Louisiana-based aluminum boat manufacturer Metal Shark Aluminum Boats LLC has been awarded a contract to produce up to 350 specialized vessels for the United States Navy.
The fixed-price contract is for the construction of the Navy’s High Speed Maneuverable Surface Target (HSMST) vessels. Based on Metal Shark’s high performance 26-foot Relentless center console model, the twin engine, welded aluminum HSMSTs will be utilized by the Navy primarily for advanced weapons system testing and fleet training exercises.
“Metal Shark works diligently to exceed customer expectations and meet stringent mission requirements by providing advanced yet cost-competitive solutions, “ said Chris Allard, President of Metal Shark. “Large contracts such as this help us to increase our efficiencies, creating a trickle-down effect that positively impacts our ability to accommodate our state, local, and commercial customers as well.”
The Navy has issued an immediate production order for nearly $14 million worth of Metal Shark HSMSTs, with nearly three times that amount expected to follow by the contract’s conclusion in 2016.
About Metal Shark
Established in 1986, Gravois Aluminum Boats LLC, and its government/commercial boat entity Metal Shark Aluminum Boats LLC, are leading suppliers of welded aluminum boats for military, law enforcement, and commercial entities worldwide.