As part of its program to replace its aging fleet of medium endurance cutters, the US Coast Guard exercised contract options with Eastern Shipbuilding Group to begin construction of the lead offshore patrol cutter (OPC), Argus, and to acquire long lead-time materials for the second OPC, Chase.
The OPC is expected to provide the nation with renewed capabilities in the fight against transnational organized crime and the effort to secure maritime zones and borders.
Today’s actions are a critical step towards delivering a fleet of offshore patrol cutters that will provide Coast Guard men and women with the tools to enforce our laws, secure our maritime borders, and execute the full range of Coast Guard missions for decades to come,
…said Adm. Karl Schultz, commandant of the Coast Guard.
The acquisition of 25 OPCs will complement the capabilities of the service’s national security cutters, fast response cutters and polar security cutters as an essential element of the Department of Homeland Security’s layered security strategy.
The total value of the options exercised is $317.5 million. In addition to covering production of the lead OPC, this contract action also covers the initial order of components and materials necessary to support the future construction of the second OPC by acquiring propeller and steering components, marine diesel engines, the ship integrated control system, switchboards, and generators.
Delivery of the lead OPC is currently planned for 2021.
