U.S.-based shipbuilder Metal Shark has announced its expansion into the country of Peru, with a new patrol boat order now in production and a multiyear coproduction agreement recently established with the state-operated Peruvian shipyard Servicios Industriales de la Marina (SIMA-PERU SA).

The first round of Peruvian Navy maritime interdiction vessels are now being built by Metal Shark in the U.S. Under a co-production agreement with SIMA, Metal Shark plans to deliver multiple similar vessels to Peruvian interests through training and the transfer of designs, technological resources and production methodologies to SIMA.

Production of 45-ft. Defiant-class patrol boats for the Peruvian Navy recently commenced at Metal Shark’s Jeanerette, Louisiana, production facility. Designed in-house by Metal Shark, the 45 Defiant has been customized to suit the Peruvian Navy’s maritime interdiction mission requirements. Powered by twin inboard Cat Marine diesel engines coupled with Hamilton water jets, the vessel will reach speeds over 40 kt.