NEWS
Thompson Marine’s Cat C7.1 Marine Diesel Engines Power New Guatemalan Navy Patrol Boats
Thompson Marine’s Cat C7.1 Marine Diesel Engines Power New Guatemalan Navy Patrol Boats
Thompson Marine partner, Silver Ships, Inc., produces high-quality aluminum boats for military, federal, state, and municipal government as well as commercial applications through collaboration with highly skilled design, engineering, and production resources.
When Silver Ships needed a power train tough enough for a new patrol fleet, they turned to Thompson Marine and Caterpillar’s C7.1 marine diesel engines. Our recent partnership reached a milestone: three Coastal Fast Response Boats (CFRBs), built for the Guatemalan Navy and powered by twin Cat C7.1 engines supplied by Thompson Marine, completed crew training and were officially handed over. The two-week reactivation and crew familiarization program ended with a graduation ceremony attended by officials from the Guatemalan Navy.
What is a CFRB Used For?
The three custom-designed, 43-foot CFRBs will be used for coastal and harbor patrol, as well as law enforcement duties, patrolling Guatemala’s coastline along the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. New to Silver Ships’ product line, CFRBs are large, fast cabin vessels that amplify the features of Silver Ships’ popular Endeavor and Ambar series vessels. The CFRB platform is versatile and can be tailored to specific mission needs. The vessel includes an enclosed cabin and a WING collar system with specialized communications and navigation equipment.
Why Thompson Marine:
Silver Ships needed a power train that could deliver speed and reliability for coastal patrol and law enforcement duties, without drawing attention to the vessel. Thompson Marine’s twin Cat C7.1 500 HP marine diesel engines were the perfect fit.
Power Train Specs:
- Twin Caterpillar C7.1 500 HP marine diesel engines
- Hamilton HJX-29 waterjets
- Efficient fuel combustion
- Quieter operation
- No visible smoke when running
The Partnership Behind the Build
Thompson Marine supplied the engines and transmissions for the project. Shawn Lobree, Silver Ships’ Director of Federal Programs and a retired U.S. Navy captain, called it very rewarding to get these vessels reactivated for the highly professional Guatemalan Navy. He mentioned that the crews were hand-selected based on experience and ability to work together as a team, and that while this Navy is small, it’s very capable, and these boats will serve as workhorses for its diverse coastal patrol missions.
The CFRB vessels were procured under a contract award worth $6.12 million from the Naval Sea Systems Command. There are two variants in this project, the Montenegro and Guatemala variants, which differ mainly in their electrical systems, which need to be compatible with in-country electrical grids. The vessels were designed and constructed as part of the U.S. Navy Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
Why It Matters
The Guatemalan Navy’s new patrol boats are on the water, and the handover marks more than a completed contract. Thompson Marine continues to set the industry standard in boat builder support. The Cat C7.1 delivered the speed, reliability, and quiet, low-profile operation this mission demanded. Backed by engineering support from first specification through final construction, a mission-ready vessel was delivered. For the Naval Sea Systems Command and Silver Ships, that standard was met. For workboat operators evaluating the Cat C7.1 for their own vessels, this build is a benchmark for what the engine can deliver.
