The U.S. Coast Guard on Tuesday announced it has awarded a contract worth up to $70.9 million to Rozema Boat Works Inc., Mount Vernon, Wash., for the construction of up to six second-generation special-purpose craft – heavy weather (SPC-HWX II) vessels.
The indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract was finalized on Sept. 29. The first SPC-HWX II is expected to be delivered in fiscal year 2027.
The new 64' vessels will replace the Coast Guard’s first-generation 52' SPC-HWX boats, which were built in the 1950s and 1960s and retired in 2021 due to escalating maintenance issues. Like their predecessors, the SPC-HWX II boats will be based in the Pacific Northwest.
Designed to operate in extreme conditions, the SPC-HWX II will support a range of Coast Guard missions, including search and rescue, towing, law enforcement, and coastal security operations. The vessels will feature self-righting capability and be able to operate in seas up to 35', surf up to 25', and winds up to 60 knots.
Powered by twin 1,200-hp diesel engines, the boats will reach speeds of 20 knots and be capable of towing up to 300 tons. With accommodations for a relief crew, each vessel will have an operational endurance of up to 48 hours and a range of 150 miles offshore.
