The Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard (GDF CG) welcomed the newest addition to its fleet. In 2022, it was announced that a 115 Defiant was under construction for the GDF. A new Metal Shark 115 Defiant Patrol Vessel was docked at Headquarters Coast Guard, where the onboard crew disembarked. Onboard the vessel were four (4) Officers and twelve (12) ranks from the GDF CG, accompanied by one (1) Officer, two (2) Ranks from the Regional Security System, and four Metal Shark Boats personnel. They were greeted by the Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, Colonel General Staff Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts, Branch Heads, Senior Officers, and other members of the Coast Guard. The National Security Advisor, Captain Gerald Gouveia was also present.
Construction is underway at Metal Shark’s Franklin, Louisiana shipyard on the new 115 Defiant, a robust multi-mission vessel designed in-house by Metal Shark’s engineering team and being acquired by the GDF via direct purchase. Once complete, the new vessel will join the eight other Metal Shark interdiction and patrol vessels currently in service with the GDF. The 115 Defiant Patrol Vessel was designed by Metal Shark’s in-house engineering team at the company’s Franklin, Louisiana, production facility. It now adds to the existing fleet of Metal Shark vessels currently serving in the Coast Guard. Following a period of training, the vessel will be handed over to the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard and commissioned into service to patrol their exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The imposing 115 Defiant has been designed to project power while offering unmatched performance, with a subtle reverse raked-bow offering reduced resistance for improved seakeeping in higher sea states. The vessel will carry a crew of 24 on extended missions at sea, and has been designed to accommodate a wide range of mission profiles including search and rescue, border patrol, police and customs duties, counter-narcotics operations, and securing waters of economic importance. For mothership operations, the 115 Defiant carries a 5.2-meter Metal Shark-built aluminum rigid inflatable boat (RIB) on the aft deck. For the GDF, the RIB will be launched and retrieved via a PS11000M-5m Palfinger Stiff Boom Marine Crane.
The 115 Defiant has been configured to meet the performance requirements of the GDF. Powered by twin 1,600 BHP CAT C32 diesel inboard engines turning conventional propellers through Twin Disc marine gears, the vessel is expected to deliver a cruise speed of 12 knots, and a top speed in excess of 20 knots. A range of propulsion choices are offered to accommodate the performance requirements of other clients. At cruise, the vessel boasts a 2,000 nautical mile range and ten days’ endurance. A range of propulsion choices are offered to accommodate the performance requirements of other clients. A beam of over 27’ (8.4 meters) assures ample stability while underway or at rest. All integrated tanks and machinery areas are accessible via watertight manholes or access hatches.
