Louisiana shipbuilder Metal Shark has delivered six more new military patrol boats to the Vietnam coast guard. This new delivery follows an initial six-boat delivery of Metal Shark 45' Defiant-class patrol boats to the Vietnam coast guard in the province of Quang Nam in May 2017. No additional specifications were released by shipyard officials.
The new Metal Shark patrol boats were handed over during the inaugural visit of U.S. Coast Guard Vice Adm. Fred M. Midgette at a delivery ceremony on March 28 at a Vietnam coast guard station on Phu Quoc Island, the farthest southwestern territory of Vietnam.
The boats were part of a $20 million transfer of infrastructure and equipment by the U.S. to Vietnam. The delivery also included a training center, maintenance facility, boat lift, vehicles, and a navigation simulator.
In a joint announcement, the U.S. Embassy and Vietnam Consulate described the transfer as “another significant milestone in the bolstering partnership between the U.S. and Vietnam demonstrating U.S. support for a strong, prosperous, and independent Vietnam that contributes to international security and the rule of law.”
The new Metal Shark boats are designed to deter bad actors from committing crimes against or near Vietnam, where current challenges include smuggling, illicit trafficking, piracy and armed robbery on the high seas, illegal fishing, environmental degradation, and more.
“These vessels represent a significant capabilities boost for the military of Vietnam and they are symbolic of the strengthening ties between the United States and Vietnam,” Chris Allard, CEO of Metal Shark, said. “It’s an honor to contribute to this historic moment and we look forward to continuing our support of this growing relationship with future deliveries.”
Established in 1986, Gravois Aluminum Boats LLC, and its government/commercial boat entity Metal Shark are suppliers of custom boats for defense, law enforcement, and commercial entities.
