Bollinger to build six cutters for US Coast Guard

Louisiana-based Bollinger Shipyard has been awarded a $255m contract for the construction of six Fast-Response Cutters (FRCs) for the US Coast Guard (USCG), as part of the 2014 Homeland Security Appropriations bill.

Aimed at replacing the aging patrol boat fleet, the latest grant will support the USCG’s plan to acquire 58 FRCs, of which only 36 have been funded until now.

Senate Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee chair-woman Mary Landrieu said: "The men and women of the Coast Guard have gone above and beyond to protect our citizens, ecosystems and way of life through hurricanes, oil spills, river closures and countless search and rescue missions.

"The Coast Guard is part of our DNA in Louisiana."

After completion, the six vessels will eventually be transported to Honolulu, Hawaii, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, and South Portland, Maine.

Bollinger Shipyards president Chris Bollinger said: "This award of additional FRCs will continue to provide the Coast Guard with six more game-changing assets as they conduct their critical missions."

Last month, Bollinger delivered its 10th Sentinel-class FRC, the Raymond Evans, to the USCG, which is scheduled for commissioning in Key West, Florida in September.

Based on the Damen Stan Patrol Boat 4708, the vessel offers a flank speed of 28k, while integrates latest command, control, communications and computer technology, in addition to a stern launch system for the vessels 26ft cutter boat.

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Image: Bollinger’s tenth Sentinel-class FRC, the Raymond Evans. Photo: courtesy of Bollinger Shipyards Inc.