Jeanerette, La.-based Metal Shark Aluminum Boats recently opened a new shipyard facility in Franklin, La. The new yard features over 60,000 sq. ft. of workspace, a newly constructed assembly building with overhead cranes, a large-capacity Marine Travelift and deepwater access to the Gulf of Mexico. The first boat to take shape at the new yard is a 75’x22' aluminum catamaran-hulled Metal Shark Endurance-class vessel built for a Louisiana port operator. The multiuse vessel has been designed to serve as a command and control center and will be fitted with a 5,000-gpm fire pump and multiple RF-controlled monitors. Metal Shark will also equip the vessel with a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive (CBRNE) protection system for crew safety and mission readiness in disaster response situations. In the near future, work will begin on a second 75' Endurance and two 55' versions of the company’s Defiant-class monohull pilot boats.
