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The U.S. Coast Guard?s well-publicized, although clearly awed recapitalization campaign is alive and well. Spurred by the need to replace as many as 25 medium endurance cutters, the nation?s primary homeland security provider on the water has domestic shipbuilders queuing up to design and build its next generation vessel ? the so-called offshore patrol cutter (OPC). At least three shipyards can be considered serious candidates for the rst installment, but only one ? to date ? has succeeded in generating genuine excitement with an innovative design proposal. According to Matt von Ruden, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Captain and Program Manager at Vigor Shipyards, the Coast Guard has been talking to industry about the OPC for some time. von Ruden retired as Director of Fleet Maintenance for Coast Guard Maintenance & Logistics Command Paci c in Oakland CA in 2009 and eventually brought his experience to Vigor Shipyards. As the Program Manager for OPC, he has led Vigor?s pursuit of the $8B, 15 year vessel construction contract since 2010. He told MarineNews in September, ?Given the importance of this recapitalization effort, they (the Coast Guard) really are taking a low risk approach.? Vigor began discussions with the Coast Guard in late 2008. Out of those discussions came four unique, key metrics for the OPC concept. These include: Endurance on the order of 8,500 to 9,500 miles range; Excellent seakeeping essential to all missions; Affordability ? they need to replace as many as 25 hulls; and A low risk approach embracing proven hull forms and technology. The OPC Race: The OPC Race: Vigor is Vigor is ?In it to Win it? ?In it to Win it? The OPC Race: The OPC Race: Vigor is Vigor is ?In it to Win it? ?In it to Win it? Vigor Shipyard?s unique entry into the ongoing U.S. Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vigor Shipyard?s unique entry into the ongoing U.S. Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Cutter Competition turns heads now, but ultimately may change how we look at Cutter Competition turns heads now, but ultimately may change how we look at Homeland Security on the water ? for good. Homeland Security on the water ? for good. By Joseph Keefe, Editor October 201234 MNMNOct2012 Layout 32-49.indd 34MNOct2012 Layout 32-49.indd 3410/2/2012 9:55:18 AM10/2/2012 9:55:18 AM
