A rendering provided by Silver Ships shows one of the High-Speed Maneuvering Surface Target Vessels that the company, based in Theodore, Ala., builds for the U.S. military.Mobile-area shipbuilder Silver Ships has been awarded the biggest contract in its history, a deal to build target boats that could be worth $48.25 million.
The latest contract has an initial value of $6.1 million. If all contract options are exercised, the new deal with the General Services Administration will lead to the construction of up to 246 High-Speed Maneuvering Surface Target vessels based on Silver Ships’ 27-foot AM800. According to information released by the company, the boats are set up to be handled by a one- or two-person crew but also can be operated remotely during live-fire training.
“During my Navy service, I greatly benefitted from being able to train with the Silver Ships’ HSMST vessels during pre-deployment live-fire events,” Lobree said. “Their durability and survivability are invaluable and really have made a big impact on fleet operational readiness over the years.”