The GBS Group awarded USCG contract for 27 Ship Navigation & Steering Control Modernization
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (November, 2017)
(Virginia Beach, VA) – The US Coast Guard has awarded The GBS Group a prime contract to design, test, and install a replacement Navigation & Steering Control system for their 210 ft. and 270 ft. Medium Endurance Cutters (WMEC) located across the United States. The contract is valued at over $7 million if all options are awarded through the project end in 2021.
“GBS is proud to receive such a complex Navigation & Steering Control contractaward from the USCG” said Bob Golden, CEO. “These vessels perform vital mission work in harsh environments. The Coast Guard demands the highest performing vessel Navigation & Steering control systems to assure the safety of their crews and those in need of rescue and support. We are pleased to be selected as the prime design & systems integration contractor for the USCG.”
The detailed contract requires The GBS Group to design, specify, test and install new navigation and steering control
systems (to include auto-pilot, integrated with existing gyroscope functions) to maintain, at a minimum, current operational
capabilities. The contract requires the complete replacement of the steering system hydraulic power units (HPU), hydraulic
control valves, and associated hydraulic control lines.
The steering control system shall interface with the existing mechanical steering gear and provide redundant (port and
starboard) functionality and an independent emergency mode of steering. The auto-pilot functionality shall
interface with the existing gyrocompass for calculation of heading error and generation of rudder commands
to maintain desired heading. The steering alarm functionality shall monitor redundant (port and starboard)
control power, motor operational status, hydraulic pump operational status, hydraulic oil and temperature
levels, and hydraulic filter status. For both cutter classes, the steering control system components will
utilize existing electrical power circuits (440VAC/60Hz and 115VAC/60Hz) as much as practical. Steering
control system components will be designed with physical dimensions to fit into existing component
locations to minimize interferences and bulkhead/foundation modifications.
GBS will also provide engineering services and a complete prototype solution at GBS Headquarters in Virginia Beach, VA. GBS will provide full performance verification
and validation along with principal systems supplier Sperry Marine Systems, Inc. GBS will provide all materials and supplies for eventual shipboard installation and, under options, provide continued technical service and logistics support for newly installed steering control systems.
POC: Mr. Seth Heinrich, VP, Marine Services Division