The following is the text of a press release issued by Bollinger Shipyards Inc.:
(LOCKPORT, La.) — Bollinger Shipyards, Inc. was notified today by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) that Bollinger has been selected to design and construct up to 34 Fast Response Cutters “Sentinel” Class (FRC) for the Coast Guard. The FRC, a new generation of USCG patrol boats, is a replacement for the Coast Guard ISLAND Class cutters that Bollinger built almost a quarter century ago.
Bollinger CEO and Chairman of the Board, Donald “Boysie” Bollinger, said, “I am very pleased with this award. It will mean so much for our employees.” Bollinger went on to say that the program, which is expected to last for approximately ten years, could result in the construction of 34 Coast Guard cutters that will provide employment for approximately 500 people in the Bollinger organization.
The FRC contract was competed nationally with many of the major shipyards vying for the award. The winning Bollinger design is based on a parent craft concept using a modern hull form that was originally developed by Damen Shipyards in the Netherlands. “We have had an excellent relationship with Damen for the last ten years.” said Bollinger. We are currently completing another contract for the USCG, Marine Protector Class Patrol Boats, with the 75th patrol boat being delivered next year. That hull design was also based on a successful Damen design.” Bollinger said that he believes the contract will bring a half billion dollars worth of business to maritime suppliers.
The Bollinger FRC measures 153’-5” x 25’-5” x 8’5” and is powered by two (2) TIER II diesel engines rated at 5760 Brake Horsepower. The vessel will accommodate a crew of twenty-two for up to five days at sea. The cutter’s missions will include search and rescue, drug and illegal migrant interdiction, homeland security and maritime defense. It will have a top speed over 28 knots. Operational capabilities and crew comfort are features that have been designed into the cutter. It has an extensive electronics suite to provide command and control along with sophisticated communications systems.
The first cutter will be delivered two years from today to its homeport in Miami, Florida. “The design standards of the Coast Guard are very demanding, but then again so are their missions.” Bollinger said. At the peak of production Bollinger will be delivering a new cutter every eight weeks.
Bollinger has provided a service to the USCG building patrol boats now going on 25 years. During this time Bollinger has built 124 patrol craft for the USCG, addressing the ever challenging missions that the Coast Guard has been assigned. The Coast Guard’s stated mission is to protect the public, the environment, and the United States economic and security interests in any maritime region in which those interests may be at risk, including international waters and America’s coasts, ports, and inland waterways. The USCG has continued to meet and exceed these expectations through the use of resources including their knowledgeable staff and leadership. Bollinger and the USCG continue to strive to exceed the past accomplishments with the announcement of this new Fast Response Cutter “Sentinel” Class that will take the USCG into the future to maintain the safety and security of our nation. “The Coast Guard does so much for our country. They need the best equipment they can get and they need it quickly. We are extremely proud to be selected to build the newest class of Coast Guard Cutters”, said Bollinger.
Bollinger Shipyards, Inc. (www.bollingershipyards.com) is a leading designer and builder of fast military patrol boats, ocean-going double hull barges, offshore oil field support vessels, tug boats, rigs, liftboats, inland waterways push boats and other steel and aluminum products from its three new construction shipyards. Bollinger has 13 shipyards and all are strategically located between New Orleans and Houston with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi River and the Intracoastal Waterway. Bollinger is the largest vessel repair company in the Gulf of Mexico region with a total of 40 dry-docks in Louisiana and Texas.
