Birdon America Inc. has been awarded a US$1.187 billion ($1.6 billion) contract to design and build 27 Waterways Commerce Cutters (WCC) for the US Coast Guard (USCG).
Having responded to the first Request for Proposal (RFP) in July 2021, Birdon has since invested in full tank testing and preliminary design approval from the American Bureau of Shipping.
The WCC contract is comprised of two separate but related vessel designs: the River Buoy Tender (WLR) and the Inland Construction Tender (WLIC). The new cutter design is expected to provide up to 11 days of accommodation and habitability for up to 19 crew members. 27 vessels will be constructed within a 10 year period commencing with an 18 month design finalisation period.
The WCC vessels maintain and protect the United States’ intra-coastal and inland marine transportation system. This system spreads over 12,000 miles of commercially active inland waterways through which 630 million tons of cargo moves annually, accounting for more than US$5.4 trillion annually and 30.7 million jobs.
To support the safe and efficient flow of economic activity along these rivers, lakes, intercoastal waterways and harbours, WCCs establish and maintain over 28,200 inland Federal Aids to Navigation (ATON). Additional missions include search and rescue (SAR), marine safety, marine environmental protection, and ports, waterways, and coastal security.
Bollinger Shipyards (Bollinger) and Incat Crowther will be key subcontractors to Birdon.
Bollinger has a long history building vessels for the USCG, delivering 174 vessels in the last three decades. Bollinger will subcontract to Birdon for production of the bare hulls. All of Birdon’s production activities will take place in Lockport, Louisiana.
Birdon has an existing contract for the 47’ Motor Lifeboat Service Life Extension Program with the US Coast Guard.
“We are confident that we represent a low risk, high-performing, and long-term partner for the Coast Guard on the WCC Program. Birdon, and our partners Bollinger and Incat Crowther, look forward to continuing our successful relationship with the Coast Guard for years to come," Birdon CEO, Jamie Bruce, said.