Alabama-based boatbuilder Silver Ships has been awarded two US Coast Guard foreign military sales (FMS) projects for the supply of eight boats to El Salvador and the Philippines.
The initial orders, for four boats per country, are worth a combined US$4.33 million. The company estimates the total value at about US$12.2 million over five years, as the El Salvador award is a blanket purchase agreement valued at up to US$10.54 million for a maximum of 16 boats.
The first delivery order under the El Salvador BPA is worth $2.66 million and covers four 36-foot (11-metre) centre console rigid inflatable boats and accessories.
The boats for El Salvador will be configured for counter-drug trafficking operations, coastal and intracoastal patrols, and search and rescue. Equipment will include lockers, a weapons mount, a navigation package from Furuno, shock-mitigating seating, and a trailer.
The US$1.66 million Philippines project covers four 27-foot (8.2-metre) boats that will carry equipment and personnel to ships that are visiting and require maintenance assistance. They will be fitted with Suzuki outboards and Raymarine Axiom2 Pro navigation suites.
The first deliveries for both projects are scheduled for late 2027.
Shawn Lobree, Silver Ships’ Director of Federal Programs, said these would be the first coast guard boats the company has built to support foreign militaries serving in coast guard roles.
The US Coast Guard's FMS programme is managed by its Office of International Acquisition and operates on a government-to-government basis.