Pascagoula, Miss., October 1, 2012 – VT Halter Marine, Inc. (VT Halter Marine), a subsidiary of VT Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), today announced its partnership agreement with DCNS to submit a proposal to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the design and construction of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC). VT Halter Marine will be the prime contractor and DCNS will be its exclusive subcontractor for the OPC platform design.
USCG stated in its Request for Proposal for the OPC released on September 25, 2012, that it anticipates to acquire as many as 25 OPCs to replace an aging fleet of 28 Medium Endurance Cutters consisting of 14 Reliance class cutters (210ft/64m) built between 1964 and 1969, 13 Famous class cutters (270ft/82m) built between 1983 and 1991, and one Alex Haley class cutter (282ft/86m) built in 1964.
“VT Halter Marine is very pleased with the partnership agreement we have with DCNS. We are positive that the innovative OPC design proposed by VT Halter Marine and DCNS will be the most suitable and cost effective solution for the U.S. Coast Guard.”
~ Bill SKINNER Chief Executive Officer, VT Halter Marine
“This agreement reflects DCNS’ commitment to a long-term partnership with VT Halter Marine in order to provide the U.S. Coast Guard with a capable and cost effective solution.”
~ Pierre LEGROS SVP Surface Ships & Naval Systems, DCNS
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DCNS believes that the sea is this planet’s future. DCNS is inventing high-tech solutions to sustainably secure and develop its potential. DCNS is a world leader in naval defence and an innovative player in energy. The Group’s success as an advanced technology company with global reach is built on meetingcustomer needs by deploying exceptional know-how and unique industrial resources. DCNS designs, builds and supports submarines and surface combatants. It also proposes services for naval shipyards and bases. Last but not least, DCNS offers a range of solutions in civil nuclear engineering and marine renewable energy. DCNS is committed to sustainable development and was one of the first defence contractors to win Group-wide certification to ISO 14001. In recognition of the success achieved by its DCNS Develops Talent knowledge sharing programme, DCNS was awarded the National award for corporate citizenship under the patronage of the Speaker of the French Senate. The Group employs 13,000 people and generates annual revenues of €2.6 billion.
VT Halter Marine is the marine operations of VT Systems. Based in Pascagoula, Miss., it is a leader in the design and construction of medium-sized ships in the United States. VT Halter Marine designs, builds and repairs a wide variety of ocean-going vessels such as patrol vessels, oil recovery vessels, oil cargo vessels, ferries, logistic support vessels and survey vessels. Please visit www.vthaltermarine.com
VT Systems is an engineering company providing integrated solutions to the commercial and government markets in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors. VT Systems’ innovative solutions, products and services include aircraft maintenance, repair and modification; software solutions in training and simulation; satellite-based IP communications technology; network solutions that integrate data, voice and video; rugged computers and computer peripheral equipment; specialized truck bodies and trailers; weapons and munitions systems; road construction equipment; and ship design and shipbuilding. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., VT Systems operates globally and is a wholly owned subsidiary of ST Engineering. Please visit www.vt-systems.com
Media Contacts
Leslie Rose
Corporate Communications
VT Halter Marine
Phone: (1) 228 696 6860
Fax: (1) 228 696 6899
Email: corporatecommunications@vthaltermarine.com
Edward Szeto
Manager, Corporate Communications
VT Systems
Phone: (1) 703 739 2610
Fax: (1) 703 739 2611
Email: eszeto@vt-systems.com
Emmanuel Gaudez
DCNS
Phone: +33 (0)1 40 59 55 69
Fax: +33 (0)6 61 97 36 63
Email: emmanuel.gaudez@dcnsgroup.com