NOVEMBER 22, 2016 — Jeanerette, LA, based shipbuilder Metal Shark reports that an expansion project is now underway at its waterfront shipbuilding complex in Franklin, LA. To accommodate increased production needs, Metal
JULY 7, 2016—Two Gulf Coast shipyards have secured contracts to build 19 catamaran ferries that will operate in New York City’s new Citywide Ferry fleet, according to an executive at Hornblower Inc.
Based on Metal Shark’s Defiant-class monohull pilothouse design, the welded aluminum vessel is designed to support port security efforts and firefighting missions at the port district, located 20 miles south of New Orleans at the mouth of the Mississippi River.
For this application, Metal Shark equipped the vessel with twin Cat C-18 diesel engines mated to Hamilton water jets. The 55 Defiant is also available with straight shaft inboards or pods.
To meet the customer’s fire fighting requirements, Metal Shark employed twin Darley fire pumps driven by PTO from the main engines. Water is pumped to an oversized main where it is distributed via electronic valves to three radio frequency-controlled monitors – one on the bow, and two mounted on the roof of the vessel. In this configuration, the 55 Defiant delivers water flow of up to 10,000 gallons per minute. Two 5″ hydrant outlet locations, an additional 2.5″ hydrant outlet, and a 300-gallon foam reservoir provide maximum flexibility across the widest possible range of tactical firefighting scenarios.
Metal Shark’s use of “pillarless” pilothouse glass gives the vessel’s roomy wheelhouse substantially increased visibility compared to pilothouses of conventional design.
With belowdecks quarters offering enclosed head, galley, and bunking capacity for a crew of four, the 55 Defiant is equipped to stay on station for extended periods and to accommodate crews during lengthy patrols.
A state of the art, positive-pressure Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high-yield Explosive (CBRNE) ventilation system provides crew protection in disaster response situations.
“Metal Shark has worked closely with fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and the military to develop what we feel are the most advanced and crew friendly fire rescue patrol vessels available today,” says Metal Shark’s president Chris Allard. “It was an honor to be selected by the Plaquemines Port Harbor and Terminal District for this project and we are pleased to add them to the growing list of Metal Shark customers.”
A product of Metal Shark’s Franklin, LA, shipyard, the 55′ Defiant can be custom-configured to suit a wide range of mission profiles. Metal Shark offers the vessel with a wide range of power and propulsion systems to meet various performance requirements. Virtually every vessel feature can be adapted to suit the needs of individual customers and agencies.
In addition to port security and fire rescue, the 55 Defiant can be configured for dive support, law enforcement, defense, pilot operations, and numerous commercial markets.
Defiant-class vessels are available in a wide range of sizes for inshore, nearshore, and offshore patrol.
Established in 1986, Gravois Aluminum Boats LLC, and its government/commercial boat entity Metal Shark Boats are leading suppliers of custom boats for defense, law enforcement, and commercial entities.
Based on the shipbuilder’s Endurance-class catamaran design, the welded aluminum vessel incorporates sophisticated technology to support fire rescue missions, Command and Control (C2) operations, and around-the-clock port security efforts at the port, which stretches 54 miles along the Mississippi River.
Twin Cat C-18 diesel engines in a conventional straight-shaft inboard configuration propel the vessel’s catamaran hull to cruising speeds of 25 knots while giving it a nominal operating range of over 500 miles.
For firefighting, two dedicated drive engines channel up to 6,000 total gallons per minute through an oversized water main where electronic valves divert water to three radio frequency-controlled monitors. Four additional 2.5″ hydrant connections and a 400-gallon foam reservoir provide maximum flexibility across the spectrum of firefighting needs.
The spacious pilothouse provides 360-visibility and comfortable below decks quarters offer bunking capacity for six or more crew members, fully equipping the vessel to stay on station for extended periods.
A state of the art Command and Control suite facilitiates multi-agency coordination during emergency response events, with a positive-pressure Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high-yield Explosive (CBRNE) ventilation system protecting the crew in disaster response situations.
“Our 75 ft Endurance is the most advanced fireboat design on the market, incorporating crew friendly features and advanced systems throughout,” said Metal Shark president Chris Allard. “Metal Shark is honored to have been selected by PSLA to deliver this new vessel. We trust that this new Metal Shark will meet PSLA’s needs, help keep their port secure, and potentially save many lives for years to come.”
A product of Metal Shark’s Franklin, LA, shipyard, the 75 ft Endurance can be custom-configured to suit a wide range of mission profiles. Metal Shark offers the vessel with a wide range of power and propulsion systems, including conventional inboards, water jets and pods, to meet various performance requirements.
Virtually every vessel feature, from firefighting equipment and capacity, onboard systems, general arrangement, berth capacity, etc. can be adapted to suit the needs of individual customers and agencies. In addition to port security and fire rescue, the 75 ft Endurance can be configured for dive support, law enforcement, defense, and numerous commercial markets. Endurance-class vessels are available from 45 ft and up.
MAY 26, 2015 — Fond du Lac, WI, headquartered Mercury Marine, the world’s leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines, has entered an agreement with Metal Shark Aluminum Boats to power 16
MARCH 16, 2015 — Gravois Aluminum Boats LLC, doing business as Metal Shark Aluminum Boats, Jeanerette, LA, is being awarded a $15,309,410 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the construction of 7-meter rigid hull
DECEMBER 5, 2014 — Boat manufacturer Metal Shark has reached an agreement with Damen Shipyards to market Damen designs, which the company will construct at its Franklin, LA, shipyard. “We are proud
JUNE 5, 2014 — Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal yesterday presented Metal Shark Boats with the Governor’s Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence. The award is periodically awarded to businesses that grow and provide more
JANUARY 24, 2014—Metal Shark Aluminum Boats, Jeanerette, LA, plans to expand into shipbuilding, following the acquisition of a 25-acre waterfront property in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. Morgan City, the largest city in
NOVEMBER 22, 2013 — Silver Ships Inc., Theodore, Ala. (N00024-14-D-2205) and Gravois Aluminum Boats LLC, doing business as Metal Shark Aluminum Boats LLC, Jeanerette, La. (N00024-14-D-2207), are each being awarded separate firm-fixed-price,
