Birdon has received a $14.7-million order for materials to construct the first two vessels under the US Coast Guard’s Waterways Commerce Cutters (WCC) program.
The WCC is an effort to replace the service’s aging River Buoy Tender (WLR), Inland Buoy Tender (WLI), and Inland Construction Tender (WLIC) vessels operational since the 1940s with up to 30 new ships starting in 2025.
Missions covered by the WCC systems include navigational aid, repairs, maintenance, search and rescue, and environmental protection across “marine highways,” ports, and coasts.
For the contract, Birdon will supply “long lead time” capabilities required to begin the production of the first WLR and WLI.
The assembly will build on the initial $1.1-billion contract accepted by the company in 2022 for the design and construction of the cutters.
“Birdon’s approach to the WCC contract is driven by our commitment to meeting the needs of the Coast Guard, delivering consistent quality and value, and minimizing risk,” Birdon America President Rob Scott stated.
“Birdon’s commitment means we own every challenge, take responsibility for implementing a solution, and we never make it someone else’s problem to fix – and that commitment is why we are going to be able to start construction on the first WCC vessels early next year.”
“We look forward to this exciting next phase.”
Birdon noted in its press release that the company signed subcontracts with additional industry partners to support the WCC’s design, development, manufacturing, and delivery.
The company’s primary subcontractors include Bollinger Shipyards and Incat Crowther.
Waterways Commerce Cutters
The WCC will be produced based on the US Coast Guard’s standard cutter specifications at more than 65 feet (19.8 meters) in length.
The WLR will be constructed at 180 feet (54.8 meters) long, the WLI at 120 feet (36.5 meters), and the WLIC at 160 feet (48.7 meters).
Depending on the variant, the cutters will have a maximum endurance of 11 days and a top speed of 11 knots (20.3 kilometers/12.6 miles per hour).
Each ship will have accommodations for approximately 17 personnel.
