Vessels

Woodbridge Fireboat

San Francisco area boat builder Moose Boats has delivered a powerful customized M3-36 monohull to the Woodbridge Fire District, in California. The M3 will serve as a fireboat in the San Joaquin Delta.

The build features twin 300-horsepower Mercury outboards with a heavy duty outboard protective guard including tow line guides, a tow post and an integrated towing spool. The boat has a dedicated fire pump to flow through two 1,500 GPM Typhoon RC TFT monitors, one cabin-top mounted and one on the bow with VUM for attack hose connection. The fire pump is powered by a Volvo Penta V8 providing ample power for the Darley pump. The boat features Moose Boats’ proprietary integrated dive platform door on port and victim retrieval door on the starboard side. Electronics include a Blue Sea System electrical panel, Lifeline house and start batteries, Furuno 14 inch MFD integrating radar, chart plotter, depth sounder and FLIR. The cabin is heated with a Webasto heating system.

According to Fire Chief Darin Downey, funds for the boat were awarded by the county’s Board of Supervisors. “The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors awarded the Woodbridge Fire District funding for a new fireboat. The awarded funds are from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), in which a large portion of ARPA funds are intended for public safety.”

The M3 will respond to calls for service within the San Joaquin Delta and its islands, providing fire and medical response. The boat will support the Coast Guard, San Joaquin County Sheriffs, and its surrounding mutual aid partners.

“The Woodbridge Fire District is an all risk agency covering 197 square miles and approximately 500 linear miles of the San Joaquin Delta with 4 fire stations. Our jurisdictional responsibilities include the San Joaquin River and many of the sloughs and marinas between Stockton and Terminous. The new fireboat will be berthed at Tower Park Marina,” Downey said.

Anne Arundel County Fireboat

Louisiana-based boat builder Metal Shark has delivered the first of two cutting-edge 50-foot welded-aluminum fireboats to the Anne Arundel County Fire Department in Annapolis, Md. These new vessels are set to enhance emergency response capabilities across Chesapeake Bay, safeguarding over 500 miles of shoreline.

Designed in-house and built at Metal Shark's Franklin, La. shipyard, the 50 Defiant NXT monohull fireboats feature advanced technology that improves response times, firefighting effectiveness and safety for firefighters, the builder said. They will also support mutual aid services with surrounding jurisdictions, including Baltimore City and County, Calvert County, and the U.S. Naval Academy.

Although the fireboats' names have not yet been disclosed, the first vessel has been delivered and is ready for service following operator training conducted by Metal Shark personnel.

The boats are equipped with a spacious, climate-controlled pilothouse, designed for optimal visibility, thanks to Metal Shark’s innovative "pillarless glass" structure, which reduces blind spots significantly compared to traditional fireboat designs. The new fireboats boast an array of features that enhance operational efficiency, including a unique window arrangement for improved downward visibility during critical maneuvers and an overhead skylight for unobstructed views during emergency operations.

Powered by twin inboard diesel waterjet propulsion, the 50’ x 16’ fireboats can achieve speeds over 45 knots, ensuring rapid response to emergencies. At a cruise speed of 30 knots, they offer an operating range of approximately 250 nautical miles.

Equipped with an array of firefighting tools, including remote-operated monitors and hydrant outlets, the fireboats are prepared to tackle a variety of emergency situations effectively. Each vessel is capable of delivering a flow rate of over 8,500 gallons per minute, supported by twin 3,000 GPM self-priming fire pumps driven via PTO from the main engines. Each pump draws from its own dedicated in-hull sea chest, feeding a central manifold with crossover capability, which in turn supplies the entire system.

From the fire control station at the port helm, flow is directed as desired via electronically-actuated 8” slow-close valves with manual backup. The vessels are each equipped with a remote-operated electric rooftop monitor, two aft-mounted monitors, two aft dual handline outlets, and two 5” Storz hydrant outlets. Dual 55-gallon reservoirs carry a total of 110 gallons of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) per vessel.

“The continued success of our Defiant NXT fireboat platforms has been rewarding to see, and it’s a testament to our commitment to continually review, refine, enhance, and perfect our product offering,” said Metal Shark’s Vice President of Sales for LE, Fire/Rescue & Specialty Projects, Dean Jones. “We consider our customers to be lifelong partners, and the folks from Anne Arundel have proven to be an absolute pleasure to work with. The mutual trust and respect between our team and theirs resulted in a truly collaborative process, merging their experience with our knowledge base. As a result, these new assets will provide a new level of capabilities, offer increased opportunities for regional inter-agency partnerships, and ultimately redefine maritime safety and response for Anne Arundel County Fire Department and the communities they serve.”

“It is our mission to support those who serve and protect, and it has been an honor and a privilege to help the dedicated men and women of Anne Arundel County Fire Department to upgrade their fireboat fleet,” said Metal Shark CEO Chris Allard. “These high-performance, state of the art vessels will allow crews to respond faster, cover more distance, and do their jobs more efficiently and safely, strengthening the Department’s ability to ensure the safety and well being of the County’s residence and visitors.”

Cape Coral Fireboat

Theodore, Ala. boatbuilder Silver Ships has delivered a newly built fireboat to first responders in Cape Coral, Fla. The Freedom 30 aluminum fireboat is the second vessel delivered by Silver Ships to the Cape Coral Fire Department in the past two years.

Powered by twin Suzuki DF350 outboards, the 30-foot-long newbuild includes a walkaround cabin and special features enabling fast, fire response missions. The vessel is equipped with a Simrad electronics package including radar and side scan sonar, as well as a Nite Track night vision camera.

For firefighting operations, the boat featured a Darley HE64 Hercules fire pump with a TFT manual motor along with the FLIR M332 thermal camera.

The new vessel, Marine 7, was christened on July 29 in honor of James Gunter, a Cape Coral firefighter, engineer and member of the marine team for 30 years, from 1987 to 2017. In 2020, he passed away from work acquired cancer, and his death was recognized as line of duty by the State of Florida and the International Association of Fire Fighters.

Monroe Fire Rescue Boat

Annapolis, Md. based boatbuilder Ocean Craft Marine (OCM) has delivered a new firefighting/search and rescue (SAR) boat for first responders in Michigan.

Built for water-related incident management and rescue operations on Lake Erie, the 9.5-meter newbuild is aimed at reestablishing the emergency response capabilities of the Monroe Township Fire Department and the neighboring agencies.

“This new Fire/SAR boat restores our capabilities to conduct water rescues and firefighting missions on the lake. We have been without a boat capable of responding to incidents on the Lake since mid 2021. With the addition of the Ocean Craft Marine Boat we are not only restoring that capability but we have increased it. The Ocean Craft Marine 9.5M Fire/SAR is very safe and reliable even in the worst weather conditions. I’m thankful for all the work Ocean Craft Marine put into this project with us”, said Captain Dave Nadeau of the Monroe Charter Fire Department.

The boat features an adaptable design to accommodate specific equipment needs, thus able to be tailored to diverse scenarios (e.g. portable fire pump, rescue baskets, medical equipment, etc.). It is outfitted with a Darley 500GPM Portable firefighting pump and a Fire-Pro Fixed Monitor, to support land based or water based firefighting missions.

OCM’s high-performance concave reverse-chine hull form for superior agility and maneuvering, allowing quick and precise responses in emergency situations. Robust materials used in construction enable the boat to withstand harsh conditions and ensure maximum durability.

Barracuda

Bellingham, Wash. aluminum boatbuilder All American Marine (AAM) has delivered a new 74-foot catamaran patrol boat Barracuda to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Law Enforcement Division.

The 74’ x 27.5’ twin-engine hydrofoil-assisted catamaran is equipped to handle near coastal and offshore missions and will support partner agencies. Missions will include multi-day patrols, commercial gear inspection and recovery, fishery enforcement, and marine protected area patrols. Additionally, the boat is designed to facilitate increased capabilities in adverse sea conditions, perform dive missions and ensure comprehensive law enforcement and protection across the California coast.

The vessel’s utilization of Teknicraft’s advanced dynamic hydrofoil system minimizes drag, enhances fuel efficiency, and provides superior stability and passenger comfort. Powered by two Cat C-18 diesel engines, each delivering 800 horsepower, the boat achieved a fully laden cruise speed of 24.5 knots, with a top speed of 27 knots. The large 2,000-gallon fuel capacity ensures extended operational range and endurance.

A Teknicraft Rapid RHIB launching and retrieval system is integrated between the aft sponsons, enhancing safety and reducing the time and manpower required to deploy the vessel’s rigid hull inflatable boat, allowing for deployment and retrieval in under one minute. The boat's electronics package includes a FLIR M364C-LR High-Resolution Thermal Imaging video with tracking to assist with vessel monitoring duties and spotting violators along the California coast. Equipped with state-of-the-art navigation, communication, and enforcement technology, the vessel features sophisticated systems, including a suite of Furuno electronic equipment. These technologies can also support some oceanographic and biological research.

The boat’s design also includes spacious deck areas for illegal trap seizures, comfortable accommodations for up to 10 personnel, and the capacity to host additional passengers for day operations. The vessel is constructed to U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Subchapter T standards.

“This vessel represents a significant advancement in marine patrol capabilities for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife,” said Ron Wille, All American Marine President & COO. “We are honored to have partnered with the CDFW to build this innovative patrol boat, which will enhance their enforcement capabilities, allowing them to better perform their mission, particularly with the revolutionary Rapid RHIB Deployment System from Teknicraft. This feature will streamline operations for the CDFW.”

Electric RIB

VITA Power has delivered all-electric Vita Seal rigid inflatable boat (RIB) to the City of Newport Beach, marking the electric marine technology company's first sale to a public agency.

The RIB will join the Harbor Department’s existing fleet of three boats and assist with patrols and towing and pushing vessels that need assistance or have broken away from moorings.

According to VITA Power, its Vita Seal is suited for marine-based industries and harbor patrol law enforcement agencies, offering up to 10 hours of continuous operation at reduced speeds. The Seal’s instant high torque and Vita's proprietary responsive controls ensure complex maneuvers can be executed with ease, providing maximal towing and pushing force even at low revolutions per minute. In addition, its fast DC charging capability ensures a full charge in less than an hour.

Harbormaster Paul Blank said the new boat is “a giant step toward a greater commitment to water and clean air in Newport Beach. . . It’s incredibly appropriate that the first all-electric worker vessel is also where the first all-electric recreational vehicle – The Duffy – was invented more than 50 years ago."

The city has a history of early adoption and support of electric boats as the home to Duffy, the first modern electric boat ever invented. Newport Harbor will also be the first in Southern California to have an electric charging station for vessels. The public charging location will be in Marina Park, where there are already two charging stations for land vehicles. A second station is planned for Avalon on Catalina Island.

Tanguy de Lamotte, Vita CRO for North America, said, “Vita is pleased to deliver its first public agency sale of an electric boat to the City of Newport Beach. The city’s adoption of the Seal as a harbor patrol boat will boost awareness and market growth for electric boats and showcase the workhorse capabilities and eco-benefits of electric boating.”

This sale marks Vita's ongoing expansion in the U.S. market, following the recent Seal delivery to Bill Foss and SeaDog electric boat delivery to WestPoint Marina in Redwood City, California. Vita said its customers benefit from key incentive programs including the Commercial Off Road Equipment (CORE) Voucher Program pioneered by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

100% Electric Pilot Boat

Brabo, a provider of pilot and port services in Antwerp, Belgium, has entered into a deal with maritime technology firm Artemis Technologies to add an Artemis EF-12 Pilot boat to its fleet. This cutting-edge, fully electric foiling vessel is set to be delivered in late summer 2025.

Engineered with feedback from pilotage professionals worldwide, the Artemis EF-12 complies with ES-TRIN standards (European Standard for Technical Requirements for Inland Navigation vessels).

With its 100% electric operation, the Artemis EF-12 eliminates all operational emissions and reduces costs by up to 80%, Artemis Technologies said. The boat features an advanced active flight control system that ensures precise handling, stability, and safety during pilot transfers in difficult conditions, enhancing comfort for both pilots and crew, the company added.

Additionally, Artemis said its eFoiler electric propulsion system reduces wake, enabling faster transit speeds in areas where such speeds were previously restricted. This improvement increases pilot hour efficiency and minimizes environmental impact.

Herman Van Driessche, CEO of Brabo Havenloodsen en Bootlieden BV, said, "We are very excited to include this vessel in our fleet. Since the first contact with Artemis Technologies, already two years ago, we were convinced that this technology could help us in our mission for sustainable, safe and comfortable waterborne transport.

"From the start, we were impressed by the quality product Artemis Technologies was developing with all its highly motivated staff. We have seen them grow over the past few years and the results we already experienced have supported our decision to purchase this vessel.

"We are proud to soon be able to operationally deploy this pioneering foiling vessel in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. With this purchase, we fully support their vision to strive together towards a sustainable port."

Dr. Iain Percy, CEO of Artemis Technologies, said, "We are delighted to partner with Brabo to provide an Artemis EF-12 Pilot—a vessel that exemplifies our dedication to safety, reliability and overall cost reduction. This contract underscores the confidence placed in our technology and our ability to deliver high-speed, zero-emission solutions that meet the rigorous demands of maritime operations. Brabo's decision to integrate an Artemis EF-12 Pilot into their fleet is a testament to the vessel's performance and our shared commitment to future-proofing our oceans and waterways."

As part of the testing and validation of the Artemis EF-12 Pilot, Artemis recently put their e-foiling technology through its paces in the Port of Cork, Ireland. During the demonstration the Artemis EF-12 vessel successfully completed multiple pilot transfer maneuvers alongside a range of vessel types.

USV Firm HavocAI Raises $11 Million

HavocAI Inc., a Providence, R.I. based developer of autonomous uncrewed surface vessel (USV) technology, announced it has closed an $11 million Seed round of funding.

The round was led by Scout Ventures, co-led by Trousdale Ventures, and saw additional participation from Outlander VC, The Veteran Fund, BV.VC, Decisive Point, Alumni Ventures, and New North Ventures.

HavocAI develops low-cost USVs and software intended to allow a single operator to command and control thousands of unmanned assets for applications ranging from defense missions to commercial ventures.

The company said it will use the funds to expand production capacity, enhance product development and accelerate customer acquisition.

"We are thrilled to have such a distinguished group of investors who deeply understand our vision and are committed to supporting us on this journey," said Paul Lwin, CEO of HavocAI. "This capital allows us to scale our production capabilities and grow our team to meet the increasing demand from both our existing and new customers."

"We're excited to support HavocAI as they continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in USV technology," said Brad Harrison, Managing Partner, at Scout Ventures. "Their technology has the potential to dramatically transform the industry, and we look forward to seeing the impact they'll make."