Bollinger Negotiates For 10 More Cutters
Bollinger Shipyards announced July 28 that it has begun contract negotiations with the U.S. Coast Guard for the construction of at least 10 additional Fast Response Cutters (FRCs).
The “One Big Beautiful Bill” passed by Congress includes $1 billion for additional FRCs as part of its $25 billion for the Coast Guard.
Continuing the FRC program will support 650 skilled men and women who build the cutters at Bollinger’s shipyard in Lockport, La., as well as thousands of employees from more than 950 suppliers in 37 states, according to the shipyard.
“This moment reinforces what we’ve known all along. When you invest in American workers, you get results,” said Ben Bordelon, president and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. “Our incredible workforce has delivered over 180 cutters, including 60 FRCs, in our more than 40-year partnership with the Coast Guard—many of those vessels delivered on time, on budget and with zero production discrepancies. That kind of performance doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of dedication, precision and pride in the mission.”
Acting Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday said the funding is a historic investment that marks a new era for the Coast Guard.
“It reflects the strong support of the American people and empowers us to restore our service and prepare for the challenges of today and tomorrow,” he said.
To date, Bollinger has delivered 60 FRCs and is under contract to build a total of 67, with the final vessel scheduled for delivery in 2027. The additional $1 billion investment will allow the total to increase to at least 77 vessels and will allow the program to continue three years beyond the current contract, the shipyard estimates.
Bollinger originally planned to wind down the production line this year as FRC 67 is currently under construction. However, Bordelon authorized the company to continue the work, protecting workforce continuity and maintaining production momentum. Bollinger began procuring long-lead materials and sustained full payroll, which the company said would help to keep future costs low and efficiencies high, enabling the government to further stretch its investment.
“For nearly 80 years, Bollinger has set the gold standard in American shipbuilding, delivering some of the most advanced vessels in the world for the U.S. government and commercial maritime sector, all right here in south Louisiana,” Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said. “This isn’t just a win for our economy. It’s a win for Louisiana, our workers and our role in defending America’s strength. I applaud President Trump for his leadership and for signing this Big Beautiful Bill that supports American shipbuilding. I’d also like to thank Speaker Johnson, Leader Scalise, and the entire delegation for their work.”
The FRC program has an annual economic impact on gross domestic product (GDP) of $202 million, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) on the economic importance of the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry. Bollinger sources more than 271,000 different items for the FRC, consisting of 282 million components and parts from 965 suppliers in 37 states.
In addition to the construction of the FRC, Bollinger is currently building the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) for the Coast Guard and the Towing, Salvage and Rescue Ship (T-ATS), the Auxiliary Personnel Lighter (APL), the newest oceanographic survey ship (T-AGS 67) and the Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface Vessels (MCM USV) for the U.S. Navy. Bollinger is also building three Regional Class Research Vessels (RCRV) for the National Science Foundation through Oregon State University. Bollinger also supports the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine program by building various auxiliary vessels for General Dynamics-Electric Boat.
