BATH, Maine, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Phase I design work for a new U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Program is to be conducted by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in a $21.4 million contract.
General Dynamics Bath Iron Works said it is one of three shipyards chosen from a field of eight competitors for the Offshore Patrol Cutter program. Its team consists of L-3 Communications of New York and Navantia, S.A. of Spain.
"Our experienced engineering and design team will now focus on developing a preliminary OPC design that meets or exceeds our customer's requirements," said Bath Iron Works President Fred Harris. "We will also continue our yard-wide actions to ensure we can build these ships affordably, safely and on – or ahead of – schedule."
The first phase of the design program is 18 months. Upon its completion a second team will be chosen by the Coast Guard to develop Phase II detail design and build the first nine to 11 ships of a planned 25-ship class.
The OPC is to replace the Coast Guard's aging fleet of Medium Endurance Cutters.
