Eastern awarded OPC Long Lead Time Material contract

SEPTEMBER 18, 2017 – Panama City, FL, based Eastern Shipbuilding reports that it was awarded a U.S. Coast Guard Long Lead Time Material (LLTM) contract for the first Offshore Patrol Cutter USCGC Argus (WMSM 915) on September 7. According to the Coast Guard the total value of the award is $41.68 million

Eastern says that the award allows it to move forward on an aggressive schedule on the project and includes main propulsion, machinery control, electrical and mechanical equipment orders that need to be placed in advance of award of the construction contract for the ship, which is planned to occur in late summer of 2018, with delivery of the OPC set for August 2021.

The LLTM award included development and approval of the design specifications that are used to purchase the LLTM. This includes meeting both the USCG requirements and all of the American Bureau of Shipping Naval Vessel Rules. The OPC is the first USCG vessel ever constructed to meet these very specific vessel classification requirements.

“The award of the Long Lead Time Material contract for the first OPC is a major milestone for ESG and the USCG,” said Eastern’s President, Joey D’Isernia. “The fact that it was achieved on schedule and within budget underscores that this program is healthy and remains on track. Our team is excited about achieving this milestone and is eager to start production of USCGC Argus next summer following award of the construction contract.”

The OPC vessel is designed to conduct multiple missions in support of maritime security and border protection. It provide a capability bridge between the National Security Cutter, which patrols the open ocean in the most demanding maritime environments, and the Fast Response Cutter, which serves closer to shore.

The OPC design includes capability of carrying an MH-60R or MH-65 Helicopter and three operational Over-The-Horizon (OTH) small boats. The vessel also includes a highly sophisticated combat system and C4ISR suite.

OPC Characteristics:

• Length: 360 feet
• Beam: 54 feet Draft: 17 feet
• Sustained Speed: greater than 22 knots
• Range: greater than 8,500 nautical miles at 14 knots
• Endurance: 60-days