Deal won’t save Amelia jobs, though

With the possibility of layoffs beginning in January, Bollinger Shipyards recently scored a $141 million contract through the United States Coast Guard (USCG). The deal will include the production of three Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutters (FRC).

According to USCG’s Web site, the patrol boats will be 153 feet long, armed with remotely-operated 25 millimeter chain guns and four crew-served .50 caliber machine guns.

They will also be able to perform independently for a minimum of five days at sea and travel for 2,500 hours per year.

FRCs will be used for law enforcement, marine environmental protection, port and waterway security, as well as other Coast Guard duties.

The Associated Press reported that Sen. Landrieu helped secure the funding, which was part of a Homeland Security Appropriations Bill approved by the Senate in October.

“These critical vessels will be created in Louisiana, at the front lines of our homeland security efforts. Providing the necessary upgrades to the ships’ technological systems and construction is necessary to continue promoting the goals of the Coast Guard and ensuring the safety of our country,” she said.

The AP also said “the Coast Guard plans to build 58 Sentinel-class FRCs to replace the aging 110-foot Island-class patrol boat fleet.” Under the current contract between USCG and Bollinger, the Coast Guard can opt to buy 34 patrol boats valued at over $1.6 billion.

In a press release issued on Dec. 18, Chris Bollinger, Executive Vice President of New Construction for Bollinger Shipyards said, “We are very pleased with this award and very proud to continue to build patrol boats for the Coast Guard.

“This is really a tribute to our design team and our shipyard workers who have proven themselves to be the best. These new cutters will provide the Coast Guard with more capability than the Coast Guard has ever had, and they need the best to perform their missions”, he added.

While the new contract has produced positive notes for the Bollinger in Lockport, it will not have an impact on future job losses at the Amelia location – Bollinger Marine Fabricators. Nearly 190 employees were notified of the possibility of being laid off.

Robert Socha, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Bollinger, said there is still a lack of opportunities for new construction due to decreased demand for oil and “a perceived oversupply” of products Bollinger is building at it’s Amelia location.

Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutters will soon be providing a much-needed boost to the local shipbuilding industry. * Photo courtesy of TERREBONNE PORT