HVAC | US Near Coastal Patrol Vessel

Shipbuilder Metal Shark will build up to 13 US Near Coastal Patrol Vessels (NCPVs) for U.S. partner nations. This initiative is part of the Department of Defense Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The new vessels are based on Damen Shipyards’ Stan Patrol 2606 design, which Metal Shark has adapted to meet the specific requirements of the NCPV mission. These patrol cutters support a variety of operations, including search and rescue, border patrol, customs enforcement, counter-narcotics efforts, and the protection of economically vital waters. As a result, the US Near Coastal Patrol Vessels play a vital role in ensuring maritime security for allied nations in the Western Hemisphere.

Strategic Partnership

Metal Shark, known for its advanced aluminum shipbuilding capabilities, has partnered with Damen Shipyards Group for this project. Together, their collaboration brings Damen’s proven hull designs and Metal Shark’s expertise in U.S. military vessel construction. The Stan Patrol 2606 design offers excellent performance, high payload capacity, low operating costs, and outstanding durability in nearshore conditions. Furthermore, each vessel is tailored to meet mission-specific requirements while supporting long-term reliability and ease of maintenance.

HVAC by LeBlanc

Because of a long-standing partnership, Metal Shark once again selected LeBlanc & Associates to supply the HVAC equipment. The scope includes packaged chilled water units, fan coil units, engine room and machinery ventilation, fire dampers, and mist eliminators. These systems are essential to both crew comfort and vessel performance. Specifically, LeBlanc’s HVAC solutions are purpose-built for the US Near Coastal Patrol Vessels, delivering efficient, low-noise climate control in tight, complex marine environments.

A Challenging Job

Space limitations presented unique challenges. Eddie Guilbeau, Project Manager at LeBlanc, explains:
“It’s a small vessel with a lot of equipment packed into tight spaces. For example, we selected a low-profile galley hood to fit the limited overhead clearance. In addition, we designed a custom chiller frame to work around tight pipe routing in the machinery room.”

Design conditions:

The following design conditions were requested for this project:

Outside-Inside Summer:

Outside:   100°F / 90% R.H.

Inside:   78°F / 50% R.H. 

Seawater temperature: 86°F

Outside-Inside Winter:

Outside: 32°F 

Inside: 72°F