The U.S. Coast Guard has exercised an option to award Bollinger Shipyards a contract to build two additional Sentinel-Class fast response cutters (FRCs).
As informed, both FRCs will be built at Bollinger’s Lockport, La. facility. This announcement brings the total number of FRCs awarded to Bollinger up to 67 vessels since the program’s inception. To date, the U.S. Coast Guard has commissioned 55 FRCs into operational service.
“We’re incredibly proud of our long history supporting the U.S. Coast Guard that now stretches four decades,” said Bollinger Shipyards President and CEO Ben Bordelon .
“This program isn’t just an economic benefit for our region, but a national security priority that continues to enjoy the support of a bipartisan, bicameral coalition in the United States Congress. That being said, these additional vessels allow for the continued prosperity and economic wellbeing for over 650 families in South Louisiana.”
In addition to the construction of the FRC, Bollinger is contracted to build the polar security cutter (PSC) for the U.S. Coast Guard, the towing, salvage and rescue ship (T-ATS), the auxiliary personnel lighter (APL), the newest oceanographic survey ship (T-AGS 67) and the mine countermeasures unmanned surface vessels (MCM USV) for the U.S. Navy.
The company also supports the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine program by building various platforms for General Dynamics-Electric Boat.
Recently, the firm held a keel-laying ceremony for U.S. Navy’s 10th Navajo-class T-ATS.