Bollinger Shipyards delivers first three autonomous mine-hunting vessels to U.S. Navy

Built at Bollinger’s Lockport facility in Louisiana, the MCM USVs are designed to carry out minehunting, minesweeping, and mine neutralisation missions. These high-risk operations were previously performed by manned MCM-1 class ships and MH-53E helicopters, both of which are being phased out.

The autonomous nature of the MCM USVs reduces risk to sailors by removing the need for personnel onboard during missions in potentially mined waters. Each vessel is equipped with multiple Payload Delivery Systems (PDSs), including dedicated systems for sweeping, hunting, and future neutralisation capabilities.

Ben Bordelon, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, said the delivery is a major achievement for both the company and the Navy. “Bollinger is proud to deliver the first three full-rate production MCM USVs to the U.S. Navy,” he stated. “This milestone demonstrates Bollinger’s ability to deliver highly complex, next-generation capabilities that meet the evolving needs of our naval forces.”

To date, Bollinger has been contracted to build nine vessels under the programme, with the possibility of up to 18 additional units. The project underlines the shipyard’s growing role in supporting advanced naval technologies and the future of unmanned maritime defence.