SAFE Boats to Build 4 More US Navy Mk VI Patrol Boats
SAFE Boats International (SBI) says it has been awarded a contract to provide the United States Navy four additional Mk VI Patrol Boats (Mk VI PB); with options for an additional two boats. The Mk VI PB is the Navy’s next generation Patrol Boat and will become a part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command’s (NECC) fleet of combatant craft.
SBI explains that according to the contract the Mk VI PBs mission is to provide operational commanders a capability to patrol shallow littoral areas beyond sheltered harbors and bays, and into less sheltered open water out to the Departure Sea Area (DSA) for the purpose of force protection of friendly and coalition forces and critical infrastructure.
The 85-foot Mk VI PB is designed for optimal performance, fuel economy, and firepower. Systems are designed to reduce Total Ownership Cost (TOC), minimize manpower and improve reliability and maintainability. Powered by twin diesel engines and water jets, the Mk VI PB is capable of speeds in excess 30 knots at full load and with a range in excess of 600 nautical miles.
“SAFE Boats is proud to have been awarded this new contract for additional Mk VI Patrol Boats for the US Navy. The Mk VI Patrol Boat program represents a new level of size and sophistication for the SAFE Boats product portfolio; through the execution of this program, we have increased our boat design and manufacturing capabilities and capacity. We look forward to the future of the Mk VI Patrol Boat program and other similar large craft programs” said Dennis Morris, President and CEO, SAFE Boats International.
SBI was awarded the initial contract for six Mk VI Patrol Boats in May 2012 and will be contractually delivering the first boat to the Navy later this Fiscal Year.
The builders are producing the Mk VI Patrol Boats in its Large Craft Production Facility (LCPF) located in the Port of Tacoma, Washington. Originally developed to build ships for the US Navy during WWII, the size and configuration of the facility allows several Mk VI PB size craft to be under construction simultaneously.
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