Morocco Strengthens Maritime Interception Capabilities with New 'Metal Shark' Speedboats

Saturday 27 January 2024 - 09:15

The Moroccan Royal Gendarmerie has recently augmented its maritime capabilities by acquiring four state-of-the-art "Metal Shark" patrol boats, marking a decisive step in combating illegal activities within the nation's waters.

In October of last year, the renowned American boat manufacturer, Metal Shark, delivered the cutting-edge "52 Fearless Super Interceptor" boats, expanding Morocco's fleet to a total of fifteen of these high-speed vessels. The noteworthy deal, valued at an estimated $970,000, was disclosed by the reputable defense publication Defence Web.

According to military analyst Abdelhamid Harifi, these high-speed launches have been strategically positioned along the northern maritime border to address issues related to organized crime, illegal immigration, and smuggling.

Metal Shark crafted the 52 Fearless Super Interceptor with a focus on meeting the escalating demands of military and law enforcement agencies for larger, swifter interceptor boats capable of countering the sophisticated tactics employed by maritime traffickers.

With a remarkable ability to achieve top speeds of 70 knots (130 km/h) and maintain a cruising speed of 50 knots for over 12 hours, these 17.5-meter vessels are propelled by twin 1,650 horsepower diesel engines. The boats' eight-ton displacement ensures stability during high-speed pursuits and interceptions in the open ocean.

This recent acquisition of Metal Shark interceptors strengthens the collaborative efforts in maritime security between the United States and Morocco. Earlier in 2022, the Royal Moroccan Navy received eleven 52 Fearless Super Interceptors, alongside two Metal Shark Defiant patrol boats, as part of a broader initiative to enhance policing efforts and curb illicit activities within Morocco's waters.