Eastern Shipbuilding 'well positioned' to meet US defence needs, new CEO says
A Heritage-class offshore patrol cutter under production at Eastern Shipbuilding's Panama City shipyard. (Photo: Eastern Shipbuilding)
The Floridian shipbuilder sees opportunities in conversions and is protesting a decision by the US Coast Guard to award a significant contract to competitor Austal USA in court.
Speaking to Shephard after he was appointed the new CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group last week, Joey D'Isernia said the Florida shipyard was 'well positioned' to meet the demands of the US Navy and US Coast Guard (USCG).
In 2016, Eastern was selected to design and build stage 1 of the USCG's new Heritage-class offshore patrol cutters (OPCs), which D'Isernia said was the largest acquisition programme in the service's history.
D'Isernia said the US needed to retain an industrial complex of tier-one and two shipyards to support its fleet acquisition plans.
He added: 'There are obvious concerns about the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays]()
South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays
Hyundai and Hanwha recently unveiled advanced frigate and submarine designs while South Korea eyes new export markets and resolves internal rivalries
-
![US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026]()
US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026
The FY26 Homeland Security Bill Markup of the House Committee on Appropriations included resources for the procurement of ships, aircraft and unmanned systems.
-
![US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs]()
US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs
The Office of Naval Research will host an Industry Engagement Day in August aiming at building new partnerships and advancing its science and technology initiatives in multiple areas.
-
![Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy]()
Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy
Under the most recent contract, the US Navy will receive four additional AN/SPY-6(V) radars, increasing the number of radars under contract to 42. The radars are considered key for expanding the navy’s capability for air defence.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer
The sixth Canada’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship is currently at the final stages of construction within Irving Shipbuilding.
