New Electric Davit Tech Boosts US Coast Guard Cutter Capabilities

BELOIT, Wis. – April 20, 2026 – A critical piece of technology for the U.S. Coast Guard’s next-generation Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPC) has passed a major milestone, promising to enhance the fleet's ability to conduct missions in the most demanding maritime conditions. Welin Lambie, a Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD) company, announced its TWPIV 5.0E all-electric, dual-point davit system successfully completed its First Article Test. The rigorous trial, witnessed by representatives from shipbuilder Austal USA and the U.S. Coast Guard, was completed a full day ahead of its four-day schedule, validating the system's readiness for the OPC Stage 2 program.

This achievement confirms the davit system can safely and reliably launch and recover the Coast Guard’s small boats, a fundamental capability for nearly all of its offshore missions. The system is designed to perform in elevated sea states, a key requirement for the new cutters.

“This is an incredibly proud moment for Fairbanks Morse Defense and Welin Lambie. The fact that we successfully completed the test a day ahead of schedule gives us confidence that we are closing the gap to solve one of the Coast Guard’s toughest operational challenges,” said Ben Dunscombe, Managing Director at Welin Lambie. “The TWPIV 5.0E will allow the USCG to increase its operating envelope and ensure OPC Stage 2 cutters can perform their mission across a wider range of maritime conditions.”

A Technological Leap from Hydraulics to Electric

The successful test marks a significant technological transition from traditional hydraulic systems to an all-electric architecture. For decades, hydraulic davits have been the standard, but they come with inherent complexities, including the risk of fluid leaks, extensive maintenance schedules, and a susceptibility to performance degradation in extreme temperatures. The move to an all-electric system addresses these challenges directly.

Electric davits, like the TWPIV 5.0E, offer a streamlined and more sustainable solution. By eliminating hydraulic fluids and complex piping, they significantly reduce environmental risks and simplify shipboard maintenance, a critical factor in maximizing a vessel's operational availability. This allows Coast Guard crews to spend less time on repairs and more time executing their missions.

At the heart of the TWPIV 5.0E is an advanced, software-integrated control system that manages high-torque electric winches. A key feature is its synchronized dual-point lifting mechanism, which maintains constant tension on the winch wires throughout the launch and recovery sequence. This stability is crucial for ensuring the safety of the boat and crew, especially in rough seas. The system boasts a Safe Working Load (SWL) of 5,000 kg (approximately 11,000 lbs.), providing ample power to handle the Coast Guard’s Over-the-Horizon small boats. This new davit is a natural evolution of technology, building upon the mission-proven electrical drive architecture Welin Lambie developed for the U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program and serving as an electric successor to the TWPIV 5.0B davit currently in service on the Coast Guard's Medium Endurance Cutters.

Extending the Reach of Coast Guard Operations

The phrase “increased operating envelope” translates into a tangible enhancement of the Coast Guard's ability to save lives, enforce laws, and protect national interests. The OPC program is the Coast Guard’s top acquisition priority, designed to replace a fleet of aging medium endurance cutters that are becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to maintain. These new 360-foot Heritage-class cutters will form the backbone of the offshore fleet, bridging the capability gap between the large National Security Cutters and the smaller Fast Response Cutters.

By enabling small boat launches in higher sea states, the new davit system directly impacts the effectiveness of critical missions. During search and rescue operations, the ability to deploy a boat in rough weather can be the difference between life and death. For law enforcement and interdiction missions, it means boarding teams can be dispatched to intercept smugglers even when conditions are unfavorable. This robust capability ensures that the OPCs can project their presence and authority across a wider spectrum of maritime scenarios, from disaster response to fisheries enforcement.

Furthermore, the system’s reliability and advanced safety features instill greater confidence in the crew. The automated, push-button controls reduce physical strain and the potential for human error during the high-stress evolution of launching or recovering a boat in a rolling sea. This focus on crew safety is paramount, ensuring that the men and women of the Coast Guard can perform their duties as safely and effectively as possible.

Powering America's Maritime Strength

The successful davit test is also a testament to Fairbanks Morse Defense's expanding role as a comprehensive systems integrator for U.S. naval and government fleets. Once known primarily as a principal supplier of trusted main propulsion diesel engines, FMD has strategically grown its portfolio to provide a wide array of critical shipboard systems. This davit system is just one of several FMD contributions to the future USCGC Pickering (WMSM-919), the first OPC being built by Austal USA.

In addition to the Welin Lambie davits, FMD is supplying the cutter’s main propulsion engines, hangar door, stores elevator, and reverse osmosis system, among other electrical components. This “total-ship” approach, built through strategic acquisitions and internal development, positions the company as a vital partner in the U.S. defense industrial base. By providing a broad range of essential, domestically manufactured technologies, FMD helps ensure the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard have a reliable supply chain for building and maintaining their fleets.

This integrated strategy allows for greater system compatibility and streamlined lifecycle support, contributing to the overall readiness and dominance of American maritime forces. The company's equipment is found on nearly every large U.S. warship, underscoring its deep and long-standing commitment to national security.

From Successful Test to Active Production

With the First Article Test successfully completed, Welin Lambie and Fairbanks Morse Defense will now transition from the validation phase into active production. The company was awarded the contract from Austal USA in March 2023 to provide two all-electric davits for the USCGC Pickering, and this milestone paves the way for their delivery and installation.

The achievement represents years of dedicated engineering and a deep understanding of the Coast Guard’s operational needs. It is a critical step forward in the modernization of the fleet, equipping the newest cutters with technology designed for the challenges of the 21st century.

“The Welin Lambie team has poured years of expertise into this capability. Beyond the engineering accomplishment, this is how we show our commitment to the men and women who depend on this equipment,” Dunscombe added. “Welin Lambie's legacy of reliable performance means giving crews the confidence to conduct all-weather recovery and giving the Coast Guard the freedom to operate whenever and wherever the mission demands.”