MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — Austal USA has a contract from the U.S. Coast Guard to build a second Offshore Patrol Cutter.
According to a release from Austal USA, the $273 million option is part of a contract that includes options for up to 11 ships, potentially worth $3.3 billion. Construction will begin this week on the second cutter.
“The exercise of this option is a strong sign of the successful partnership between the Coast Guard and our shipbuilding team on the OPC program,” Austal USA President Michelle Kruger said. “This award is an important step in moving into serial production and delivering this critical capability. It is a testament to the capabilities of our talented shipbuilders at Austal USA.”
Construction on the first cutter, Pickering, began last summer, with components under construction in Austal USA’s steel assembly line…