Bollinger Shipyards, Lockport, La., has entered contract negotiations with the Coast Guard to build at least 10 additional fast response cutters (FRCs), the company announced Monday.
The recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill, which allocates $25 billion in total to support modernization of the Coast Guard under its Force Design 2028 initiative, includes $1 billion for new FRCs.
The new cutters would extend the FRC program through 2030 and sustain production at Bollinger’s Lockport facility, preserving more than 650 shipbuilding jobs and supporting a national supply chain of over 950 companies across 37 states, according to the shipbuilder.
“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.”
Bollinger has delivered 60 Sentinel-class FRCs since being awarded a contract for the first vessel in 2008. Seven more are scheduled to be delivered through 2027. The new funding is expected to increase the total to at least 77, allowing the company to maintain production continuity for at least three additional years, it said.
Earlier this year, Bollinger announced it would proceed “at-risk,” investing in long-lead materials and continuing payroll without a signed contract to preserve its skilled workforce and reduce future costs.
Gov. Jeff Landry, R-La., praised the development, stating, “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.”
The design for the 154'x26' Sentinel-class cutters is largely based on the Damen Stan 4708 patrol vessels from Damen Shipyards Group, Gorinchem, Netherlands. FRCs are equipped with advanced C4ISR systems, have a flank speed of 28 knots, and feature stern launch capability for 26' interceptor boats. The cutters are deployed worldwide and have operated as far as the Marshall Islands, over 4,000 nautical miles from their homeports.
Bollinger, which has 13 facilities located throughout Louisiana and Mississippi, is also building the polar security cutter for the Coast Guard; the towing, salvage and rescue ship; auxiliary personnel lighter, oceanographic survey ship, and mine countermeasures unmanned surface vessels for the Navy; and three Regional-class research vessels for the National Science Foundation through Oregon State University. The company also supports the ballistic missile submarine program by supplying auxiliary vessels for General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, Conn.
