Page 28: of Marine News Magazine (May 2013)

U.S. companies building patrol and combat craft aren?t happy about federal, state and city budget cuts but say they do see positive, demand-side factors. Much of their over- seas business depends on the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program. The FMS, which transfers defense equipment and services to other nations, is retrenching now, however. Here at home, states and municipalities have fewer funds, grants and matching grants to pay for patrol vessels, build- ers say. Nonetheless, patrol and combat boats remain in demand because of terrorism, crime and piracy, along with weak maritime defenses in a number of nations. BOLLINGER SHIPYARDS : IN THE THICK OF THE BATTLE Bollinger Shipyards has so far weathered federal budget cuts, delivering  ve Sentinel Class Fast Response Cutters under a sizable contract with the U.S. Coast Guard. ?As of today, our contract is for 18 units, with a potential for 34 units,? Robert Socha, Bollinger?s executive vice presi- dent for sales and marketing, said last month. The FRC contract is worth as much as $1.5 billion if all options (34 cutters) are exercised. Bollinger expects to deliver a total of four FRCs to the USCG in 2013. ?The USCG says they?re planning to acquire 58 FRCs to replace the services of the 110-foot Island Class cutter  eet that Bollinger built in the 1980?s,? Socha said. Defense budget cuts have not yet affected Bollinger?s FRC backlog. Socha said 13 FRCs remain, plus any additional awards. The Sentinel-class FRC is a new patrol boat capable of de- ploying independently to conduct missions that include port, waterways and coastal security;  shery patrols; search and rescue and national defense. With a minimum top speed of 28 knots, the ability to conduct missions on mod-Patrol And Combat Builders Fret About Budget Cuts But See Bright Spots. So far; so good.By Susan Buchanan Budget Battles Bumping Backlogs? Budget Battles Bumping Backlogs? Bollinger-built Margaret Norvell on builder?s trials off Grand Isle Louisiana. May 201328 MNMN May2013 Layout 18-31.indd 28MN May2013 Layout 18-31.indd 285/3/2013 12:53:50 PM5/3/2013 12:53:50 PM