Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) has suspended work on its Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPCs), citing “significant financial strain” under the existing contract terms.
ESG’s President, Joey D’Isernia, said the suspension will help stabilize the company’s finances and allow it to focus on other projects.
The OPC program is critical for the U.S. Coast Guard’s future fleet, bridging the gap between its smaller Fast Response Cutters and larger National Security Cutters.
The contract cancellation and suspension could further delay the OPC program and increase overall costs, putting pressure on Coast Guard acquisition plans.