Lopolight has been awarded the contract to supply navigation light systems for the Austal-built U.S. Coast Guard’s offshore patrol cutter (OPC) program.
The navigation light system meets military-spec requirements for shock (901), vibration (167), power (1399), and EMC (461), making Lopolight the only LED navigation light provider to meet these standards, a Lopolight press release said. The system features ice-class defrosters, dimmable NVG-compatible lights, and a low radar cross-section, key elements for military-grade operations.
According to Lopolight CEO Jan Moeller, the contract resulted from close collaboration between the Coast Guard, Austal USA, and Lopolight’s partner, NSN-Solutions. "Successfully upgrading the vessel specifications with the latest generation of LED navigation lights involved extensive testing to meet military standards, including shock, vibration, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), along with existing commercial certifications," Moeller said.
"The U.S. Coast Guard recognizes the advantages of LED navigation lights over older legacy systems," Moeller said. "We look forward to continuing our partnership with the USCG to enhance maritime safety and operational efficiency."
The OPC program is part of the Coast Guard’s fleet modernization efforts. In July 2022, Austal USA was awarded a contract to design and build up to 11 Heritage-class OPCs. The first vessel has been contracted, with options for 10 additional ships. Construction is set to take place at Austal’s new $100 million steel shipbuilding facility in Mobile, Ala.
The 360’x54’ OPCs will serve as a bridge between the National Security Cutters, which operate in open ocean, and the smaller Fast Response Cutters used for nearshore missions. Designed for a variety of operations, including law enforcement, drug and migrant interdiction, and search and rescue, the OPCs boast a range of 10,200 nautical miles at 14 knots and can operate for up to 60 days without resupply.
