Texas Parks and Wildlife Department orders new patrol boat

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has signed a contract for the construction of a 24.38- by 8.2-metre aluminium catamaran for operation in Texas State waters as well as out to nine nautical miles in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Teknicraft-designed hydrofoil-assisted vessel will have two Caterpillar C18 engines, Hamilton Jet HM521 waterjets, and the ability to launch and recover a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB).

The vessel will be used by TPWD’s Law Enforcement Division for conducting maritime border patrols and environmental protection missions.