US Navy Expands Uncrewed Minehunting Fleet with New Bollinger Contract

The U.S. Navy is taking a significant step forward in modernizing its mine countermeasure capabilities by awarding Bollinger Shipyards a $65.7 million contract modification. This contract will further the production of the Navy’s cutting-edge Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface Vehicles (MCM USVs), marking a continued commitment to integrating autonomous technology into naval operations.

A Strategic Investment in Uncrewed Technology

The latest contract from the Department of Defense covers both engineering updates and the construction of additional uncrewed minehunting vessels. These MCM USVs are specifically designed to operate in dangerous, mine-laden waters without putting sailors at risk. This approach aligns with the Navy’s ongoing strategy to phase out manned minehunting methods and replace them with advanced autonomous systems.

Production under the new contract will be carried out at several U.S. locations, including Lockport, Louisiana; Portsmouth, Virginia; Columbus, Indiana; and Slidell, Louisiana. The project is being managed by the Naval Sea Systems Command, based in Washington, D.C., with completion expected by September 2028. Funding for this initiative comes from the Navy’s Fiscal 2024 and 2025 procurement budget, totaling over $65 million.

Bollinger’s Role and Technological Advancements

Bollinger Shipyards, headquartered in Lockport, Louisiana, has been at the forefront of building uncrewed surface vessels for the Navy. Earlier this year, the company delivered the first three MCM USVs to the Navy, marking the service’s initial full-rate production of autonomous surface vessels. These deliveries highlight the Navy’s evolving strategy to reduce human involvement in mine countermeasure missions while enhancing safety and efficiency.

Ben Bordelon, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, expressed pride in delivering these first production units, emphasizing the company’s dedication to equipping the Navy with advanced, next-generation capabilities. The successful handover of these vessels underlines Bollinger’s technical expertise and commitment to supporting the Navy’s modernization efforts.

Replacing Aging Systems with Autonomous Solutions

The MCM USVs are set to replace the aging fleet of manned MCM-1 Avenger-class ships and MH-53E helicopters, both of which have been integral to mine countermeasures for decades. The uncrewed vessels are designed to take on minehunting, minesweeping, and mine neutralization tasks, using Payload Delivery Systems (PDSs) to deploy both current and future mine warfare payloads.

By adopting these uncrewed technologies, the Navy aims to maintain its mine countermeasure capabilities while reducing the risk to personnel and streamlining operations. The integration of MCM USVs into the fleet is expected to enhance the Navy’s ability to operate safely and efficiently in mine-infested waters.

As the Navy continues to modernize its approach to mine warfare, the partnership with Bollinger Shipyards demonstrates a clear commitment to leveraging autonomous technology for safer and more effective naval operations. With the new contract secured, the production and deployment of these uncrewed minehunters will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the future of naval mine countermeasures.