BERBICE (1039) class

1 BERBICE-class OFFSHORE PATROL VESSEL (PSO)

Name      Pendant No.   Launched      Commissioned   Status
BERBICE   1039          Aug. 2, 2023  ...            Delivered

The BERBICE class is Guyanese offshore patrol vessel, designed and built by U.S. manufacturer Metal Shark Boats. The vessel is planned for use in maritime law enforcement, border and customs patrol, anti-smuggling, fishing inspection and protection of offshore natural gas and oil reserves.

HULL: The ship is a Metal Shark Boats 115 Defiant model, built with an aluminum monohull design. The ship features a reverse-raked bow and an elevated wheelhouse with nearly 360-degree visibility. Multiple watertight bulkheads and oversized scantlings are integrated throughout the hull, and all integrated tanks and machinery are accessible through watertight hatches, improving survivability.

BERBICE measures 114 ft 10 in (35.0 m) long, with a beam of 23 ft (7.0 m) and a depth of 10 ft 6 in (3.2 m). The ship’s displacement is not publicly available as of May 2024.

The ship embarks a Metal Shark aluminum rigid inflatable boat (RIB) on the aft deck. The RIB is capable of carrying 10 people and is powered by twin 50-hp four-stroke outboard engines. A PS 11000M-5m Palfinger Stiff Boom Marine Crane is fitted for RIB retrieval.

The full crew complement is 24.

ENGINEERING: Two Caterpillar C32 diesel inboard engines produce a total of 3,200 bhp, turning conventional propellers using Twin Disc marine gears.

The ship can attain a top speed of 20 knots. At 12 knots, it can reach a maximum range of 2,000 nm (3,700 km). BERBICE’s at-sea endurance is 10 days.

ARMAMENT: The ship’s armament was not publicly disclosed as of May 2024, however the ship is fitted with multiple mounts for automatic weapons.

SENSORS/ELECTRONICS: An unknown navigation radar is installed.

NOMENCLATURE: The ship is named after the Berbice River in Eastern Guyana.

Entering service.
Deployed with the Guyana coast guard.

BERBICE was procured to succeed Guyana’s aging coast guard flagship, ESSEQUIBO. The ship is also believed to have been acquired to safeguard oil and gas resources amid border disputes with neighboring Venezuela.

U.S.-based shipbuilder Metal Shark Boats announced on Aug. 8, 2022, that construction was underway on a new patrol vessel contracted by the Guyana Defense Force. The new ship was based off the company’s existing 115 Defiant design. The deal was struck for $11 million in 2021.

BERBICE was launched at a ceremony at the Franklin shipyard on Aug. 2, 2023.

On Oct. 30, 2023, Metal Shark announced the vessel had been completed at the Franklin production facility and had set sail for the Bayou Le Batre shipyard in Alabama, from which it would sail to Guyana.

Guyana hosted an incorporation ceremony to celebrate initial delivery at the Ramp Road Ruimveldt naval station in Georgetown in November 2023. BERBICE was then handed over to begin sea trials off the coast of Guyana.

Sea trials in the Caribbean saw several months of delay. Guyanese news source Demerara Waves reported that the ship had been forced to stop several times on its way to Guyana to address numerous issues including an overhaul to the ship’s cooling system, due to the higher temperature and silt content in Guyanese waters compared to that of North America.

The Guyana Defense Force announced on April 21, 2024, that the BERBICE had arrived at the coast guard headquarters. Per the announcement, the delivery would be followed by a period of training before the ship’s commissioning.

Metal Shark Boats, Franklin Shipyard, La.

 CREW
   Total                   24

 DIMENSIONS
   Length                  114 ft 10 in (35.0 m)
   Beam                     23 ft  0 in ( 7.0 m)
   Depth                    10 ft  6 in ( 3.2 m)

 PROPULSION
   Main                    2 x Caterpillar C32 diesel engines
      power                3,200 total bhp; conventional propellers

 PERFORMANCE
   Speed                   20 knots
   Range                   2,000 nm (3,700 km) at 12 knots
   Endurance               10 days

 COMBAT SYSTEMS
   Guns                    Unknown no. automatic mounts
   Radars                  1 x navigation

Unclear technical issues led to delays in the sea trial process, forcing modifications to the ship’s systems (See Status section).

BERBICE was purchased from Metal Shark Boats for $11 million in 2021.

Metal Shark Boats' 115 Defiant patrol vessel design.