Bollinger Shipyards, Inc., Lockport, La., has been awarded a $5.1
million contract from the U.S. Navy to modify three Patrol Coastal ships (PC) of the Cyclone Class. The company has an option on a fourth PC, which would bring the total contract value to $6.7 million.
The modifications are designed to enhance PC operations in littoral waters as well as in deep, "blue water" activities with Navy fleets. The most obvious change will be a nine-ft. extension at the stern of each 170 ft. vessel, which will include a Combat Craft Retrieval System (CCRS) or an angled ramp and two doors for the launch and recovery of special warfare boats up to 32 ft. long while underway.
Other changes will include structural modifications in the boats' engine rooms. No changes are required for the shafts, propellers and rudders.
The first vessel, Shamal, is scheduled to arrive in early December, and the other two boats, Zephyr and Hurricane, will follow later. Each conversion will take approximately three months. Contract completion is planned for June 2000.