Birdon shows off new Alabama shipyard

Shipbuilder Birdon Group has provided an update on planned improvements at its shipyard in Bayou La Batre, Alabama (pictured), which is the production site for the U.S. Coast Guard Waterways Commerce Cutter (WCC) programme.

Birdon has secured a $1.187 billion contract to design and build 27 new vessels for the U.S. Coast Guard, while the US Marine Corps has also selected Birdon‘s advanced Heavy Landing Craft – H260 design to be part of a test and evaluation exercise.

Birdon considered potential design partners for WCC during the early phases of the programme, however, all design work is being performed in-house by Birdon to keep the programme on schedule and reduce technical risk.

Birdon is planning significant capital investments and improvements, including investing more than $27 million to create a premier Tier 2 shipyard.

These strategic investments aim to develop a modern shipyard capable of delivering high-quality, on-schedule, complex and multi-mission vessels.

The investment has yielded a USCG certification for docking, repairing and relaunching vessels up to 589 long tons, and the awarding of a Small Shipyard Grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) for the purchase of an Automated Welding System (AWS).

CEO Jamie Bruce said “Birdon is committed to delivering the highest quality vessels and providing its employees with modern tools, equipment, and buildings to enable them to perform their skilled trades efficiently and safely.

“Our investments reflect that commitment, and we look forward to opening our new purpose-built onsite facilities in the coming months.”

Further reading:
Birdon buys US shipyard to expand defence operations
Birdon Group vessel selected for US Marine Corps tests

Picture: Birdon Group