USA: Kvichak Marine Industries has delivered the 30th transportable port security boat (TPSB) in a contract with the US Coast Guard (USCG).
Last year, Kvichak was awarded a five-year contract by the USCG for the construction of up to 80 each TPSBs. The vessels are intended to replace the Coast Guard's current aging fleet of smaller, outboard-powered fiberglass boats. Kvichak is currently constructing an additional 20 vessels with delivery required by July 2012.
The all-aluminum vessels measure ten metres in length overall with a beam of 2.6 metres. The They can manoeuvre in as little as 60 centimetres of water and can operate safely in 2.5-metre seas and up to 30 knots of wind. Powered by twin Yanmar 235kW diesel engines with Bravo 1-XR outdrives, the vessels have a top speed that exceeds 45 knots, with capacity for 568 litres of fuel.
The TPSB can perform security, maritime law enforcement and search-and-rescue operations in coast areas worldwide. The vessels are operated by a crew of four and include shock-mitigating seats to minimise crew fatigue on extended missions. Ballistic armour protection and up to four mounted weapons provide increased mission capability and crew safety during tactical operations.
