Bollinger Shipyards has successfully delivered the first three mine countermeasures unmanned surface vehicles (MCM USVs) to the US Navy, marking a significant milestone in a contract established in 2022. These initial platforms were constructed at the company’s facility located in Lockport, Louisiana, as part of a broader initiative that aims to produce a total of nine drone boats, with an option for up to 18 additional systems contingent upon the Navy’s operational requirements.
Designed to conduct autonomous missions such as minehunting, minesweeping, and mine neutralization, these unmanned vessels represent a modern advancement in naval warfare technology. Traditionally, such missions have been executed by the navy’s MCM-1 or Avenger-class ships, introduced in the 1980s, alongside the MH-53E Sea Dragon anti-mine helicopters that have also been in service for several decades.
Ben Bordelon, CEO and President of Bollinger Shipyards, expressed pride in delivering the MCM USVs to the US Navy, noting that the milestone underscores the company’s capability to produce complex, next-generation solutions tailored to the evolving demands of naval forces. He emphasized the importance of these unmanned systems in reducing risks associated with mine-related operations, as they can execute missions without putting crew members in harm’s way.
One of the standout features of the MCM USVs is their built-in multiple payload delivery systems, which allow them to carry and deploy both current and future anti-mine technologies during operations. This adaptability promises to enhance the Navy’s operational effectiveness in addressing maritime threats.
The recent delivery follows a contract awarded to Bollinger in February, which focuses on supplying tested materials for live autonomous mine countermeasures operations. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to enhance the US Navy’s anti-mine capabilities, particularly for its littoral combat ship fleets. The aim is to secure critical maritime regions and ensure the safety of global shipping lanes, showcasing the Navy’s commitment to modernizing its fleet in response to contemporary naval challenges.
