US Coast Guard orders new heavy water boats

October 1, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

The US Coast Guard has awarded an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to Rozema Boat Works for the delivery of up to six second-generation special-purpose craft – heavy weather boats (SPC-HWX II).

As informed, these next-generation vessels are designed to perform a wide range of coast guard missions in extreme weather and challenging surf conditions that exceed the capabilities of other boats, such as search and rescue; disabled vessel towing; and law enforcement and ports, waterways, and coastal security missions.

Measuring 19.5 meters in length, the SPC-HWX II will feature self-righting capability and be capable of operating in 10.7-meter seas, 7.6-meter surf, and winds up to 111 kilometers per hour. Powered by twin 1,200-horsepower diesel engines, it will reach speeds of 37 kilometers per hour, tow up to 300 tons, and operate up to 241 kilometers offshore.

With accommodation for a relief crew, the SPC-HWX II will have an endurance up to 48 hours, a critical feature for long-range heavy-weather operations.

The total potential value of the contract is $70.9 million and the first SPC-HWX II is anticipated to be completed in fiscal year 2027. The SPC-HWX II will replace the first generation of special-purpose craft – heavy weather boats, which entered service in the 1950s and 1960s.

These vessels were retired in 2021 due to increasing maintenance challenges. Like their predecessors, the SPC-HWX IIs will serve in the Pacific Northwest.

Meanwhile, the coast guard is also moving forward with the acquisition of the new waterways commerce cutter (WCC) class, designed to replace the legacy fleet of inland tenders.

The service has ordered production of the first river buoy tender (WLR) and long lead time material (LLTM) for the second inland construction tender (WLIC), with construction to take place at Birdon America’s shipyard in Bayou La Batre, Alabama.

In addition, the US Coast Guard has placed an order for three sets of LLTM to support future production. The total value of the production and LLTM orders is approximately $110 million.

These cutters are uniquely equipped to drive and remove piles, erect towers, and perform major structural modifications. Construction of the first WLIC, ordered in June 2025, is expected to be completed in 2027.

The WCCs will replace the legacy inland tender fleet, which has an average vessel age of nearly 60 years, including ships still in service at 81 years old.

Modernizing this fleet is expected to bolster the US Coast Guard’s capacity to control, secure and defend US ports and waterways.