Silver Ships Lands Its Largest Contract

Silver Ships, Inc. of Theodore was recently awarded a $6.1-million firm-fixed-price contract by the U.S. Navy for the construction and delivery of up to 246 High-Speed Maneuvering Surface Target custom vessels. The contract includes options that, if exercised, would bring its cumulative value to $48.25 million. It entails the construction of Silver Ships’AM800 RHIB. The U.S. military has operated Silver Ships’ rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) throughout all its branches since 1994. The 27-ft custom-built AM800 target boats feature a 9-ft, 8-in. beam and include an air or foam collar. Each will be outfitted with a specialized compartment designed for installing remote control systems and electronics. Most of those ordered will be powered by twin Suzuki 225-HP outboard engines. The remaining boats included in the contract will be powered by Mercury Diesel Spark Ignition outboards to fulfill U.S. Navy fueling requirements. Delivery of the first boats is scheduled for March 2024.