Rolls-Royce wins USCG OPC propulsion contract
Rolls-Royce will deliver propulsion equipment for the US Coast Guard's Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPCs) under a contract with the Eastern Shipbuilding Group, the company announced on 28 February.
The company will supply equipment for the fleet's first nine vessels under the contract, with an option to add two more.
Rolls-Royce will supply controllable pitch propellers, shaft lines and Promas rudders, bow thrusters, steering gear, fin stabilisers and MTU marine generator sets. The four EPA Tier 3 compliant MTU 12-cylinder Series 4000 (1000kW) generator sets will provide each vessel with electrical and loiter propulsion power.
The new vessels will replace the USCG's fleet of Medium Endurance Cutters, providing a capability bridge between the National Security Cutter fleet and the Fast Response Cutter fleet. Construction of the OPCs will begin in 2018 with delivery of the first vessel scheduled for 2021.
Sam Cameron, senior vice president, sales and business development, Rolls-Royce, said: 'The OPC is the US Coast Guard's largest shipbuilding programme and we are extremely proud to be confirmed as a major supplier to Eastern Shipbuilding Group on a project that will transform future capability.
'This contract marks one of the most comprehensive Rolls-Royce systems packages ever to be selected for a coast guard vessel, and we're looking forward to delivering and integrating our marine technology into this new and highly capable ship.'
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Advances in USV technology help develop tomorrow’s hybrid fleet]()
Advances in USV technology help develop tomorrow’s hybrid fleet
As services like the Royal Navy and US Navy aim to develop hybrid fleets to reduce reliance on and dangers to crewed vessels, L3Harris, Metal Shark and Red Cat step forward.
-
![South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch]()
South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch
Hanwha Ocean’s Jang Yeong-sil is the Republic of Korea Navy’s first 3,600t submarine and is the first of three boats in the military’s KSS-III programme.
-
![ST Engineering Marine expands capacity, seeks regional partners for growth]()
ST Engineering Marine expands capacity, seeks regional partners for growth
The company could be looking to collaborate with other Asian nations as well as countries further afield as it pushes ahead with its shipyard expansion plans.
-
![AUKUS update: Australian sovereignty is “paramount” as Trump declares “full steam ahead”]()
AUKUS update: Australian sovereignty is “paramount” as Trump declares “full steam ahead”
AUKUS has been under the spotlight this week as US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had their first face-to-face meeting.
-
![US Navy acquires additional Most Aggressive Features for Virginia-class submarines]()
US Navy acquires additional Most Aggressive Features for Virginia-class submarines
A follow-on contract awarded to Collins covers the supply of up to eight MAFs to be delivered from 2027.
