What began in 1996 as a contract from the U. S. Coast Guard to Bollinger Shipyards to build one 87-foot Marine Protector Class Coastal Patrol Boat (CPB) with options, has led to the delivery of 50 of the CPB’s. Bollinger has recently delivered the USCG PETREL, the last of the 50 Coast Guard boats. Because of increased homeland security and other mission requirements, the Coast Guard has received authorization for Bollinger to build up to 13 additional CPB’s. The Marine Protector Class boats are multi-mission platforms capable of performing Search and Rescue (SAR), Law Enforcement (LE), and Fisheries Patrols, as well as drug interdiction and illegal alien interdiction duties up to 200 miles offshore.

The Bollinger built CPB’s are based on the Damen STAN 2600 design developed for the Hong Kong police. Bollinger modified the design to meet U. S. Coast Guard requirements some of which are: maximum continuous speed of 25 knots; patrol speed not less than 10 knots; maneuvering speed not greater than four knots with one engine continuously engaged; berthing for a mix of male/female crew members of 10 plus a spare berth; maximum crew comfort consistent with the operational requirements, and provisions for stores for a crew of 10 for a five day mission.

The delivered 50 patrol boats are nearly identical - 87 feet long (26.5M) long, 19 feet-four inches wide (5.92M) with a maximum draft of five feet-eight inches (1.74M). They are armed with two 50 caliber machine guns as well as small arms. The CPB’s can carry approximately 2,900 gallons (11,000L) of fuel, and approximately 400 gallons (1500L) of potable water. The boats were designed in accordance with the American Bureau of Shipping’s (ABS) Guide for Building and Classing High Speed Crafts, and are capable of towing vessels weighing up to 200 tons. One of the most important features is the ability to carry, launch and recover a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RIB) in seas up to 8 feet (2.5 meters) wave height.