Metal Shark wins contracts for patrol boats in Cameroon and Georgia

On 12 October 2026, Louisiana-based boatbuilder Metal Shark was awarded two U.S. Coast Guard Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contracts to produce patrol boats for the maritime forces of Cameroon and the Republic of Georgia. Each contract includes a Metal Shark 38 Defiant patrol boat, transport trailer, spare-parts package, and operator training. The vessels will be constructed at Metal Shark’s production facility in Jeanerette, Louisiana. (Professional Mariner, 2026-10-14)

Background and Specifications

The 38 Defiant patrol boat is a military and law-enforcement platform designed for enhanced operational readiness and mission effectiveness. Capable of supporting coastal patrol, maritime interdiction, port security, search and rescue, and other security missions, the vessel is now operated by U.S. partner nations across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. The platform is equipped with a Defiant-series pilothouse, providing all-weather crew protection and enhanced visibility, and can be configured with different propulsion arrangements and mission-specific equipment to meet a variety of operational requirements. (Professional Mariner, 2026-10-14; Marine News, 2026-10-12)

International Demand and Market Entry

Metal Shark’s senior vice president of international business development, Henry Irizarry, highlighted the significance of the contracts, stating, “These awards mark Metal Shark’s entry into two new markets while delivering new capabilities that will modernize the maritime fleets of Georgia and Cameroon.” Metal Shark has already supplied vessels to military forces in more than 70 U.S. partner nations and has delivered over 2,000 vessels over the past two decades. (Professional Mariner, 2026-10-14)

Strategic Importance of Maritime Security

According to Metal Shark’s CEO, Chris Allard, “At a time when maritime security is taking on greater strategic importance worldwide, these awards demonstrate the growing international demand for capable, proven, and supportable patrol platforms.” The new patrol boats are intended to bolster both countries' capacity for maritime law enforcement, protect territorial waters and critical infrastructure, and respond more effectively to evolving regional security challenges. (Professional Mariner, 2026-10-14)

Operational Benefits and Contract Details

Although specific contract values and delivery schedules were not disclosed, the vessels will be constructed at Metal Shark’s facility in Jeanerette, Louisiana. The 38 Defiant patrol boat is a welded-aluminum monohull with an enclosed pilothouse, measuring 11.6 meters in length, 3.48 meters in beam, and 0.76 meters in draught. Propulsion options include twin diesel engines driving waterjets or triple outboard motors. The configuration for the Cameroonian and Georgian boats has not been specified. (Baird Maritime, 2026-10-13)

What This Means for Operators

The introduction of Metal Shark patrol boats into Cameroon and Georgia will likely enhance the operational capabilities of the respective maritime forces, particularly in areas such as law enforcement, interdiction, and security. For operators, this means access to a proven and adaptable platform that can be configured to meet specific mission needs, thereby improving operational readiness and effectiveness. Furthermore, the contracts highlight the growing importance of maritime security in the context of evolving regional challenges and the strategic value of partnerships between the United States and its global allies. As Metal Shark continues to expand its international footprint, operators in other potential markets may also benefit from the company’s expertise and proven track record. (Professional Mariner, 2026-10-14)