Louisiana-based shipbuilder Metal Shark announced Friday, September 6 that the company has expanded to Peru.
In a press release, the company says that they have recently entered into a multiyear, co-production agreement to manufacture new patrol boats with the state-operated Peruvian shipyard Servicios Industriales de la Marina.
"This agreement represents a cooperative commitment by Metal Shark and SIMA, Peru's national shipyard, to dramatically expand Metal Shark's influence in Peru," said Metal Shark CEO Chris Allard. "This strategic move will further bolster Metal Shark's presence in Latin America while allowing Peruvian military and commercial operators expedited access to Metal Shark's engineering and technological resources, as well as our extensive portfolio of proven vessel designs."
Production on the new Peruvian Navy patrol boats, customized from Metal Shark's standardized 45 Defiant patrol craft platform, recently began at the company's Jeanerette facility.
Through their agreement, Metal Shark says they plan to deliver multiple vessels to Peruvian interests through training and the transfer of designs, technological resources, and production methodologies to SIMA.
"Metal Shark is proud to add the Peruvian Navy to our growing list of international customers, which now totals over 50 military and commercial operators worldwide," said Henry Irizarry, Metal Shark's vice president of international business development. "This partnership with SIMA reflects Metal Shark's commitment to solidify its status as a leading vessel designer, builder, and innovator across the Americas and around the world."
