Bremerton shipbuilder lands big Navy contract
May 26, 2012, 1:38 PM | Updated: 3:21 pm
The new 85-foot Mark VI Patrol Boat will expand the reach of U.S. Navy inshore craft. (SAFE Boats International)
(SAFE Boats International)
A $35 million Navy contract will keep a Bremerton boat builder busy for the next three years, according to DefenseNews.com.
SAFE Boats International has been asked to build five 85 foot long aluminum patrol boats. Because they will be too big to carry over land, the company is expanding to a shipyard in Tacoma.
The Mark VI will have a waterline length of 78 feet. It will be powered by twin diesels and water jets able to burn both marine grade diesel and JP-5 fuel.
The boat is expected to be able to hit speeds of 41 knots (nautical miles per hour). That’s almost 60 miles per hour.
The design calls for berthing and galley facilities to allow for extended missions, and a main cabin that can be reconfigured to accommodate remotely operated vehicles, a medical triage area, or more seating.
SAFE Boats expects to hire about 50 people to do the work.
The Navy eventually plans to buy 48 of the Mark VI Patrol Boats.
