USCG orders Sentinel-class cutters
Bollinger Shipyards has been awarded a contract from the US Coast Guard (USCG) worth an initial $318.6 million for six Sentinel-class fast response cutters (FRCs), the USCG announced on 4 May.
The contract covers procurement of up to 26 cutters with a potential value of $1.42 billion if all options are exercised. If all 26 cutters are ordered, there would be 58 FRCs on order in the USCG’s Program of Record.
The USCG is acquiring the FRCs to upgrade its near-offshore patrol capabilities for missions such as fishery patrols; national defence; search and rescue; waterways, ports and coastal security; and drug and migrant interdiction.
The FRCs have a length 154ft, a maximum speed of 28kts, and range of 2,950nm. The ships will feature new C4ISR equipment, improved seakeeping and habitability and a stern cutter boat launch to reach vessels of interest.
A total of 16 FRCs are currently in service, with the 17th scheduled for commission later this month.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Poland’s naval modernisation plans point to $13 billion market
Poland is reshaping its naval capabilities through investments in surface and undersea fleets, with further procurement opportunities expected into the 2030s.
-
Autonomy gives Turkey a chance to outflank established naval shipbuilders
Turkish shipbuilders have sold ships from Asia to Europe, but autonomy and swarm technology could give them a fairer fight against Western European rivals.
-
Canada assesses security equipment changes for Polar Icebreaker Imnaryuaq
The Canadian Department of National Defence is evaluating communications and reconnaissance changes for CCGS Imnaryuaq’s expanded maritime security role, while retaining its 2032 acceptance target.