
The Coast Guard on Thursday evening said it has awarded shipbuilder Austal USA a potential $3.3 billion contract for the detailed design and construction under Stage 2 of the offshore patrol cutter (OPC) program, allowing for up to 11 ships to be acquired. The initial award is valued at $208.3 million and covers detail design and long-lead material funding for the fifth OPC, which will be the first built by Alabama-based Austal USA. The first four OPCs are being built…