WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 11, 2016) – When the first of the United States Coast Guard’s new Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPC) puts to sea in 2021, it will be powered by diesel propulsion engines manufactured in Beloit, Wisconsin, by Fairbanks Morse, an EnPro Industries company (NYSE: NPO).
The Offshore Patrol Cutter will “provide a critical capability bridge” between the National Security Cutter which patrols the open ocean, and the Fast Response Cutter which serves closer to shore, according to the Coast Guard. The cutters operate independently or in task groups to conduct search and rescue, law enforcement, homeland security and defense missions.
Each 360 foot-long vessel will be powered by two FM-MAN 16V 28/33D diesel engines, each rated at 9763 bhp at 1000 rpm. This is a proven engine design with a long and successful record in maritime applications.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group of Panama City, Florida, has been selected to build the new vessel, with an additional eight vessels to follow. Ultimately, the Coast Guard plans to order 25 of the OPCs to replace its aging fleet of Medium Endurance Cutters, making this the largest vessel procurement order in the Coast Guard’s history.
“We are proud to have delivered reliable engines for propulsion and shipboard power to the United States Armed Forces for more than 90 years,” said Fairbanks Morse President Marvin Riley. “We’re grateful for this newest opportunity to supply the United States Coast Guard with high quality engines for the most extreme conditions.”
“Eastern Shipbuilding has earned a reputation for delivering its vessels on-time and on-budget,” Riley said, “and we are delighted to partner with them, for the first time, in support of the Coast Guard’s mission.”
About Fairbanks Morse Engine
Fairbanks Morse is the critical power solutions expert – a strategic partner and a trusted source for application-specific, fuel-flexible power systems that deliver optimal performance in mission critical applications. These applications include power generation -- base load and standby power plants, and emergency back-up power for nuclear plants; and ship propulsion and shipboard power for the United States Navy and Coast Guard and commercial vessels. Fairbanks Morse reliable engine drive solutions also can be found in a wide range of municipal, institutional and industrial applications. More information is available at www.fairbanksmorse.com.
About EnPro Industries, Inc. (NYSE:NPO)
EnPro Industries, Inc. is a leader in sealing products, metal polymer and filament wound bearings, components and service for reciprocating compressors, diesel and dual-fuel engines and other engineered products for use in critical applications by industries worldwide. For more information about EnPro, visit www.enproindustries.com