US-based aluminum vessel builder Silver Ships Inc. has been awarded an additional contract from the US Navy for the construction and delivery of up to 110 naval special warfare (NSW) surface support craft (SSC) and US Coast Guard for the special purpose craft law enforcement (SPC-LE) vessels, in addition to other accessories, parts and training.
As disclosed, the deal includes options that, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $51.6 million. The latest $8.2 million delivery order came as a result of being awarded a firm-fixed-price indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) single contract awarded by the Naval Sea Systems Command.
The new project entails construction of five different vessel variants, all AMBAR series RHIBs. The winning designs are based closely on Silver Ships’ in-service SSCs and were developed by the company’s in-house and highly creative engineering design team, led by senior naval architect Clay Danielson. The craft will be built over the next five years.
The NSW SSCs are 8- and 11-meter aluminum deep-vee hulled boats with a protective collar. Variants of the SSC include both open center console and cabin versions. These craft are used from inland bays and waterways to deep water over-the-horizon transits, in all operating conditions and weather. The Navy SSC vessels will support the Naval Special Warfare community via ocean diver and swimmer support, medical transport, vessel towing and water airdrop training, among other missions.
The 11-meter craft has a multipurpose deck for carrying various payloads or mission gear. The 11-meter Coast Guard SPC-LE vessels are armed and will be operated in varying conditions along the length of the borders of the United States and the Caribbean. Typical SPC-LE missions involve intercepting suspicious vessels entering US waters; the boats will also be used for port security. In addition to the US Coast Guard, other agencies within the Department of Homeland Security will operate some of the boats.
“Silver Ships is excited to receive this U.S. Navy contract award to build additional NSW SSC and now the USCG SPC-LE,” said Shawn W. Lobree , Silver Ships Federal Contracts Manager. “We are very proud to help contribute to the readiness of our nation’s NSW and Coast Guard forces. Quality.”