Eastern Shipbuilding gets OPC program contract mods
Written by Marine Log StaffIn an action valued at $356.5 million, the Coast Guard last month modified its contract with Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG), giving the Panama City, Fla., shipyard the go ahead to begin construction of the third offshore patrol cutter (OPC) and to acquire long lead-time material (LLTM) for the fourth OPC.
Contract delivery of the third OPC, to be named Ingham, is scheduled to occur in 2024. In addition to ordering the construction and supporting deliverables for the third OPC, this contracting action also covers the initial order of long lead-time components and materials necessary to support the future construction of the fourth OPC by acquiring propeller and steering components, marine diesel engines, the ship integrated control system, switchboards and generators.
The lead and second OPCs are currently in production at ESG’s Panama City yard. Contract delivery of the lead OPC, Argus, is scheduled for 2022. Contract delivery of the second OPC, Chase, is scheduled for 2023.
After ESG was hard hit by Hurricane Michael in 2018, with direction from the Department of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard subsequently modified its contract to limit ESG’s current production to a maximum of four OPCs. The service is pursuing a full and open competition for Stage 2 design and construction of up to 11 OPCs and anticipates awarding a follow-on contract in early 2022.