Metal Shark Boats has secured a US Government contract to supply the Vietnamese Government with 13 patrol boats in a series, with additional vessels available under options.
The boats will be built at the company's production facility in Jeanerette, Louisiana. The vessels’ duties will include maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, coastal patrol, and interdiction.
Metal Shark said the design pairs all-weather crew protection with high-speed performance and enhanced manoeuvrability. The boats are intended to be durable and adaptable to different missions during sustained operations.
The company said the new vessels will use the same platform as boats already operating with the US military and the forces of partner nations. This shared platform is intended to simplify training, maintenance, logistics, and lifecycle support across the vessels.
“These vessels are based on a proven platform, with more than 500 units delivered to date, and will provide Vietnam with a trusted, operationally effective capability,” said Chris Allard, CEO of Metal Shark.
Allard said a common platform would, “enhance interoperability between US and Vietnamese maritime forces”, supporting future cooperation and joint operations.
Between 2017 and 2020, Metal Shark delivered 24 patrol boats for military use to the Vietnam Coast Guard. The first six boats were handed over in Quang Nam province in May 2017 as part of a US Foreign Military Sales transfer and another six boats were delivered in April 2018.
Baird Maritime's August 2019 review of Southeast Asian coast guards recorded 18 Metal Shark fast patrol boats among the Vietnam Coast Guard's vessels at that time.