Commercial Mariner - Maritime Security

Seattle builder completes 52-boat order for US CBP

Baird Maritime

Seattle-based SAFE Boats International has delivered the final one of 52 coastal interceptor craft ordered by federal law enforcement agency US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The 41-foot (12.4-metre) vessels were delivered to the CBP beginning in 2016 in fulfilment of a US$48.4 million contract. Each has shock-mitigating seats for three crewmembers and is powered by four Mercury outboard engines that deliver a maximum speed of 58 knots and a range of 350 nautical miles or an endurance of 10 hours.

The boat is also equipped with a radar and electro-optical/infra-red sensors.

The new craft will be operated by the CBP's Air and Marine Operations (AMO) branch in San Diego, California, starting early this year.