Metal Shark wins U.S. Navy patrol boat contract

Jeanerette, La.-based shipbuilder Metal Shark has been awarded the contract to produce the U.S. Navy's next-generation patrol boat, the PB(X). Subject to annual appropriations, the Navy intends to replace 100 to 160 of its existing 25- and 34-ft. CRF patrol boats with the larger and more modern PB(X) platform over the next 15 years.

The winning PB(X) design is a 40-ft., welded aluminum pilothouse patrol boat designed by Metal Shark’s in-house engineering team.

The Navy has placed an initial, immediate order for 11 of the new vessels. Under the terms of the award, potentially worth more than $90 million, Metal Shark will build up to 50 vessels for the Navy, along with trailers, spares and training packages, and technical support.