Silver Ships In The News
Op-Ed: Why America’s small and medium yards need nurturing
Steven Clarke, CEO and co-owner of Silver Ships, Inc. – an Alabama-based mid-sized boat builder – discusses how the recent award of the largest federal contract in his company’s history reemphasizes the need for industry support and protection of small and medium-sized boat builders.
Silver Ships signs biggest contract in its history
Silver Ships, Theodore, Ala., has been awarded a $6 million contract to build up and deliver up to 246 high-speed maneuvering surface target (HSMST) custom vessels for the Navy. The contract is the largest and most lucrative in Silver Ships’ history.
Silver Ships delivers six riverine patrol boats to Navy
Silver Ships has completed the construction of six riverine patrol boats (RPB) under a contract award worth $6.12 million from the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). The vessels were designed and constructed as a part of the U.S. Navy Foreign Military Sale (FMS) program.
Silver Ships Delivers First Vessel Under NSW SSC Contract
Silver Ships recently completed the first deliveries under the Naval Sea Systems Command of seven 11-meter Open Center Console (OCC) vessels and two 8-meter Open Center Console (OCC) vessels, under the Naval Special Warfare Surface Support Craft Contract.
In 2023, more than 40 vessels were either delivered or in production for law enforcement and emergency services for municipalities, military, local fire districts, counties and state agencies. Silver Ships custom-built patrol boats for surveying and research missions, first-responder workboats, landing crafts, search and rescue boats and counter-terrorism, search and rescue, training and command and control.
Silver Ships Awarded Navy Contract and Largest Contract Order To Date With a Cumulative Value of $48.25 Million
In June 2023, Silver Ships was awarded a $6.1 million dollar firm-fixed-price General Services Administration (GSA) contract for the construction and delivery of up to 246 High-Speed Maneuvering Surface Target (HSMST) custom vessels. The contract includes options that, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $48.25 million dollars. This is Silver Ships’ largest contract order to date.
This contract entails the construction of Silver Ships’ AM800 RHIB. Since 1994, the U.S. military has operated Silver Ships Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) throughout all branches. Silver Ships has built and delivered more than 800 RHIBs to the U.S. military, many used by the U.S. Navy to support ship, aviation training and operational needs.
The 27-foot custom-built AM800 target boats feature a 9-foot 8-inch beam and include an air or foam collar depending on the boat variant. Each AM800 will be outfitted with a specialized compartment designed for installing remote control systems and electronics. These target boats are fully operational and built to the Navy’s specifications and payload requirements depending on the boat’s specific mission. Vessels can be operated by a one or two-person crew for training purposes but are remotely operated during live-fire training.
Silver Ships Completed Six Riverine Patrol Boats for the U.S. Navy
The six custom-designed riverine patrol boats are uniquely engineered to successfully operate in shallow and hazardous waters. The rugged, 40-foot center-console patrol boats are powered by twin Yanmar 440 HP engines and Hamilton waterjets. Traveling at more than 30 knots, the boats reach necessary speeds with limited operating noise to remain stealthy.
The boats are armed and armored and have been designed to carry 20 personnel, or a typical crew of six with 14 additional troops and cargo. Riverine patrol boats are used for foreign and joint force operations on river, coastal and open ocean patrol and interdiction duties. Typically, they are used for counter-terrorism and lawlessness but can also be used for humanitarian assistance, medical evacuation, command and control, counter-drug, search and rescue and many other missions.
Jason Powers Promoted to Chief Operating Officer
As COO, Powers directs daily production operations alongside the executive team and reports directly to CEO, Steven Clarke. His responsibilities include organizational leadership, process optimization, cost management, performance management and continuous improvement.
Previously, Powers held the role of Director of Business Development and has been a valued and dedicated member of the Silver Ships team for more than 25 years.
“We have always believed in recognizing and rewarding the hard work and dedication of our team members. Jason’s promotion is a testament to his outstanding contributions to building this company over his 25-year career with us. I’m confident that under his direction, our operations will continue to increase throughput while maintaining quality,” said Steven Clarke, Silver Ships Chief Executive Officer.
