The US Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Robert Ward arriving in San Francisco, February 22, 2019
The US Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Robert Ward arriving in San Francisco, February 22, 2019US Coast Guard/Petty Officer 3rd Class Jordan Akiyama

Contract negotiations begin for 10 more US Coast Guard fast response cutters

Published on: 

Louisiana-based Bollinger Shipyards has begun contract negotiations with the US Coast Guard for the construction of at least 10 additional Sentinel-class fast response cutters (FRCs).

Included in the recently enacted "one big beautiful bill" was a US$25 billion investment to strengthen every facet of the coast guard and support the comprehensive effort to modernise the service. The now law includes US$1 billion for the acquisition of additional FRCs.

To date, Bollinger has delivered 60 FRCs and is under contract to build a total of 67 FRCs, with the final vessel scheduled for delivery in 2027.

The US$1 billion investment will allow the total to increase to at least 77 vessels and ensure the continuation of the program for another three years beyond the current contract.

The Sentinel-class FRCs are designed for multiple missions including drug and migrant interdiction, ports, waterways and coastal security, fishery patrols, and search and rescue.

Upon completion, each cutter will have a length of 154 feet (46.9 metres), a flank speed of 28 knots, a C4ISR suite, and a stern launch and recovery ramp for a 26-foot (7.92-metre), over-the-horizon interceptor cutter boat. Armament will include a 25mm autocannon and four 12.7mm machine guns.

logo
Baird Maritime / Work Boat World
www.bairdmaritime.com