Metal Shark is a leading shipbuilder specializing in the design and production of boats and ships for military, law enforcement, fire rescue, and a wide spectrum of commercial applications. At three fully self-contained facilities in Louisiana, USA, Metal Shark specializes in the design and construction of welded aluminum vessels, with current capabilities supporting production for vessels up to 300’ in length.

Best-known for the vessel fleets it produces for the U.S. Armed Forces and allies around the globe, Metal Shark has expanded its focus to include state, local, and commercial operators across a wide range of markets. Today, the Louisiana-based company produces a wider range of specialty vessels than perhaps any comparable yard. Key markets served include fire rescue, law enforcement, military, passenger vessels, pilot boats, various workboat operators, recreational, and other specialty operators.

Metal Shark is an engineering-centric company with a large in-house design team of naval architects and marine engineers. Metal Shark offers a full portfolio of its own designs, including Endurance catamarans, Defiant monohull pilothouse vessels, Fearless stepped-bottom high-performance vessels, Relentless collared center consoles, Courageous workboats, and Resolute skiffs. Each of these is 100% digitally designed and may be fully customized to suit a wide range of mission profiles. 

In addition to the diverse lineup of models designed by its in-house team of naval architects, Metal Shark works with leading naval architectural firms to offer passenger ferries and other specialized vessels.

The Metal Shark story is one of careful, calculated growth driven by continual reinvestment in the company’s people, facilities, and technology. Today, Metal Shark fields a workforce of over 500 employees spread across three facilities in two states, producing over 200 vessels per year. Each component of every Metal Shark is digitally designed, router cut, and assembled to precise tolerances utilizing industry-leading technologies and construction methods.

Today, Metal Shark operates three separate manufacturing facilities: Metal Shark – Jeanerette, Metal Shark – Franklin, and Metal Shark – Avery Island. From design, cutting and bending, welding, paint, rigging, and sea trial / testing, the company controls all aspects of production in-house. Click to learn more about Metal Shark’s Design, Construction, and Innovation.