At the 2024 International WorkBoat Show, Birdon is showcasing its work to build a Tier 3 shipyard in South Alabama – part of the shipbuilder’s efforts to deliver on its $1.187 billion contract to design and build 27 Waterways Commerce Cutters (WCC) for the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). Birdon will also showcase its innovative C5i (Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence) integrated systems center, which is co-located with its WCC design office in New Orleans.
“We’re committed to being a key partner in strengthening America’s maritime capabilities,” said Birdon CEO Jamie Bruce. “We’re making major investments to create a leading-edge shipyard on the Gulf Coast that will enable us to successfully deliver on the WCC contract. These investments will also provide capacity for future programs.”
In March 2024, Birdon purchased the former Metal Shark shipyard in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and has begun investing more than $37 million to create a premier Tier 3 shipyard. Upgrades include new fabrication and assembly facilities ; a state-of-the-art Automated Welding System; blast and paint facilities and a 500-foot dock expansion to increase capacity to dock and deliver vessels. The shipyard recently received upgraded USCG certification for docking, repairing, and relaunching any USCG vessel up to 589 long tons.
“Our upgrades and expansion of the shipyard will deliver important economic benefits to the Gulf Coast region,” said Tim Curtis, Birdon’s WCC Program Manager. “These investments in facilities and people will turn the shipyard into a vital hub for shipbuilding and marine innovation, further enhancing the region’s maritime capabilities and ability to compete for future contracts.”
Curtis added that 150 new jobs will be created over the next one to two years, along with significant opportunities for local businesses and subcontractors to partner with Birdon.
Birdon’s WCC contract includes two separate but related vessel designs: the River Buoy Tender (WLR) and the Inland Construction Tender (WLIC). Both vessels are complex, modern, and designed to commercial and military standards, providing a significant technology and capability upgrade over the current fleet of aging Inland Tenders. Construction will be completed over the next 10 years following an 18-month design finalization period.
All WCC design and engineering activities are being performed in-house at Birdon by a team led by Ship Design Director Spencer Johnson. This world-class group excels in naval architecture and marine engineering, providing turn-key solutions from concept to completion. Birdon’s expertise in structural engineering, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, and advanced manufacturing ensures the delivery of cutting-edge projects for the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army, and U.S. Navy.
“Our work on the WCC and investments along the Gulf Coast highlight Birdon’s commitment to being a leader in maritime technology and innovation,” Johnson said.
A key element of Birdon’s WCC design is the integration of C5i capabilities. C5i combines navigation, interior and exterior communications, video, enterprise IT, alarm, safety and warning in a single communications system. Birdon is developing this scalable, cost-effective technology to enable the WCC vessels to navigate and complete their vital missions.
“C5i represents the cutting edge of maritime technology,” said C5i Manager Paul Rogers. “Developing our expertise in providing simple, customizable C5i solutions will help us deliver advanced, operationally superior vessels to the U.S. Coast Guard – and positions us to provide this technology for future programs as well.”
Established in 1977, Birdon is a family-owned company that has built a strong track record of strengthening the capabilities of major defense programs in the United States, Australia, and key global allies.
Birdon’s work in the U.S. began in 2009 after the U.S. Army awarded the company a contract for nearly 500 Bridge Erection Boats (BEBs). The company now has five U.S. facilities dedicated to designing, manufacturing, maintaining, and upgrading operationally superior vessels for the U.S. military.
Housed in the Denver facility, Birdon is currently delivering BEBs to the U.S. Army, Australian Army, Swedish Army, Brazilian Army, and Netherlands Army. From its facilities in Bellingham, WA, and Portland, CT, Birdon is delivering on the Motor Lifeboat (MLB) Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) for the USCG, refurbishing and upgrading up to 117 47’ Motor Lifeboats. Additionally, Birdon’s advanced Heavy Landing Craft – H260 design was recently selected by the U.S. Marine Corps for test and evaluation.
