Alabama builder to supply RIBs to US Navy, Coast Guard under US$8.2 million order

Alabama-based workboat builder Silver Ships was recently awarded a US$8.2 million delivery order as a result of being awarded a firm-fixed-price indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) single award contract by the US Naval Sea Systems Command for the construction and delivery of up to 110 Naval Special Warfare (NSW) surface support craft (SSC) in eight-metre and 11-metre variants and 11-metre US Coast Guard Special Purpose Craft, Law Enforcement (SPC-LE) vessels.

The contract also covers the provision of other accessories, parts, and training. The contract includes options that, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to US$51.6 million.

The new project entails construction of five different vessel variants, all of which are rigid inflatable boats (RIBs). The craft will be built over the next five years.

The NSW SSCs will be operated in inland and deeper waters and will provide ocean diver and swimmer support, medical transport, vessel towing, and water airdrop training among other missions.

The SPC-LEs will meanwhile be used for interceptions and port security. In addition to the coast guard, other agencies within the Department of Homeland Security will operate some of the boats.