speed of 12 knots, and a top speed in excess of 20 knots. At cruise, the vessel boasts a 2,000 nautical mile range and ten days’ endurance.

For mothership operations, the 115 Defiant carries a 5.2-meter Metal Shark-built aluminum rigid inflatable boat (RIB) on the aft deck.

The vessel will carry a crew of 24 on extended missions at sea, and has been designed to accommodate a wide range of mission profiles including search and rescue, border patrol, police and customs duties, counter-narcotics operations, and securing waters of economic importance.

“Due to increasing maritime security concerns, we continue to see increased demand among military operators for larger patrol vessels capable of extended missions at sea,” said Metal Shark CEO Chris Allard.

“Considering the relatively few options available in this size range, we felt that clients in this market segment have been underserved. We are now giving operators an entirely new option with this next-generation platform.”

Once complete, the new vessel will join the eight other Metal Shark interdiction and patrol vessels currently in service with the GDF.