American Electric Technologies Partners with Bollinger to Power U.S. Coast Guard Coastal Patrol Boa
HOUSTON (November 19, 2007) -- American Electric Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: AETI), the premium supplier of custom-designed power distribution and control solutions for the traditional and alternative energy industries, today announced its subsidiary, South Coast Electric Systems, L.L.C., has begun delivery of power systems for eight Bollinger Shipyard-manufactured 87-foot marine protector class coastal patrol boats (CPB) contracted by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Financial details were not disclosed.
Increased homeland security and other heightened law enforcement issues like drug and illegal alien interdiction have not only raised the bar for sanctions, but also the requirements for the vessels that keep America’s borders safe.
Bollinger has contracted AETI to deliver eight sets of American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), marine-class generator controls and power distribution switchgear for the multi-mission CPBs, which are capable of performing search and rescue, law enforcement and fisheries patrol missions. The switchgear has been custom-designed to meet the strict requirements for size and weight of these armed vessels.
“These patrol boats are state-of-the-art vessels and have specialized power requirements to be able to perform all the functions for which they are designed,” said Paul Champagne, Bollinger’s program manager. “We respect AETI’s reputation and vast knowledge in the marine power distribution industry and that’s just one reason why we chose them for this project.”
The CPBs, which have two MTU 8V 396 TE94 diesel engines, are built to carry up to 2,900 gallons of fuel and can tow up to a 200-ton vessel. The system includes slow-speed drive capabilities to help the vessels maneuver in restricted waters or tow small pleasure craft after a successful search and rescue mission. The engine control and monitoring systems are equipped with operational data recorders to provide performance-based maintenance and to improve logistic support.
AETI Partners with Bollinger/2
AETI has already delivered two power systems for the CPBs being built at Bollinger’s Lockport, La. Facility, and is scheduled to deliver at least one ship set each month until the first quarter of 2008.
“American Electric Technologies is accustomed to tailoring our systems and creating customized solutions for our clients’ evolving requirements,” said Charles Dauber, senior vice president of marketing and sales for AETI. “We are proud to be a part of a project like this one that helps the U.S. Coast Guard in their mission to protect the safety and security of America.”
American Electric Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: AETI) is the premium supplier of custom-designed power delivery solutions to the traditional and alternative energy industries. AETI offers M&I Electric™ power distribution and control products, electrical services, and E&I construction services, as well as American Access Technologies zone enclosures, and Omega Metals custom fabrication services.
AETI is headquartered in Houston and has global sales, support and manufacturing operations in Keystone Heights, Fla., Beaumont, Texas, Bay St. Louis, Miss., Singapore and Xian, China. AETI subsidiary South Coast Electric Systems L.L.C is based in Pearlington, Miss. and services Gulf Coast marine and vessel customers. AETI’s SEC filings, news and product/service information are available at www.aeti.com.
Bollinger Shipyards, Inc. is a leading designer and builder of ocean-going double hull barges, offshore oil field support vessels, tug boats, rigs, liftboats, inland waterways push boats and barges, fast military patrol boats and other steel and aluminum products from its three new construction shipyards. Bollinger has 13 shipyards and all are strategically located between New Orleans and Houston with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi River and the Intracoastal Waterway. Bollinger is the largest vessel repair company in the Gulf of Mexico region with a total of 40 dry-docks in Louisiana and Texas. Visit www.bollingershipyards.com for more information.
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