Rolls-Royce will be providing propulsion gear for the U.S. Coast Guard’s new offshore patrol cutters, the company announced on February 28.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group, the prime contractor on the program, selected Rolls-Royce equipment for the USCG OPC fleet’s first nine vessels, with an option to add two more.
Rolls-Royce will supply the USCG OPC fleet’s controllable pitch propellers (CPP), shaft lines and Promas rudders, which offer increased propulsive efficiency and improved maneuverability. Rolls-Royce will also supply bow thrusters, steering gear, fin stabilizers and MTU marine generator sets.
“The Offshore Patrol Cutter is the U.S. Coast Guard’s largest shipbuilding program and we are extremely proud to be confirmed as a major supplier to Eastern Shipbuilding Group on a project that will transform future capability,” Sam Cameron , Rolls-Royce, senior vice president, sales & business development – naval, said. “This contract marks one of the most comprehensive Rolls-Royce systems packages ever to be selected for a coast guard vessel, and we’re looking forward to delivering and integrating our marine technology into this new and highly capable ship.”
Four EPA Tier 3 compliant MTU 12-cylinder Series 4000 (1000kW) generator sets will provide each vessel with electrical and loiter propulsion power. The units are Naval Vessel Rules (NVR) certified by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).
The new vessels will replace the USCG’s fleet of Medium Endurance Cutters, providing a capability bridge between the National Security Cutter (NSC) fleet, which is equipped with Rolls-Royce controllable pitch propellers and bow thrusters, and the Fast Response Cutter (FRC) fleet, which operates closer to shore.
The new Offshore Patrol Cutters will be built at ESG’s shipbuilding facility in Panama City, Florida. Construction will begin in 2018 with delivery of the first vessel scheduled for 2021. The US Coast Guard plans to build a total of 25 OPC ships.