The Sentinel Tactical Watercraft, to be constructed with High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), are expected to enhance the Navy’s capability to detect and respond to underwater threats, support expeditionary reconnaissance and facilitate the troop and materiel transportation.

“We have been building boats with HDPE for over 20 years, mainly for use in the aquaculture industry,” PFG CEO Rob Inches said

“However, with our Sentinel Tactical Watercraft branded boats we have had success more recently in the police and emergency services sectors.”

Inches described the vessels as “virtually indestructible”, claiming they cannot corrode or suffer from electrolysis and do not require painting.

The LMCs, which will be built in Tasmania, are billed as 100 per cent recyclable, and are expected to be constructed using 100 per cent renewable energy.

PFG will collaborate with New Zealand-based water propulsion company Hamilton Jet and equipment supplier and sustainment partner General Marine Services of Auckland.

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Partner naval architects One2Three of Sydney will also support the project, helping to improve strength, reliability, manoeuvrability and crew safety.

“We are also proud that these craft are being built in a region such as Tasmania, a state with a boat building heritage stretching back over 200 years,” Inches added.

“… We are proud of our Sentinel craft and proud of the team we have assembled who will deliver them.

“We are also delighted to work with the RNZN to develop a boat that will set a new bench mark in meeting the needs of a modern defence force.”

[Related: Tasmanian companies join Land 400 Phase 3 bid]

Charbel Kadib

Author

News Editor – Defence and Security, Momentum Media

Prior to joining the defence and aerospace team in 2020, Charbel was news editor of The Adviser and Mortgage Business, where he covered developments in the banking and financial services sector for three years. Charbel has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations, graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a double major in politics and journalism. Charbel has also completed internships with The Australian Department of Communications and the Arts and public relations agency Fifty Acres.

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