Commercial Mariner - Maritime Security

Ukraine to get US-built patrol boats

Baird Maritime

Bremerton, Washington-based Safe Boats International has been awarded a US$19.9 million contract for long-lead time material acquisition as well as pre-production and planning support for two new patrol boats for Ukraine.

The new vessels will be based on the Mark VI patrol boats currently operated by the US Navy. Each will have a maximum speed in excess of 30 knots and armament including remote-controlled 25-millimetre cannons and manually-operated 12.7-millimetre machine guns.

The boats will be used for patrols in littoral areas and force protection within sheltered harbours.