MORGAN CITY, LA - Swiftships Shipbuilders LLC announced today that the Honorable Tom Ridge, the first U.S. Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and former governor of Pennsylvania has joined its Board of Advisors. Ridge currently serves as president and chief executive officer of Ridge Global, an international security and risk management firm headquartered in Washington, DC.
“We are very excited and honored that Tom Ridge has joined our team and we cannot think of anyone who is better suited to help guide Swiftships in its mission to provide the finest patrol boats available in the market,” said Lutfi Hassan, chairman of Apex Group of Companies, the parent company of Swiftships. “Secretary Ridge has decades of valuable business and security experience and his leadership will better prepare Swiftships to address the increasing needs of its clients.”
“I am delighted to work with Swiftships,” said Ridge. “We must always navigate maritime complexities and threats with the best vessels we can provide to those who work to protect and defend our global waterways. I look forward to helping Swiftships in that effort.”
A former Vietnam veteran and Member of Congress, Ridge served as governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from 1995-2001. After the tragedy of September 11, 2001, he served as the first White House Advisor on Homeland Security and, later, as the nation’s first secretary of Homeland Security.
As Ridge Global’s chief executive, Secretary Ridge leads a team of international experts that offers expertise across a scope of core functional business concerns, including risk management, global trade security, emergency preparedness and response, infrastructure protection, technology integration, strategic planning and crisis management.
About Swiftships Shipbuilders
Swiftships Shipbuilder LLC, a prime member company of Apex Group Companies, is a leading designer and builder of mid-sized vessels in the world. Known for workmanship of the highest quality shipping vessels from Swiftships play a vital role in military and commercial applications. For more than six decades Swiftships has provided its customers with world-class products, consistently exceeding all quality and satisfaction requirements. For more information, please visit swiftships.com.
MORGAN CITY, La. -- Through a partnership with the U.S. Navy and U.S. industry designed to help bolster Iraq's maritime security, 50 Iraqi Sailors graduated from patrol boat training during a ceremony July 15 at the Swiftships Shipbuilding facility in Morgan City, La.
The training was held to support the Iraq government as it prepares to take possession of the first of 15 35-meter patrol boats (PBs).
"During the last 90 days we challenged you with a lot of information and expectation. You learned a great deal - core fundamentals, boat systems, navigation, integrated watch standing, seamanship and damage control," said Capt. Ed "Junior" Turner, commanding officer, Naval Education and Training Security Assistance Field Activity (NETSAFA), during his remarks at the ceremony. "While the primary goal of the course was to teach you how to drive, maintain and deploy your newly purchased and constructed patrol boats, it's important to remember that taking ownership and operating these boats will truly be the key to enhancing your country's maritime security."
The sailors arrived for training in mid-April 2010 to learn how to use their newly purchased 35-meter PBs. During their training, they lived at Swiftships' temporarily constructed training village, adjacent to the shipyard.
Prior to graduating, the students completed a 90-day blended training program, which consisted of instructor-led classroom training, integrated scenario-based simulator training and underway familiarization aboard a 35-meter PB.
"A special thank you goes out to the interpreters who helped to alleviate any language barriers," said Turner.
Interpreters helped facilitate the training by interpreting nuances of the processes and procedures from the instructors. Three simulators and two trainers re-enforced the classroom instruction through hands-on experience and provided the crew with basic ship-handling skills.
"The Iraqi Sailors receive the same type of training that a U.S. Navy Sailor would receive, including the nuts and bolts of how to maintain and operate a 35-meter boat," said Chris Meyers, an instructor. "When they arrived, they had never seen or been on the boat. By the time they leave, the aim is for them to go back to Iraq, take over the boat and go into full operations."
The full-mission bridge, engine room control and 50-millimeter gun fire control simulators replicate the PB shipboard systems, while the firefighting and small arms trainers teach the sailors basic shipboard skill requirements.
The integrated training incorporates multiple simulators to provide realistic underway scenarios and helps to further develop the crew's proficiency aboard the boat.
"The patrol boat was built in consideration of the type of waterways, oil platforms and close in support and security requirements of the Iraqi forces," said Turner. "It's the ideal size to support the river security and big enough to go out and provide protection for their oil platforms and terminals in the Persian Gulf."
The capstone event was the underway familiarization portion of the training, which consisted of 32-hours of at-sea shipboard evolutions. The underway period built on the knowledge and skills gained by the students in the classroom and simulators. It focused on the ship's operations, damage control and ridged hull inflatable boat operations.
Turner also emphasized how the training supports the evolving state of continual maritime readiness across the globe by the U.S. Navy and its international partners.
"The training is a greater part of Iraq transitioning from U.S. government control to Iraqi government control," Turner said. "The desired effect of the training is to support the building of Iraq's maritime capability, its capacity as a U.S. partner to help support the Maritime Strategy and to foster partnerships and relationships well into the 21st century."
The course wasn't taught entirely at the training village. Students were also given the opportunity to learn more about the United States and the American way of life by taking field trips to Houston, New Orleans museums and local restaurants, sport venues, malls and cultural spots.
The 35-meter PB training program was developed, in coordination with NETSAFA, Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Naval Sea Systems Command and Swiftships Shipbuilding.
"The boat is very nice. I've never served on such a new and modern boat," said a senior Iraqi Navy official. "The training we are receiving from the U.S. Navy will make us a better navy. Having the patrol boats will help to create stronger partnerships with our neighbors in the region."
Turner reminded the audience of the importance of partnerships in maintaining security.
"Your decision to serve in a military capacity carries with it awesome responsibility - protection of your flag and defense of your country, something brothers in arms all understand," said Turner. "With that said, as the hand-selected chosen few to be the first class to graduate from this course, comes the yoke of shouldering the added responsibility of being on the forefront of Iraq's emerging modern and professional navy. It was our goal that you will be able to apply some of these principles as you advance throughout your careers and help Iraq's navy continue to grow. You are integral to a continued and valued partnership you share with our Navy and our country."
The next class of 50 sailors is expected to start training in August 2010.
The
The sailors arrived for training in mid-April and are being trained to operate, maintain and deploy their newly purchased 15 man PB’s. During their training they live at Swiftships’ training village, adjacent to the shipyard.
Prior to graduating, the students will complete a 90-day blended training program which consists of instructor-led classroom training, integrated scenario-based simulator training, and underway familiarization aboard a 35-meter PB.
“We didn’t come up with a blended solution by accident. The Navy has been studying blended training for several years. We used to teach using a lot of PowerPoint presentations and reading. I call it knowledge by absorption,” said Rear Adm. Jeffery "Scott" Jones, director of the Coalition Naval Advisory Transition Team Mission. “We discovered it isn’t the most effective way to train. Today we use a balanced blend of classroom, simulator and hands-on training.”
Classroom instruction includes core fundamentals, boat systems, navigation, and integrated watch standing. Interpreters help to alleviate any language barriers. Three simulator and two trainers re-enforce the classroom instruction through hands-on experience and provide the crew with basic ship-handling skills.
“The Iraqi sailors receive the identical type of training that a U.S. Navy Sailor would receive, including the nuts and bolts of how to maintain and operate a 35-meter boat,” said instructor Chris Meyers. “When they arrived, they had never seen or been on the boat. By the time they leave, the aim is for them to go back to
The full mission bridge, engine room control, and 50 millimeter gun fire control simulators replicate the PB shipboard systems, while the firefighting and small arms trainers teach the sailors basic shipboard skill requirements.
The integrated training incorporates multiple simulators to provide realistic underway scenarios and helps to further develop the crew's proficiency aboard the boat.
“The patrol boat was built in consideration of the type of waterways, the oil platforms and close in support and security requirements of the Iraqi forces,” said Capt Ed “Junior” Turner, commanding officer, Naval Education and Training Security Assistance Field Activity (NETSAFA). “It’s the right size to support the river security and big enough to go out and provide protection for their oil platforms in the
The capstone event is the underway familiarization portion of the training, which consists of 32-hours of at-sea shipboard evolutions. The underway period is intended to build on the knowledge and skills gained in the classroom and simulators. It focuses on the ship's operations, damage control, and ridged hull inflatable boat operations.
The first boat team is scheduled to get underway June 25.
A review of the curriculum led by Jones concluded June 17. He met with staff members from NETSAFA, the Iraqi Security Assistance Mission (ISAM), Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD), Navy International Program Office (NIPO), Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Swiftships Shipbuilding, and Iraqi navy senior officers.
They evaluated the mid-term of the first training class including the curriculum and how it supports the core training required to operate and employ the new boats.
“The Iraqi sailors are very professional. Some have maritime experience, either commercial or in the Iraqi navy, while some are new to being sailors but have the aptitude to be good enough to come over with the first group of top-notch sailors,” said Turner. “They are professional, motivated and learn very quickly.”
The training also supports the evolving state of continual maritime readiness across the globe by the U.S. Navy and its international partners, meeting Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Gary Roughead’s goal of the Navy cooperating effectively with navies around the world.
“Our partnership with the Iraqi navy is critical,” said Jones. “They are a vita part of their national security. We’re training them to protect their economy, which is dependent on their waterways.
“The Maritime Strategy piece of building cooperative partners isn’t just in
According to Turner, training enables the successful execution of the Maritime Strategy.
“The training is a part of
The course isn’t taught entirely at the training village. Aside from the classroom, simulator training, and underway familiarization, the students are given the opportunity to learn more about the
“We have what is known as the field studies program. Our goal is to not only provide the best professional maritime training in the world, but we also want to expose them to our culture,” said Turner. “It provides an appreciation for their culture and ours”
The 35-meter PB training program was developed, in coordination with Naval Education and Training Security Assistance Field Activity, Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Naval Sea Systems Command, and Swiftships Shipbuilding.
“The boat is very nice. I’ve never served on such a new and modern boat,” said a senior Iraqi Navy official. “The training we are receiving from the U.S. Navy will make us a better navy. Having the patrol boats will help to create stronger partnerships with our neighbors in the region.”
For media interested in attending the July 16 graduation, contact Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs Office.
Steve Vanderwerff (850) 452-9110
Cmdr. Dan Gage (850) 452-5845
Joy Samsel (850) 452-4861
For information on Naval Education and Training Security Assistance Field Activity (NETSAFA) visit, https://www.netsafa.navy.mil/ .
-USN-
Story by Steve Vanderwerff, Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs
This is from http://troopscoop.posterous.com/
BAGHDAD - The first of 15 patrol boats for the Iraqi Navy were delivered in Morgan City, La., May 20. The 35-meter P-301, built by Swiftships in Morgan City, will join a naval squadron of 55 vessels. Currently, the Iraqi Navy has 2 marine bns and 4 large patrol ships that guard Iraq's territorial waters, protecting critical oil infrastructure and commercial traffic areas.
The first patrol boat crews are training in Morgan City, using a mixture of classroom, practical simulator training, and hands-on exercises to learn how to operate their equipment. The additional boats are planned to begin arriving in Iraq, with the first 50 students scheduled to graduate in July.
In addition to the patrol boat training, the class and 5 more like it are scheduled to take place over the next year. Students will learn to work on 1 of 2 large offshore support vessels, known as OSVs that are projected to arrive Sept. 2011. The OSVs allow the Iraqi Navy to provide its ships with assistance such as rescue services, offshore towing, maintenance/repair support, and safety and environmental services.
"We have an ambitious but achievable plan to facilitate modern training technology,and advanced training simulators", said Royal Navy Lt. Cdr. Paul Morris, the Training Officer at Iraq's southern port city of Umm Qasr. "The Iraqi Navy is keen to embrace modern training technology, from the new patrol boat simulators to school house equipment, such as smart boards and language labs," Morris said.
This initiative is one part of the overarching work being done to train and equip the 660,000 members of the ISF dedicated to the stability and sovereignty of Iraq.
SWIFTSHIPS DELIVERS FIRST IRAQI SWIFTBOAT
Our leading builder of fast patrol boats, Swiftships, has delivered the first of the fifteen 35-meter, 35-knot, $20-million, patrol boats that it is building for Iraq. Read their announcement here.
On May 15, 2010, after successfully completing acceptance trials, P-301, the first 35-meter patrol boat built for the Iraqi Navy was provisionally delivered to the U.S. Navy at Swiftships in Morgan City, La.
Swiftships is under contract with the U.S. Navy build up to 15 35-meter patrol boats for the government of Iraq in an effort to reconstitute the country’s maritime security capability.The patrol boat will now be stationed at Swiftships’ Training Village, adjacent to the shipyard, where it will remain until the first group of Iraqi sailors completes training in July 2010. The patrol boat, along with the second boat, will then be shipped to Iraq.
Swiftships’ President, Calvin Leleux, and Chief Executive Officer, Lutfi Hassan, thanked the U.S. Navy and shipbuilder team for all of their efforts to make this historic program successful.“Swiftships is honored to have been selected to rebuild the Iraqi Navy,” said Leleux. “May the rest of the 15 Iraqi Patrol Boats be delivered as fast and may this be only the beginning of our long term relationship with Iraq.”
Lutfi Hassan added that “Swiftships is proud that in a small way we are part of the effort that will allow U.S. naval forces to turn security over to the Iraqi Navy and to bring our troops home.”
The construction program, managed by the Navy’s Program Executive Office,Ships (PEO Ships) represents a commitment for continued cooperation between the U.S. and Iraqi governments.

Pictured from left to right (foreground): Mr. Jawaid Ahmad, LTCD Walla, Commander FahdilAbood, Mr. Haider Rizvi, Commander Thamer, Mr. Mohamed Kazilbash, Mr. Lutfi Hassan, Mr. Calvin Leleux, Commodore Munir Saddam, Commodore Abid Ali Abdulhussein, Mrs. Ina Jolicoeur, Captain Abdul Sattar, Captain Faraj, LTCDMaitham.
Pictured in the background from left to right:Mr. Eric Geibel, Lt. Anthony Holmes, Mr. Jeffery Leleux, Mr. Matt Cruser, Mr. David Freeman and Captain Jeff Perin USN Ret.

The first Iraqi boat on sea trials

Swiftships’ Training Village adjacent to the shipyard in Morgan City, Louisiana

Calvin Leleux presents the first Iraqi Patrol Boat to the US Navy representative, Mrs. Ina Jolicoeur of the Supervisor of Shipbuilding (SUPSHIP) Gulf Coast office

Lutfi Hassan, CEO of Swiftships, thanked the U.S. Navy and contractor team for the outstanding efforts that have led to this historic moment. Iraqi Commodores, Munir Saddamand Abid Ali Abdulhussein, witness the delivery of the first Iraqi Patrol Boat
The Daily Review-Morgan City, LA 4.8.10
Dozens of Iraqi naval sailors will arrive in St. Mary Parish this month to learn to operate Louisiana-built boats intended to defend oil platforms in the Persian Gulf. Swiftships Shipbuilders of Morgan City has been awarded a $180 million contract to build nine patrol boats to guard two crucial oil platform terminals.
The company also is getting a $23 million contract to train the sailors. Military officials said U.S. ships currently are guarding the sites. But under current plans, all U.S. troops are to leave Iraq by 2011.
Swiftships proudly announces that the first Iraqi Swift Boat PB 301 made her first machinery runs today. This new Swift Boat achieved an average speed of approximately 34+ Knots at 84% installed power. PB 301 exceeded the contract speed requirement of 30 Knots on her first run.
Onboard was Swiftships’ team lead by Calvin Leleux (President Swiftships). All onboard agreed that this was an amazing first trial. Lutfi Hassan, the CEO, stated that he is proud of the teamwork by the US Navy and Swiftships’ team that is responsible for this accomplishment today. All of our personnel and sub-contractors should be proud of this significant milestone. A New Swift Boat is born today!

Commander Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Official Visit to Swiftships Monday 15 March 2010
Swiftships Shipbuilders, LLC had the great honor to host a visit by the Commander Naval Sea Systems Command, Vice Admiral Kevin McCoy. Vice Admiral McCoy was briefed on the progress of both the Iraqi and Egyptian projects currently underway at the shipyard and additional contract with awards in progress or from other contracting agencies. The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) oversees all naval shipbuilding programs in the U.S. and is the Navy’s main engineering and support organization for surface and submarine vessels.
“This is the highest ranking Navy official we’ve ever had visit us here in Morgan City Louisiana,” said Calvin Leleux, President of Swiftships, who has been with the company for over 40 years.
In September, Swiftships was awarded a NAVSEA FMS case contract to rebuild the Iraqi Navy by constructing 35 meter patrol boats. Currently the contract includes 9 patrol boats, with 6 more be awarded later. The contract will also include spare parts and special tooling.
In addition to the new construction program, Swiftships was awarded a contract to train Iraqi sailors to operate and maintain the boats. The training is set to begin in April with 50 Iraqi students, the first of several groups of trainees to be trained in Swiftships’ on-site training village in Morgan City.
“The work you are doing here is very important to our country,” said Vice Admiral McCoy discussing the Iraqi patrol boat program.
Eight-five percent of the country’s oil, its biggest export, flows through one platform in the Persian Gulf. Currently, the US Navy maintains a presence there to protect these vitally important Iraqi national assets. Once the Iraqi Navy has the Swiftships’ patrol boats on station with trained crews, the Iraqis will have the tools to protect the Iraqi oil platforms themselves.
As the Vice Admiral toured the shipyard he walked the 28 meter Egyptian Coastal Patrol Craft. These first two craft are part of the ongoing Egyptian Co-Production Program. The Vice Admiral also viewed the six Iraqi patrol boats under construction and made a detailed walk through Swiftships’ Hull 601 the first of these patrol boats. The Vice Admiral also met with the Iraqi engineers and Egyptian shipyard workers that are on-site. The Vice Admiral was impressed with the level of quality shown by Swiftships.
The Vice Admiral also toured the “training village” being constructed under a Naval Air Systems Command, (NAVAIR) contract to support the Iraqi trainees.
“One thing I’m taking away from this visit is how well Swiftships is treating their foreign guests,” Vice Admiral McCoy said on Monday.
As scheduled, Monday, 15 March 2010, Swiftships’ Hull 601, the first Iraqi patrol boat in construction started its main engines for the first time. As all shipbuilders know this is a major milestone in the birth of a new combatant boat.
Also present from the Navy for this high level visit were:
Mr. Arthur Divans, PEO Ships, Naval Sea Systems Command
Mr. Mike Barton, Iraq Case Manager, Naval Sea Systems Command, PMS 325
Captain William Galinis, Supervisor of Shipbuilding Gulf Coast, Code 100
Mr. Chuck Batten, Deputy Supervisor of Shipbuilding Gulf Coast, Code 102
Mrs. Ina Jolicoeur, Supervisor of Shipbuilding Gulf Coast, Auxiliary & Small Craft Project Officer, Code 155
LT Anthony Holmes, Supervisor of Shipbuilding Gulf Coast, Acting Production Manager, Code 155
LCDR Alvin Villanueva, Aide to Vice Admiral McCoy, Naval Sea Systems Command
ALL IN ALL…..A GREAT DAY AT SWIFTSHIPS


On March 5, 2010, the U.S. Army awarded Swiftships Shipbuilders, LLC, Morgan City, La., a $2,469,799 firm-fixed price contract to provide two Bridge Erection Boats in support of U.S. Army solicitation W56HZV10C0120.
Said Swiftships President, Calvin Leleux, “We are confident that with the depth and breadth of Swiftships experience, we can deliver the best product possible. Upon completion and selection of our prototype vessel, Swiftships will stand to be awarded a major production contract to build over 400 boats for the United States Army.”
Swiftships was one of two companies awarded the contract. The two vessels will be prototypes and evaluated by the U.S. Army for a future solicitation. The work will be performed in Morgan City, LA. TACOM, and CCTA-ADCA, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV10C0120).
Swiftships Shipbuilders has been in operation for over 60 years and is part of the Apex Group family of companies. From their base of operations in Morgan City Louisiana, they have been supporting the American military with a comprehensive line of small and medium class vessels. Swiftships also services private and commercial entities as a leader in the maritime and manufacturing industry.
Swiftships Shipbuilders, LLC, Morgan City, La., is being awarded a $23,558,753 firm-fixed-price contract to provide 35-meter patrol boat training in support of the Iraqi Navy. Training will be comprised of training simulators, including spare parts, and patrol boat training inclusive of course development, execution of the training curricula and other incidentals, such as berthing and messing for Iraqi sailors. Work will be performed in Morgan City, La., and is expected to be completed in September 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $23,558,753 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61339-09-C-0034).

From Marine Log Magazine
Swiftships Shipbuilders, LLC, Morgan City, La., is being awarded a $180,998,189 fixed-price letter contract for the detail design and construction of nine patrol boats and associated equipment and services for the Iraq Navy. This contract is in support of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Case IQ ÐP-SAZ and U.S. Case E4-P-LBT. The contract is for nine Swiftships model 35PB1208E-1455 patrol boats along with six 30mm gun weapons systems, machine gun mounts and cradles, spare parts, and contractor engineering technical services. Work will be performed in Morgan City, La., (60 percent), Detroit, Mich., (30 percent), Ocean Springs, Miss., (8 percent) and Charlottesville, Va., (2 percent) and is expected to be completed by August 2012. Funding in the amount of $129,104,173 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command is the contracting activity (N00024-09-C-2256).
WASHINGTON, July 14, 2009 - On July 13, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait of four M2 .50 cal HB Browning machine guns, two Swiftship Model 176DSV0702, 54X9.2X1.8 meter Nautilus Class Diver Support Vessels outfitted with a MLG 27mm gun system, and other related services and equipment. The estimated cost is $81 million. The Government of Kuwait has requested a possible sale of four M2 .50 cal HB Browning machine guns, two Swiftship Model 176DSV0702, 54X9.2X1.8 meter Nautilus Class Diver Support Vessels outfitted with a MLG 27mm gun system, support equipment, personnel training, spare and REPAIR parts, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics personnel services, and other related elements of program support. This proposed sale would contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major Non-NATO ally that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East. Additionally, the proposed sale will demonstrate the U.S. Governments commitment to our bilateral relationship. Kuwait needs these vessels to strengthen its tactical range and operating capabilities with its defense network. The Diver Support Vessels will ensure enhanced fleet security and interoperability as well as improve Kuwaits capability to conduct operations. Kuwait will have no difficulty absorbing the diver support vessels INTO its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The prime contractor will be Swiftships, LLC in Morgan City, Louisiana. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of one contractor representative in Kuwait for a period of one year after the delivery of the craft to provide technical assistance in the performance of planned and corrective maintenance and repair. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.
Solicitation Number: N0002409R2256 Notice Type: Presolicitation
Synopsis: Added: Jul 02, 2009 11:39 am The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) intends to issue solicitation N00024-09-R-2256 on a sole-source basis to Swiftships Shipbuilders, LLC of Morgan City, LA to provide the Iraqi Navy a fully capable and sustainable maritime security patrol boat fleet of up to fifteen (15) Coastal Patrol Boats (CPBs). Swiftships Shipbuilders will be responsible for the detail design, construction, outfitting and documentation for all CPBs. Swiftships Shipbuilders, LLC was the only source that makes the CPBs with the Model 35PB1208 E-1455 and DATA rights directed by the Iraqi Government through a foreign military case. This firm has the requisite background knowledge and experience required.
November 2008, Morgan City, LA - Swiftships was awarded a fixed price contract for $13,414,450 build two 28-meter patrol craft for the government of Egypt. The contract was awarded by the U.S. Government utilizing foreign military sales funds. The program will be a co-production effort with two vessels completed at the Swiftships facility and a minimum of four vessels that will be kitted and shipped to Egypt for construction at a shipyard in Egypt. Swiftships will assist the government of Egypt in the development of a shipyard for the construction of the 28-meter patrol boats and future vessels. The vessels will be constructed using steel alloy for the hulls and aluminum alloy for the superstructure. The vessels will be built to ABS High Speed Navy Craft rules. Swiftships was the first shipbuilder to build a patrol craft to the ABS HSNC rules. Swiftships successfully built nine patrol vessels in 1984 that were the basis for the new contract. The Egyptian Navy is still using the existing vessels