Babcock wins OPC design support contract
Babcock International will provide platform engineering design support for the design and construction phases of the US Coast Guard's Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) class vessels, the company announced on 21 March.
Babcock will deliver services as part of Team Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG), including delivering a whole ship 3D model, selected systems and production support as part of the new design work, supporting detailed modelling, production outputs and the detailed design of auxiliary systems, structure, outfit and electrical systems. Elements of the work will be subcontracted to VARD.
The first cutter is set to enter production in late 2018, and will be complete by 2021. Up to eight follow-on ships are included in the coast guard's initial order.
The OPCs will be 110m length, with 4,000 tonnes displacement. They will have a range of 10,200 nautical miles, and will carry a helicopter, boats and unmanned systems. Each OPC will feature a flight deck, weapons and command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Helsing unveils new AI-enabled uncrewed underwater glider]()
Helsing unveils new AI-enabled uncrewed underwater glider
The glider, named SG-1 Fathom, has been designed to be scalable and affordable, and can be deployed for up to three months at a time, according to Helsing.
-
![Singapore to upgrade Super Rapid 76mm guns with Strales system]()
Singapore to upgrade Super Rapid 76mm guns with Strales system
A total of 28 active surface ships will receive the upgrades to their weaponry to help them combat the growing threat from UAVs.
-
![Will the US be able to make its shipbuilding industry “great again”?]()
Will the US be able to make its shipbuilding industry “great again”?
The White House and Congress have been increasing efforts to support the national maritime industry.
-
![Euroatlas brings Greyshark AUV to Asia for its maiden visit]()
Euroatlas brings Greyshark AUV to Asia for its maiden visit
Euroatlas displayed its Greyshark autonomous underwater vehicle outside Europe for the first time, highlighting variant specifications and development progress at IMDEX 2025.
