Kongsberg to Provide Promas Propulsion Systems for New U.S. Coast Guard Vessels

Austal USA has commissioned Kongsberg Maritime (KONGSBERG) to supply its Promas propulsion system for the latest vessel in the United States Coast Guard's new Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) Heritage Class program.

The initial contract involves supplying Kongsberg Maritime equipment for the fifth ship, the Coast Guard Cutter Pickering, which will be constructed by Austal USA at their yard in Mobile, Alabama.

These new vessels will replace the Coast Guard's medium endurance cutters and fulfill the need for long-term offshore capability.

Promas systems typically yield efficiency savings of around 6%, allowing vessels to extend their range—an essential advantage for longer missions.

The Promas system integrates rudder and controllable pitch propeller into one propulsion system, optimizing the ship's hydrodynamic properties to deliver increased efficiency and thrust while consuming less energy.

In addition to twin Promas systems, Kongsberg Maritime is contracted to supply steering gear, rudders, fin stabilizers, and tunnel thrusters for the OPC.