Sept. 30, 2025 —
Artistic rendering courtesy of Rozema Boat Works Inc.
The Coast Guard awarded an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract on Sept. 29 to Rozema Boat Works Inc. of Mount Vernon, Washington to acquire up to six second-generation special-purpose craft – heavy weather (SPC-HWX II) boats. The total potential value of the contract is $70.9 million and the first SPC-HWX II is anticipated to be completed in fiscal year 2027.
The SPC-HWX II will replace the 52-foot heavy weather boats, which entered service in the 1950s and 1960s. These vessels were retired in 2021 due to increasing maintenance challenges. Like their predecessors, the SPC-HWX IIs will be homeported in the Pacific Northwest. These next-generation vessels are designed to perform a wide range of Coast Guard missions in extreme weather and challenging surf conditions that exceed the capabilities of other boats. In addition to executing search and rescue, disabled vessel towing, law enforcement and ports, waterways and coastal security missions, the SPC-HWX II will also be capable of supporting drug and alien interdiction, environmental response and other maritime security operations.
Measuring 64 feet in length, the SPC-HWX II will feature self-righting capability and capable of operating in 35-foot seas, 25-foot surf and winds up to 60 knots. Powered by twin 1,200-horsepower diesel engines, it will reach speeds of 20 knots, tow up to 300 tons and operate up to 150 miles offshore. With accommodation for a relief crew, the SPC-HWX II will have an endurance up to 48 hours, a critical feature for long-range heavy-weather missions.
For more information: Boat Acquisition Program