On April 30, the U.S. Coast Guard received an approval from the Department of Homeland Security that allows shipbuilder Birdon America Inc. to begin low-rate initial production for the waterways commerce cutter (WCC) program.
According to the Coast Guard, the production decision entails the first eight hulls of the 180' river buoy tender (WLR) and 160' inland construction tender (WLIC) – WCC variants that are being acquired under a single contract due to significant design and systems commonality.
The Coast Guard plans to acquire 16 WLRs and 11 WLICs to replace its aging inland tender fleet, which plays a critical role in maintaining the nation’s marine transportation system — supporting over $5.4 trillion in annual commerce and 30 million jobs.
In October 2022, Birdon America was awarded a $1.187 billion contract to design and build the 27 vessels. To support the program, the company acquired Metal Shark's shipyard in Bayou La Batre, Ala., and is investinting $37 million to expand and modernize the facility.
Deliveries of both the lead WLR and WLIC are planned to occur in fiscal year 2027, the Coast Guard said.
A third WCC variant, the 120' inland buoy tender (WLI), will be acquired under a separate contract.
The Coast Guard has said that the new tenders will have greater endurance, speed, and deck load capacity than their predecessors. The three cutter variants — each of which will be self-propelled, monohull vessels — will also feature improved habitability.
