Kongsberg Maritime wins contract to supply propulsion systems
![Kongsberg Maritime will supply its Promas propulsion system to the next four U.S. Coast Guard OPC Heritage Class vessels under a new contract with Austal USA. [Photo © 2026 Kongsberg Maritime]](https://assets.hiwars.com/assets/73c4a7dd-d44f-4aa7-8c5f-fbe6cf996d29.jpg)
Kongsberg Maritime will supply its Promas propulsion system to the next four U.S. Coast Guard OPC Heritage Class vessels under a new contract with Austal USA. [Photo © 2026 Kongsberg Maritime]
Oslo, Norway, 6 May 2026 – Kongsberg Maritime has won a contract with Austal USA to supply its Promas propulsion system to the next four ships in the United States Coast Guard’s Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) Heritage Class program.
The Coast Guard’s new OPC program represents a significant investment in maritime capability and is expected to run up to 25 ships. The new vessels will replace the Coast Guard’s medium endurance cutters and meet the need for long-term offshore capability to maintain current and future mission effectiveness.
Promas combines rudder and controllable pitch propeller into one propulsion system which optimises the hydrodynamic properties of the ship and delivers increased efficiency and thrust while using less energy. For the OPC, as well as twin Promas, Kongsberg Maritime is contracted to supply steering gear, rudders, fin stabilisers and tunnel thrusters.
Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, CEO Kongsberg Maritime, said: “We’re delighted to have been selected to supply four shipsets of our efficient and effective propulsion system suited to the challenging and varied operations of these new ships.
“Our Promas systems typically deliver efficiency savings of around 6%, so vessels are able to extend their range, something which can be crucial on longer missions.
“We’re looking forward to working with the Coast Guard and Austal USA on delivering these highly capable ships and continuing our proud history of supplying mission critical technology to United States Coast Guard programs.”
The OPC vessels will be able to provide long range patrol capability. At 360 feet long, they will have a displacement of 3,700 long tons, maximum speed of 22.2 knots, and a range of 9,050 nautical miles at 14 knots
Content preview only. Full article available at source. View Full Article
Kongsberg Maritime secured a contract to supply its Promas propulsion system for four U.S. Coast Guard OPC Heritage Class vessels on 6 May 2026. This contract includes additional equipment such as steering gear and rudders, enhancing the vessels' operational capabilities. The new ships will replace medium endurance cutters and are designed for long-range patrols.
- Kongsberg Maritime won a contract with Austal USA to supply propulsion systems for U.S. Coast Guard vessels.
- The contract involves four ships in the OPC Heritage Class program.
- The Promas system combines rudder and controllable pitch propeller for increased efficiency.
- The OPC vessels will have a maximum speed of 22.2 knots and a range of 9,050 nautical miles.