Mobile-based Silver Ships has been awarded a Navy contract worth as much as $48.25 million, the company announced Wednesday.
The contract, the largest ever for Silver Ships, specifies the company will build and deliver as many as 246 High-Speed Maneuvering Surface Target custom vessels to the Navy.
“Silver Ships is honored to receive this contract,” said CEO Steven Clarke. “Our team is committed to building quality, custom-designed vessels to meet the Navy’s mission-specific requirements.”
The boats are AM800 target vessels and equipped with a specialized compartment for remote control systems and electronics. Each vessel can be operated by a one- or two-person crew. However, during live-fire simulations, they are remotely controlled.
The majority of the 246 HSMSTs ordered will have twin Suzuki 225HP outboards. The remaining boats included in the contract will be equipped with Mercury Diesel Spark Ignition outboards to meet Navy fueling requirements.
Shawn Lobree, a veteran of the Navy and also a project manager for Silver Ships, said he saw firsthand how useful the boats can be.
“During my Navy service, I greatly benefitted from being able to train with the Silver Ships’ HSMST vessels during pre-deployment live-fire events,” he said. “Their durability and survivability are invaluable and really have made a big impact on fleet operational readiness over the years.”
“It is really satisfying to me that I can continue to help our fleet enjoy the outstanding training benefits from these vessels, which are truly workhorses for the Navy.”
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
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