The U.S. Coast Guard has launched a new logistics support initiative aimed at keeping cutters on station longer by using commercially operated vessels to deliver supplies, equipment, and personnel directly to assets underway.
Under the new program, called Homeland Security Cutter-Ocean (HSC-Ocean), the Coast Guard awarded a contract to Bordelon Marine,Houma, La., to provide a commercial offshore support vessel for operations in the Caribbean, Gulf, and other maritime areas across the Western Hemisphere.
The vessel will serve as a mobile logistics platform, transporting mission-critical cargo and personnel to Coast Guard cutters operating far from homeport. The goal is to reduce the need for cutters to leave patrol areas for resupply, improving operational endurance and mission availability.
Bordelon Marine has assigned the Connor Bordelon, a Jones Act-compliant ultra-light intervention vessel built in 2013 by Bordelon Marine Shipbuilders, to support the effort. The 257'x52'x18' DP2 vessel is classed ABS A1, AMS, +DPS-2, ACCU, USCG Load Line, CRC and HELIDECK, and is designed for offshore support operations requiring high maneuverability and station-keeping capability, the Coast Guard said.
The vessel draws 12.5' when light and 15' when fully loaded. Accommodations include 60 berths across 20 staterooms, with 24 heads and showers. Its 6,300-sq.-ft. main deck includes a 140'x45' working area rated for 1,080 lbs. per sq. ft., supporting cargo, equipment staging, and logistics operations.
A SMST 2600-series active heave-compensated crane provides heavy-lift capability, with a 60-ton static payload capacity and lifting capacity rated 23 tons at 3,000 meters on single fall.
Ship's power comes from six Cummins generators: two QSK38 Tier 3 units rated at 1,044 kW each, two QSK38 Tier 2 units rated at 1,044 kW each, and two QSK19 Tier 2 units rated at 563 kW each, for total installed power of 5,120 kW. An emergency Cummins 6TA8 generator rated at 170 kW provides backup power.
Propulsion includes two Schottel azimuthing thrusters delivering a combined 4,400 hp, supported by two bow thrusters rated at 975 hp each. The vessel carries approximately 122,000 gals. of diesel fuel, 69,126 gals. of potable water, 6,190 gals. of lube oil, and 3,394 gals. of hydraulic oil.
According to the Coast Guard, the HSC-Ocean initiative is intended to strengthen fleet readiness by using leased commercial assets to supplement existing logistics capabilities. The service said the program will provide a rapid and flexible way to support high-demand, multi-mission cutters, including the Fast Response Cutter fleet.
By transferring supplies and personnel directly to cutters while underway, the support vessel is expected to help Coast Guard crews remain focused on missions such as border security, maritime interdiction, and law enforcement operations.
“As demands on the Coast Guard continue to grow, we must find innovative ways to sustain our fleet and keep our crews focused on the mission,” said Vice Adm. Nate Moore, deputy commandant for operations. “Homeland Security Cutter-Ocean will help us deliver critical supplies and personnel more efficiently while increasing the endurance and effectiveness of our operational forces.”
Under the contract, Bordelon Marine will provide a fully crewed commercial vessel operated by civilian mariners, while embarked Coast Guard personnel will oversee logistics coordination and mission support. Bordelon will be responsible for vessel operations and maintenance.
The Coast Guard said the initiative will also serve as a test case for future logistics and sustainment models, helping the service evaluate new approaches for supporting cutters operating in remote or high-demand areas.
