Each cutter will be powered by two mtu 20V 4000 M93L engines, each producing 4,300 kilowatts, or 5,766 horsepower. The engines are expected to enable speeds of more than 28 knots.
Bollinger Shipyards in Lockport, Louisiana, received the construction contract for the additional vessels. Rolls-Royce said the programme will sustain around 650 jobs in Lockport and support a broader industrial network across multiple U.S. states.
Bollinger has already delivered 61 fast response cutters equipped with the same mtu engines. The original contract covered up to 58 vessels, with final deliveries scheduled for 2028.
Contract extensions have increased the total number of cutters to 77 and are expected to extend the production line by around three years. The new vessels are intended to support modernisation of the Coast Guard’s fleet.
Rolls-Royce said the additional cutters will complement the service’s wider fleet of security vessels. The company said the ships will support a more agile and responsive maritime force.
The mtu 20V 4000 M93L engines are designed for demanding marine applications. Rolls-Royce said the systems offer high power density, compact design and improved fuel efficiency.
The company said the engines will help extend operational range and mission duration while maintaining high-speed performance. Rolls-Royce will also provide long-term maintenance and service support.
Scott Hanson, Vice President of Governmental Sales North America for Rolls-Royce Power Systems, said: “We are proud that our longtime customer Bollinger has placed its trust in us and our mtu engines for the extension of the USCG FRC program, which supports jobs across the U.S., including at Rolls-Royce.”
“Together, we have delivered the proven performance and reliability that enables the Coast Guard to achieve its mission, supported by an experienced maintenance and service team,” Hanson added. “We look forward to continuing to support our national security with these additional vessels.”
Fast Response Cutters have been operating in the Coast Guard fleet since 2012. They are used for missions including law enforcement, search and rescue, fisheries protection and national defence.
