Some photos from Twitter:
Thanks to Walter for bringing this to my attention.
Progress on OPC
Chuck Hill's CG Blog
Some photos from Twitter:
Thanks to Walter for bringing this to my attention.
Chuck Hill's CG Blog 
When did Eastern Shipyard cut metal for the Keel Laying Ceremony? Last I heard in January 2021, they were still waiting to get their new Plasma Cutter from Lincoln Electric to cut their steel with…
Ok! I must have confused the Keel Cutting Ceremony of the new “Constitution” class Frigate, with that of the USCG’s OPC then…
Chuck which cutter is being shown in the pictures? Is it the cutter Argus or the cutter Chase?
The Twitter post said the pictures are of Argus and Chase, but I suspect mostly Argus, as she should be further along.
The CRS reports on Coast Guard Cutter Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress shows the updated specifications of the ESG OPC taken from “Source: Slide 11 from Coast Guard presentation at OPC Industry Day, December 11, 2019, updated December 13, 2019, accessed December 17, 2019, at https://beta.sam.gov/opp/bf0b9b0a1fe2428e9a73043259641c13/view.”
Wondering if you know of a higher definition image so a can read details/numbers, did check Google with no success, the actual image shown is only 259 x 194 pixels? Thx
You might try “Pinterest” to see if they have posted any…
Here is the whole slide presentation
https://govtribe.com/file/government-file/uscgopcindustryday-opc-industry-day-presentation-dot-pdf
@FormerDirtDart, a big thankyou 🙂
It took me about 97 seconds to find it via google.
You should try it some time
/s/
Speculation based on 2019 OPC image figures, light displacement 3,522 lt; full load displacement 4,520 lt; EOL 4,875 lt
Figures show that the estimated OPC light ships displacement quoted May 2017 was 2,640 to 2,800t but in Nov 2019 it was disclosed LD had increased to 3,522t , approx 30% growth, and as far as know no rationale has every been given to explain the increase, why was the original figure so inaccurate and way beyond what you would expect from a competent naval architect to calculate.
Second point that the displacement figures highlight is that the 4,520t full load displacement of the OPC is the same as the NSC, as the NSC is 58 feet longer with the same beam width and deeper draft would seem to suggest the OPC hull block coefficient/coefficient of fineness is much lower than the NSC due to its lower speed, as NSC capable of 28+knots expect its Cb ~0.5 whereas OPC with its max speed of only 22+knots Cb is ~ 0.75.
Lastly the Oct 2020 GAO reported that the Coast Guard authorized the start of build for the first two OPCs despite not having a stable design, a sure fire way for increased costs aside from the impact of the hurracaine. “As of May 2020, the Coast Guard used the granted relief to increase ESG’s contract ceiling price for detail design and construction of the first two OPCs by 38 percent, from $779 million to $1.07 billion. Noted – The OPC contract ceiling price includes construction, long lead time materials, and support items and services. We did not include costs associated with preliminary contract design or hull form licenses in the OPC contract ceiling price.”
As the OPC and NSC same displacement and OPC costs increased by 38%, OPC still substantially less expensive at $535 million each even including its one off detail design and presumably funding special to ship tooling and jigs than the NSC said to be averaging out at ~$670/$700 million.
PS @FormerDirtDart – Would note searched Google Images which reported no other images to be found?
Talking from the perspective of a Welder, I suspect it’s the STEEL that being used in the construction of the OPC! The Congressional CRS Report, suggests the use of a specific steel requirement, which is subject to change upon and/or on delivery availability of said steel requirements by whatever steel foundry. Also it could be that the Internal Design of the OPC may have changed since it was first proposed. Original Diesel Requirements were for MAN-Diesels, which is now changed to a variant of the MAN being produced by Fairbanks-Morse Diesels. And I don’t recall that “Arctic Patrols” being part of the OPC designed mission plan, which would require a different Steel Type to be used in its construction…
OPC is steel hull, aluminum superstructure, and while there was talk of making them ice capable initially, that requirement was apparently dropped.
Yes, but no two Steel Foundry produces the exact same steel. They’ll meet specifications requirements for the steel to be used, but steels varies as to who actually manufactured it. Considered it like a Fingerprint with no two or three actually being alike. It’s away of identify as to who produced what, should any problems as of recastings and/or welding problems come along…
NSC’s more than 150% greater HP does account for most of the speed difference. Probably at least five knots.
ESB needs to invest in a covered, climate controlled facility. This is one of the reasons that the European yards, Austal USA, and even Fincantieri/Marinette are able to crank out ships at decent production rates. Eastern produces good commercial ships, but this is going to be a real challenge for them. I sincerely hope they succeed, as we need these ships.
Keel laid for second OPC.
https://www.marinelog.com/shipyards/shipyard-news/eastern-lays-keel-for-second-opc/?utm_source=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=25483
Third has been contracted. Long Lead Time materials for the forth has been funded.
Engines ordered for OPC #4, the future USCGC Rush. This is part of the “Long Lead Time Items.”
https://www.marinelink.com/news/fairbanks-morse-power-uscgc-rush-wmsm-488632
Long lead time item for OPC#4, “Leonardo DRS to Provide Fourth Shipset of Hybrid Electric Drive Technology for Coast Guard OPCs” https://seapowermagazine.org/leonardo-drs-to-provide-fourth-shipset-of-hybrid-electric-drive-technology-for-coast-guard-opcs/
“Northrop Grumman Integrating Systems for Coast Guard’s Offshore Patrol Cutter” https://seapowermagazine.org/northrop-grumman-integrating-systems-for-coast-guards-offshore-patrol-cutter/
Can anybody say when is the USCGC Argus is suppose to be launch and delivered to the Coast Guard.
@Robert Cullison, That is a good question and no one seems to have a definitive answer, probably because all the previous answers have proven unreliable. Best current estimate seems to be delivery in FY 2023 but when in that 12 months? I have not seen any firm estimates.