Mobile-based Austal USA has received a contract option award from the U.S. Coast Guard for the construction of the second Stage 2 Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) and acquisition of long-lead-time material to support construction of a third Stage 2 OPC. The $273-million option is part of a contract that includes options for up to 11 OPCs with a potential value of $3.3 billion.
“The exercise of this option is a strong sign of the successful partnership between the Coast Guard and our shipbuilding team on the OPC program,” commented Austal USA President Michelle Kruger. “This award is an important step in moving into serial production and delivering this critical capability. It is a testament to the capabilities of our talented shipbuilders at Austal USA.”
Austal USA began building the company’s first OPC, Pickering, last summer. All of Pickering’s steel modules are under construction in Austal USA’s steel assembly line. Construction on the second cutter will begin this week.