MetalCraft Marine awarded US$43m Navy contract

US boatbuilder, MetalCraft Marine, is set to sign a US$43.8m contract to support the U.S. Navy. 

The contract is understood to be for 45 8-metre Interceptor model patrol boats and 20 12-metre Interceptors. The new boats will be stationed at U.S. military bases around the world.

The announcement came from congresswoman Elise Stefanik on 10 March.

“I am proud that MetalCraft Marine’s hard work has been recognised by this contract award, and now they will continue their important work to support our U.S. Navy,” says Stefanik. 

“I have visited and worked with MetalCraft Marine since my first term in Congress and am committed to supporting our North Country manufacturers.” 

A MetalCraft Marine Interceptor patrol boat owned by the U.S. Coast Guard. Photo courtesy of MetalCraft Marine

The contract will be used to make Force Protection Small & Large (FPS & FPL) boats that will be stationed at U.S. Naval bases around the world.

Bob Clark, MetalCraft’s contracts manager, said it was the shipyard’s “biggest week ever.”

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, says the new contract will create new jobs in Jefferson County.

“MetalCraft Marine and its workforce have proven time and time again that they can provide superior products to the federal government, so it’s no surprise that the Navy picked them for this important work,” says Schumer. “This contract will not only help protect our troops across the globe, but it will also boost the North Country’s economy. As MetalCraft plans to add jobs locally to support this new demand, I will continue to work with them to help secure future agreements like these.”

Work associated with the first delivery order will be performed in Watertown, New York and is expected to be completed by August 2023.