Tasmania-based Sentinel Boats has won top honors at the New Zealand Defense Minister's Industrial Excellence Awards.
The award recognizes industry's contribution to the New Zealand Defense Force, with Sentinel named Contractor of the Year for the delivery of three highly specialized Sentinel 1250 Littoral Mobile Crafts (LMCs). . The vessel was recently awarded the internationally recognized Baird Maritime Award for Best Innovative Patrol Vessel of 2023.
The LMC was designed in close collaboration with the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) to conduct expeditionary reconnaissance and diving operations from HMNZS Manawanui. RNZN is very pleased with the performance of its custom-manufactured containers from high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
Sentinel Boats CEO George McGuire said: “Our boats have been tested in the most demanding operational environments and consistently outperform all expectations.”
“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 at every stage of the design and construction process.”
The design by One2Three naval architects is adaptable to a variety of mission profiles, with a focus on speed and durability. The 1250 LMC features twin Cummins diesel engines combined with Hamilton Hetwater jets, propelling the vessel to speeds in excess of her 40 knots.
