Cameroon coast guard vessels contract

US-based boatbuilder Metal Shark is to supply new coast guard vessels for Cameroon

The Louisiana company has been awarded two US Coast Guard Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contracts to produce patrol boats for the maritime forces of Cameroon, as well as the Republic of Georgia.

Each contract includes a Metal Shark 38 Defiant patrol boat, transport trailer, spare-parts package and operator training, with the vessels to be constructed at Metal Shark’s yard in Jeanerette, Louisiana.

“These awards mark Metal Shark’s entry into two new markets while delivering new capabilities that will modernise the maritime fleets of Cameroon and Georgia,” said Metal Shark’s senior vice president of international business development, Henry Irizarry.

The welded-aluminium 38 Defiant is a proven patrol vessel designed to support coastal patrol, maritime interdiction, port security, search and rescue and other security missions.

Initially proven in service with the US Navy and US Coast Guard, the boat now works across 70 countries in Africa and other locations in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

The vessel combines high-speed performance and responsive manoeuvrability with Metal Shark’s signature Defiant-series pilothouse, which provides enhanced visibility and all-weather crew protection, and can be configured with multiple propulsion systems.

Chris Allard, Metal Shark’s CEO, said the awards demonstrate growing international demand for capable, proven and supportable patrol platforms.

“Metal Shark is well positioned to meet that demand, and we remain focused on expanding our global reach, entering new markets, and delivering long-term value to the United States and its partner nations.”

The vessels and associated support packages will help Cameroon strengthen maritime law-enforcement capabilities, protect territorial waters and critical infrastructure, and respond more effectively to any evolving regional security challenges.