The U.S. Coast Guard has officially contracted Bollinger Shipyards for the construction of 10 additional Sentinel-Class fast response cutters (FRCs), an investment amounting to $507 million. This new agreement increases the total number of FRCs being built from 67 to 77, extending the production timeline by approximately three years. The first of these new cutters is projected for delivery in 2028.
The funding for this ambitious project comes from the $25 billion One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which allocates $1 billion specifically for additional FRCs aimed at enhancing fleet modernization and global operations. The FRC program has already demonstrated significant economic impact, generating over $2 billion in material spending and supporting approximately 650 jobs in Louisiana, along with 1,690 positions across the country. Each cutter comprises an impressive array of more than 271,000 parts and 282 million components, underscoring the program’s extensive industrial reach.
Bollinger Shipyards CEO and President Ben Bordelon expressed his enthusiasm for the contract, noting, “With this award, the Coast Guard is doubling down on a proven platform and a proven team.” He highlighted the long-standing collaboration between the shipyard and the Coast Guard, boasting nearly 200 cutters built, including 60 FRCs. Bordelon emphasized that the consistent performance is a testament to the dedication and skill of Bollinger’s workforce and their shared commitment to the Coast Guard’s mission.
Rear Admiral Mike Campbell, the U.S. Coast Guard’s director of systems integration and chief acquisition officer, praised the deal as “a historic accomplishment for the service.” He remarked on the FRCs’ track record of proving their capabilities, adaptability, and effectiveness across various maritime environments and missions.
The Sentinel-class FRC was introduced in 2012 to replace the aging Island-class patrol boats. These vessels perform vital operations, including law enforcement, search and rescue, fisheries protection, and national defense. They play a crucial role in the U.S. Coast Guard’s broader modernization plan, known as Force Design 2028, which aims to bolster personnel, update assets, and improve operational efficiency.
Each Sentinel boat measures 47 meters (154 feet) in length, accommodating over 20 crew members along with a small support boat. The vessels are equipped with a 25-millimeter weapon system and multiple crew-served machine guns, enhanced by advanced sensors for surface and aerial surveillance, navigation, and identification. Powered by two robust 5,800-horsepower MTU engines and a 1,010-horsepower bow thruster, these cutters can achieve speeds exceeding 28 knots (52 kilometers/32 miles per hour).
