Kent Wa Facility News

Smaller boatyards carve out a profitable niche in this challenging, yet target rich maritime environment. For Kvichak and USMI; so far, so good. The May edition of MarineNews brought analysis of possible downstream consequences of the U.S. federal government’s ongoing austerity measures, especially where it could impact U.S. boatbuilders with backlogs tied to government funding. Susan Buchanan’s “Budget Battles Bumping Backlogs” piece brought out the good, bad and potentially ugly realities of the new normal in Washington, DC, where lawmakers tussle over spending priorities, while also leaving various casualties in their messy wake. The August announcement that the U.S.

Marinette Marine Corporation a Fincantieri Company contracted to build an additional 4 Response Boats – Medium (RB-Ms) by the U.S. Coast Guard. With an approximate value of $9,400,000, the new boats are part of a multi-year, Coast Guard contract requiring the construction and delivery of up to 250 RB-Ms at a total contract value of up to $600 million. Delivery of the 4 boats is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2014. This brings the total number of boats under Contract to 170. Marinette Marine builds 50% of the boats at its ACE facility in Green Bay WI.

Under the Radar and also the higher profile Fast Response (FRC) and National Security Cutter (NSC) acquisitions is the U.S. Coast Guard’s effort to replace and upgrade its fleet of smaller response workboats. The building programs involve big money and substantial innovation. But, for all the progress being made, the failure of the federal government to come to a budget deal for the coming fiscal year could also put the brakes on some of the most innovative programs that the Coast Guard has ever embarked upon. In the meantime, it is full speed ahead with a three-pronged small boat program that could eventually involve as many as 650 vessels. The effort to recapitalize the Coast Guard never ends.

Marinette Marine Corporation a Fincantieri Company, announced that, as the Prime Contractor and Program Manager, it has been awarded an additional 30 Response Boats – Medium (RB-Ms) by the U.S. Coast Guard. With an approximate value of $63.6m, the new boats are part of a multi-year, Coast Guard contract requiring the construction and delivery of up to 250 RB-Ms at a total contract value of up to $600m. Delivery of the 30 boats is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2011. This brings the total number of boats under Contract to 97. Marinette Marine will build 50% of the boats at its ACE facility in Green Bay WI. MMC’s Teaming Partner, Kvichak Marine Industries of Seattle, will build the other 50% of the boats at its Kent WA facility.