Eastern Shipbuilding Group has been awarded a contract by the United States Coast Guard to begin construction on the fourth Heritage Class offshore patrol cutter (OPC), which will be known as the USCGC RUSH when completed (WMSM 918).
The offshore patrol cutter will serve as the backbone of the service's future fleet, which will be stationed all over the globe.
Developed in partnership with its partners, Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) produced the winning design for the offshore patrol cutter, which was awarded detailed design and construction of the first hulls in 2016. It is anticipated that the new offshore patrol cutter designs would eventually replace the service's 270-foot and 210-foot medium endurance cutters, which have become increasingly costly to maintain and operate.
The offshore patrol cutter will serve as the backbone of the service's future fleet, which will be stationed all over the globe.
Developed in partnership with its partners, Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) produced the winning design for the offshore patrol cutter, which was awarded detailed design and construction of the first hulls in 2016. It is anticipated that the new offshore patrol cutter designs would eventually replace the service's 270-foot and 210-foot medium endurance cutters, which have become increasingly costly to maintain and operate.
"This follow-on award signifies the OPC team and our partners continue to provide quality craftsmanship and unparalleled service. We have a focused vision to support the OPC Program with shipbuilding excellence and provide the country with a long-term industrial capability that can produce exceptional vessels that support national security interests,” said Joey D’Isernia, President of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc.
Currently, Eastern Shipbuilding Group is on schedule to christen the first vessel this year, is over halfway through construction of the second vessel, and will hold the keel authentication of the third OPC in a few weeks. According to ESG, the rate of production increases with each new vessel that is brought online.
Construction is taking place at ESG's Nelson Street Shipyard in Panama City, Florida, a facility that has been designed specifically for the multi-hull construction of the Offshore Patrol Cutter and is devoted to serving the United States Coast Guard's offshore patrol mission.
Construction is taking place at ESG's Nelson Street Shipyard in Panama City, Florida, a facility that has been designed specifically for the multi-hull construction of the Offshore Patrol Cutter and is devoted to serving the United States Coast Guard's offshore patrol mission.
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