The US Navy has awarded a contract to SAFE Boats International (SBI) to provide four additional MkVI patrol boats (MkVI PB).
The $34.5m firm-fixed-price agreement includes options for another two boats, which if exercised would bring the total value of the contract to $52.2m.
SBI president and CEO Dennis Morris said: "The MkVI patrol boat programme represents a new level of size and sophistication for the SAFE Boats product portfolio. Through the execution of this programme, we have increased our boat design and manufacturing capabilities and capacity."
Powered by twin diesel engines and water jets, the MkVI PB is capable of cruising at speeds in excess of 30k at full load, has ballistic protection and can be armed with a variety of crew-served and remotely operated weapons systems.
Designed for optimal performance, fuel economy and firepower, the 85ft-long boats will reduce total ownership cost (TOC) and manpower, while improving reliability and maintainability.
Operational commanders will deploy the vessels to patrol shallow littoral areas beyond sheltered harbours and bays, and less sheltered open water out to the departure sea area (DSA), for the protection of friendly and coalition forces and critical infrastructure.
Work under the contract will be carried out at Tacoma and Kent, Washington, Wichita, Kansas, Berwick, Louisiana, US, and at bases in New Zealand and Canada.
MkVI PB will complement the navy expeditionary combat command’s (NECC) fleet of combatant craft.
SBI received a contract in 2012 to supply six patrol boats to the navy, with the first scheduled to be delivered later this year.
Image: An illustration of MkVI patrol boat. Photo: ©2014 SAFE Boats International, LLC.
