US Navy acquires coastal response boats for foreign military sales

Alabama boatbuilder Silver Ships has completed the construction and delivery of the first four coastal fast response boats (CFRB) under a contract award worth US$6.12 million from the US Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).

The vessels were designed and constructed as a part of the US Navy's Foreign Military Sale (FMS) program and will benefit and undisclosed NATO navy. Three other boats from the same series are still under construction will support a Central American naval operator upon delivery.

Each CFRB was inspected in Alabama and accepted by the US Navy.

The 46-foot (14-metre), deep-vee hull vessels are each powered by twin Caterpillar C7 500hp (372kW) inboard diesel engines and Hamilton HJX-29 waterjets. Silver Ships said the waterjets will enable the vessels to continuously operate in shallow and coastal areas where outboards would typically be ineffective.

The CFRBs will be used for coastal and harbour patrol and as law enforcement interceptor vessels.

The CFRB series can be tailored to specific mission needs, having been developed in response to the US Navy's workboat program requirements.