KINGSTON, Jamaica — The country’s maritime security has been further enhanced with the acquisition of four high-speed Surface Interceptor Vessels.

The naval assets, which represent the first tranche of 22, were handed over during a blessing ceremony at the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard, Port Royal, Kingston, on March 18.

The Metal Shark 36 Fearless vessels, which will boost the JDF’s fleet, were designed and delivered by Metal Shark.

The partnership between JDF and Metal Shark was established in 2023, and the company was contracted to build 22 high-speed surface interceptor vessels.

They are a leading supplier of military vessel fleets based in the United States.

Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Ambassador Rocky Meade, said the acquisition forms part of the strategic actions of the Government to protect Jamaica’s sovereignty, resources, citizens and future.

Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman (right), in discussion with (from left) Commissioner of Police, Dr. Kevin Blake; Brigade Commander, Maritime, Air and Cyber Command, Brigadier Elon Clarke; Senior Vice President, Metal Shark, Henry Irizarry, and Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Ambassador Rocky Meade, aboard one of the newly acquired high-speed Surface Interceptor Vessels during a blessing ceremony at the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard, Port Royal, Kingston, on March 18. (JIS photo)

“It is important to strengthen Jamaica’s maritime security architecture and enhance our capacity to monitor, protect and defend our territorial waters. As an island nation such as ours, the sea represents both opportunities and vulnerabilities. It is, therefore, imperative that we maintain and strengthen the capability required to respond effectively to threats that may emerge,” he noted.

Ambassador Meade said the vessels represent a significant investment in Jamaica’s ability to safeguard its borders.

“They will enhance the readiness and responsiveness of the maritime, air and cyber command, specifically the Coast Guard, in enabling them to more effectively detect, deter, disrupt illicit activities at sea, and at the same time they reinforce the broader commitment of preserving the rule of law and protecting the integrity of Jamaica’s waters,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Meade said Jamaica remains steadfast in its commitment to working with regional and international partners to enhance defence and maritime security and coordinate responses to emerging threats.

Acting Force Chaplain, Rev. Major Dwayne Blackwood, invokes blessings upon one of the newly acquired high-speed Surface Interceptor Vessels during a blessing ceremony at the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard, Port Royal, Kingston, on March 18. (JIS photo)

“These additional vessels, therefore, symbolise both our national resolve and our shared responsibility to ensure that the Caribbean Sea remains a space of safety, lawful activity and sustainable opportunity for the people of our region,” he stated.

Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, said the vessels will strengthen the work of the JDF in securing the country’s maritime space.

“It’s a significant milestone for the Coast Guard and it’s important that we continue to build our capacity to do the job that we need to do, and the delivery of the first tranche of these vessels, which in total will be 22, is an important occasion not just for the JDF but for the nation,” she said.

She extended best wishes to the members of the Coast Guard who will be operating the vessels and reminded them to conduct their operations with the JDF’s core values in mind.

Senior Vice President, Metal Shark, Henry Irizarry, said the vessels were designed to meet the operational environment of the Caribbean and the missions they will perform.

“These interceptor vessels represent a shared commitment between the Jamaica Defence Force and Metal Shark Boats, a commitment to maritime security, readiness and protection of Jamaica’s territorial waters,” he said.

“Built with speed, agility and durability in mind, these vessels are designed to meet the demanding operational environment of the Caribbean, where they’re conducting coastal patrols, supporting search-and-rescue operations or safeguarding Jamaica’s maritime borders. These platforms will give the Coast Guard the capability to respond rapidly and effectively,” he added.

The Fearless comes equipped with a Furuno navigation package with radar, a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) thermal imaging camera, and Ullman shock-mitigating seating.

— JIS