US shipbuilder Bollinger Shipyards has begun contract negotiations with the US Coast Guard for the construction of at least ten additional fast response cutters (FRCs).
As informed, the contract is supported by the historic $25 billion investment included in the recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill, the largest single commitment of funding in the history of the US Coast Guard. The new law includes $1 billion for the acquisition of additional FRCs.
“This historic investment marks a new era for the Coast Guard,” said Coast Guard Acting Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday on the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill.
“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.”
The FRC is an operational “game changer,” according to senior Coast Guard officials. FRCs are consistently being deployed in support of the full range of missions within the United States Coast Guard and other branches.
The vessels boast a length of almost 47 meters, have a flank speed of 28 knots, and feature a C4ISR suite (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance), and a stern launch and recovery ramp for an interceptor cutter boat.
To date, Bollinger has delivered 60 FRCs and is under contract to build a total of 67 FRCs, with the final vessel scheduled for delivery in 2027. This critical $1 billion investment will allow the total to increase to at least 77 vessels and ensure the continuation of the program for another 3 years beyond the current contract.
In March this year, the shipyard delivered the 59th fast response cutter (FRC), Earl Cunningham.
In addition to the construction of the FRC, Bollinger is currently building the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) for the US Coast Guard, 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 US Navy.
In May 2025, the company received approval from the US Coast Guard to begin full production activities on the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program.