Metal Shark heads for Central American waters

Louisiana-based shipbuilder Metal Shark has won a US federal contract that could be worth $54 million to build Near Coastal Patrol Vessels.

Under the contract, Metal Shark will build up to 13 85-foot aluminum cutters for the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Guatemala and other U.S. partner nations.

Metal Shark also will supply optical infrared sensors and diagnostic equipment, train crews and provide test support.

The cutter can tackle a wide range of missions, including search and rescue, border patrol, police and customs duties, counter-narcotics operations, and securing waters of economic importance.

Source: The Advocate