OPC [Image: Eastern Shipbuildin]
The UNITED STATE Coast Guard changed its agreement with Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) April 2 to start building of the 2nd Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) and also to get long lead-time product (LLTM) for the 3rd OPC. Contract shipment of the 2nd OPC, to be called Chase, is arranged to happen in 2023.
The complete worth of the building and also LLTM orders is $343 million. In enhancement to buying building of the 2nd OPC, this having activity additionally covers the preliminary order of parts and also products required to sustain the future building of the 3rd OPC by getting prop and also guiding parts, aquatic diesel motor, the ship incorporated control system, switchboards, and also generators.
The lead OPC is presently in manufacturing at ESG’s shipyard in Panama City,Florida Production of the lead cutter, Argus, begun January 7, 2019. Delivery of Argus is arranged for 2022.
Eastern’s President, Joey D’Isernia claimed: “Today represents not only the continuation of production for the USCG’s future replacement of their 210-ft and 270-ft class Medium Endurance Cutters, but also an important step in the continuing recovery of Northwest Florida and ESG post Hurricane Michael. Looking back on the condition of our shipyard and our community immediately post Hurricane Michael in comparison to how far we have come, I could not be more proud of our team for what we have accomplished to date. We are excited about the future of this program and will continue to work diligently with our vendor network from 29 other states to produce high quality, highly capable vessels for the men and women of the USCG.”
The OPC satisfies the solution’s lasting demand for cutters efficient in releasing separately or as component of job teams and also is necessary to quiting smugglers mixed-up, interdicting undocumented travelers, saving sailors, implementing fisheries legislations, replying to calamities and also safeguarding our ports. The procurement of 25 OPCs will certainly match the capacities of the Service’s National Security Cutters, Fast Response Cutters and also Polar Security Cutters as a necessary aspect of the Department of Homeland Security’s split safety technique.
