Kongsberg Maritime has agreed a deal with U.S. shipbuilder Austal to supply the propulsion systems for four new Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPCs) for the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
Under the terms of the newly announced agreement with Austal USA, four Heritage-class OPCs will feature Kongsberg Maritime’s Promas propulsion system.
The Promas system combines a rudder and a variable-pitch propeller into one system, optimising thrust and minimising energy loss. As per a Kongsberg press statement, the ships will also be fitted with associated steering gear, fin stabilisers and tunnel thrusters.
CEO of Kongsberg Maritime Lisa Edvardsen Haugan commented: “We’re delighted to have been selected to supply four shipsets of our efficient and effective propulsion system suited to the challenging and varied operations of these new ships.
“Our Promas systems typically deliver efficiency savings of around 6%, so vessels are able to extend their range, something which can be crucial on longer missions.
“We’re looking forward to working with the Coast Guard and Austal USA on delivering these highly-capable ships.”
The USCG is expected to eventually acquire up to 25 of the new 110-metre OPCs, which displace about 3,750 tonnes, have an estimated range in excess of 9,000 nautical miles, and are capable of sailing at more than 22 knots.
- You can read more details on the Kongsberg Maritime website