SAFE Boats International has entered into a multi-year, definitive association agreement with Colombian shipyard Corporación de Ciencia y Tecnología para el Desarrollo de la Industria Naval Marítima y Fluvial (COTECMAR) to co-produce aluminum vessels.

The new agreement broadens the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was previously signed by both the parties.

The deal will see the companies co-produce SAFE models such as Defender, Apostle and Full Cabin Jet Boats models, along with the recently introduced Multi-Mission Interceptor (MMI), which are already in use in Central and South America.

The vessels are intended for use by the Colombian military and regional end users.

SAFE Boats International CEO Dennis Morris said: “The decision to further enhance our relationship with COTECMAR is evidence of our commitment to the Colombian Navy, and providing the brave men and women who serve Colombia with the best products and services to allow them to effectively accomplish their challenging missions.

"Our naval solutions involve high technology and maximum security, which guarantee a significant performance in the missions assigned to the ships we manufacture."

“COTECMAR has a world-class reputation for engineering and manufacturing excellence in Colombia and is a trusted ally of the United States, and this alliance supports our customers in many ways.

"We are honoured to be a partner with COTECMAR and Colombia, and to support our mutual customers in Central and South America.”

The agreement will also enable SAFE Boats and COTECMAR to collaborate in programme management, training, factory production training and sub-assembly and integration by COTECMAR in Colombia.

COTECMAR CEO Vice Admiral Jorge Carreño said: “Our naval solutions to the world involve high technology and maximum security, which guarantee a significant performance in the missions assigned to the ships we manufacture.

“We are confident that this relationship with SAFE Boats allows us to continue to provide lasting and successful naval solutions.”

COTECMAR develops large offshore patrol vessels, coastal patrol vessels, defence craft, BAL-C logistics and humanitarian craft, along with many other commercial and riverine vessels for Colombia and international users.