The Royal Moroccan Navy has taken delivery of twelve Metal Shark boats from the United States for special operations, coastal police duties, port entrance monitoring, and coastal interception.
The delivery which was completed on 24 March, includes two 11-meter boats, valued at $970 000, and ten 52 Fearless Super Interceptor boats built by U.S.-based Metal Shark.
The vessels will help the Royal Moroccan Navy carry out coastal patrols and interdiction of criminal activities as part of the broader military partnership between Morocco and the United States.
Lieutenant Colonel Teremuura Shamel, Chief of the Security Cooperation Office at the US Embassy in Morocco, stated during the handover that the delivery is another “milestone in the strong security partnership between our two countries, focused on maintaining regional peace and stability,”
“Our two navies have a long history of working together to secure the high seas, and especially the short 13 kilometres of the Strait of Gibraltar, against crime, terrorism, drug smuggling and human trafficking. These issues do not respect international borders and require collaboration to combat them effectively.”
The innovative welded-aluminum “52 Fearless Super Interceptor,” is an offshore-capable, ultra-high-performance military patrol vessel delivering 70-knot top speeds.
Metal Shark developed the 52 Fearless Super Interceptor in response to growing demand among military operators for larger and faster interdiction craft with greater range and better sea keeping.
Customers from around the world have asked for a blue water-capable interdiction vessel with 60+ knot capabilities,” explained Henry Irizarry, Metal Shark’s Vice President of International Business Development.
The multi-mission craft reaches top speeds in the 70-knot range and can maintain a 50-knot cruise speed for over 12 hours.
“With the 52 Fearless Super Interceptor, we have exceeded that requirement by a significant margin, with a multi-mission high-performance vessel delivering unmatched speed, handling, and sea keeping while also leveraging over a decade of parent craft Fearless-class past performance.”
Powered by twin 1,650-horsepower MAN 12-cylinder diesel inboard engines mated to Arneson ASD14 surface drives via ZF transmissions, the Super Interceptor reaches top in the 70-knot range. The vessel’s flexible configuration allows for a maximum fuel capacity of 1,000 gallons, resulting in an incredible 12.5 hours endurance at 50 knots.
“In terms of speed, size, endurance, and sheer awe factor, this vessel represents a radical leap forward,” said Metal Shark CEO Chris Allard.
“The Fearless Super Interceptor will be made available for our customers in a range of styles and sizes to meet various operational requirements. We look forward to showcasing the superlative performance of this next-generation military patrol platform and providing additional details in the months ahead.”
