Metal Shark delivers coast guard patrol boats to Aruba

Four new high-speed patrol vessels manufactured by US-based Metal Shark Boats have been commissioned into service with the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG) on the island of Aruba.

The vessels were acquired by the Dutch Ministry of Defence to bolster its capabilities in the Caribbean.

Each patrol boat has an aluminium hull, a length of 11.58 metres, a forward-looking infra-red (FLIR) system, and composite armour panels that provide ballistic protection for the crew.

Twin Cummins Marine QSB6.7 diesel engines can propel each vessel to speeds in excess of 45 knots.