VT Halter Marine, Inc. (VT Halter Marine), a subsidiary of VT Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), yesterday announced its partnership agreement with DCNS to submit a proposal to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the design and construction of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC).
VT Halter Marine will be the prime contractor and DCNS will be its exclusive subcontractor for the OPC platform design.
“ VT Halter Marine is very pleased with the partnership agreement we have with DCNS. We are positive that the innovative OPC design proposed by VT Halter Marine and DCNS will be the most suitable and cost effective solution for the U.S. Coast Guard .” said Bill SKINNER, Chief Executive Officer, VT Halter Marine.
“ This agreement reflects DCNS’ commitment to a long-term partnership with VT Halter Marine in order to provide the U.S. Coast Guard with a capable and cost effective solution .” said Pierre LEGROS, SVP Surface Ships & Naval Systems, DCNS.
USCG stated in its Request for Proposal for the OPC released on September 25, 2012, that it anticipates to acquire as many as 25 OPCs to replace an aging fleet of 28 Medium Endurance Cutters consisting of 14 Reliance class cutters (210ft/64m) built between 1964 and 1969, 13 Famous class cutters (270ft/82m) built between 1983 and 1991, and one Alex Haley class cutter (282ft/86m) built in 1964.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff,October 03, 2012; Image: USCG