Tasmania based Sentinel Boats has taken out the highest honour in the New Zealand Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence to Industry.
The awards recognise the contributions made by industry to the New Zealand Defence Force, with Sentinel named Prime Contractor of the Year for its delivery of three highly specialised Sentinel 1250 Littoral Manoeuvre Craft (LMC). The same vessels recently won the 2023 award for best “Innovative Patrol Boat” in the internationally recognised Baird Maritime Awards.
The LMCs were designed in close collaboration with the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) to carry out expeditionary reconnaissance and dive operations from the HMNZS Manawanui. The RNZN has been exceptionally pleased with the performance of the vessels, which are custom built from high density polyethylene (HDPE).
“Our Boats have been tested in the most demanding operational environments and have consistently outperformed all expectations," said Sentinel Boats CEO, George McGuire.
"This award is a testament to the extraordinary work and dedication of the Sentinel Boats team and the importance of close collaboration with the end-user during all stages of the design and build process.”
The design from One2Three naval architects, focuses on speed and durability while also being adaptable to a range of mission profiles.The 1250 LMCs boast twin Cummins diesel engines which are coupled with Hamilton Het water jets, propelling the vessels to speeds over 40 knots.