Austal’s US subsidiary, Austal USA, has been awarded a contract with a potential value of A$4.35 billion, for the detailed design and construction of up to 11 Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPC) for the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
According to Austal’s media statement, the first vessel has already been contracted by the US Coast Guard, with options for a further 10 vessels.
“Construction of the 110-metre OPCs will take place at Austal USA’s new US$100 million steel shipbuilding facility in Mobile, Alabama,” reads the statement.
“Construction is expected to commence in 2023.”
The Coast Guard’s 110-metre steel OPCs will have a range of 10,200 nautical miles at 14 knots and a 60-day endurance period.
They will be equipped to carry out a range of tasks, including search and rescue operations, drug and migrant interdiction, and law enforcement.
CEO Paddy Gregg said Austal USA will construct the OPC using its proven ship manufacturing processes and innovative methods that incorporate lean manufacturing principles, modular construction, and moving assembly lines in the company’s new state-of-the-art enclosed steel production facility.
“The United States Coast Guard’s new Offshore Patrol Cutters are an outstanding opportunity for Austal USA to further demonstrate the shipyard’s new steel shipbuilding capability; based on years of proven construction experience through the delivery of the LCS and EPF programs for the United States Navy,” Mr Gregg said.
“The Offshore Patrol Cutters are a critical capability in the United States’ homeland security and the Coast Guard’s most important acquisition program, and the Austal USA team is very excited and proud to be delivering this major shipbuilding program for the USA.”
