On Dec. 13, Bollinger Shipyards LLC delivered the 400'x100' ocean transport barge Holland to General Dynamics-Electric Boat’s Groton Shipyard.
The Holland will support the construction and maintenance of the U.S.’s Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines and Virginia-class fast attack submarines. General Dynamics-Electric Boat is the prime contractor on the design and build of the Columbia-class submarine, which will replace the aging Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines and is a top strategic defense priority for the U.S.
In November 2019, General Dynamics-Electric Boat selected Bollinger to build the Holland. The concept and contract design were performed by the Bristol Harbor Group in Bristol, R.I., while Bollinger performed the detail design engineering at its Lockport, La., facility and construction at the Bollinger Marine Fabrication facility in Amelia, La.
“Being able to deliver OTB Holland on time and on budget is a testament to the strength, commitment and resilience of the men and women of the Bollinger workforce, especially following the significant damage sustained to our shipyards and communities following Hurricane Ida earlier this year,” Bollinger President and CEO Ben Bordelon said in a statement announcing the delivery.
"Bristol Harbor Group is proud to be a part of the team that has designed and built this unique vessel which will play such critical role in constructing the next generation of American ballistic missile submarines. Solving the many unique design challenges involved demonstrates the world class capabilities of our naval architects and marine engineers," Daniel Eling, senior naval architect at Bristol Harbor Group said in a statement.
The Columbia-class is now being built at Electric Boat’s Quonset Point, R.I. manufacturing facility. Shipyard personnel will construct and outfit Columbia modules at Quonset Point which will then be transported by the Holland barge to the company’s final test and assembly facility in Groton. The first Columbia module is expected to arrive in Groton in 2023.
“We are happy to welcome Holland to her new home in the Groton shipyard,” said Kevin Graney, president, General Dynamics Electric Boat. “Our fellow shipbuilders at Bollinger have delivered a terrific asset, on time and on budget. Holland will play an important role in the construction of the Columbia class of submarines, which will carry nearly 70% of the nation’s nuclear arsenal.”
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