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Unspoken in all of that is the choppy memory of the deÞ ciencies that eventually doomed eight 123- foot Coast Guard patrol boats almost Þ ve years ago. Early into the so-called Deepwater Recapitalization plan, those failures led the Coast Guard to alter course and pursue only proven hull technology and designs for future projects. The Sentinel class design and build strategy, now underway on the Gulf Coast using a Damen designed hull, is a perfect example of this metric. Now, VigorÕs introduction of the Ulstein X-BOW design hull Ð in service on 43 different platforms in a variety of workboat roles already Ð arguably raises the bar even further and potentially adds another foreign- designed hull to the Coast GuardÕs domestic arsenal. VigorÕs startling and early release of their design concept surprised some observers, but company ofÞ cials wanted people to get used to the idea that such a revolutionary design could work for the Coast Guard. ÒItÕs different and we wanted to put it out there early to let it sink in and let people understand the facets of it. We want people to be comfortable with it Ð it is not a high risk concept. ItÕs a great Þ t, actually, for the Coast GuardÕs requirements,Ó von Ruden adds. Without a doubt, and if it eventually comes to fruition, VigorÕs introduction of the Ulstein X-Bow is destined to change the perception of what a U.S. Coast Guard cutter should look like Ð and more importantly, why. THE JOURNEY Released in June of 2011, the Coast Guard is quickly coming to the end of the Draft RFP portion of the bidding process. A Þ nal RFP is expected at the end of September, with proposals from competing yards probably coming in January. From that list of entries, the Coast Guard will winnow the Þ eld down to no more than three shipyards to enter phase one, which is a preliminary 18 month contract and design effort. According to VigorÕs von Ruden, shipyards will either have to pair up with a designer or theyÕll need to have organic capability. He adds, ÒThatÕs part of the Coast guardÕs low risk approach. The Coast Guard needs to know that the vessel can be built affordably, with high quality and delivered on time. During this time, there will be program and design reviews, and close involvement by the Coast Guard. MN 35www.marinelink.com MNOct2012 Layout 32-49.indd 35MNOct2012 Layout 32-49.indd 3510/2/2012 9:56:22 AM10/2/2012 9:56:22 AM
