Posted on August 12, 2024
Austal Limited, an Australian-based global shipbuilding firm, has announced a significant contract modification for its US division, Austal USA, to construct two additional Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1700-class vessels for the United States Navy.
The modification, valued at roughly US$54.997 million (A$84.455 million), extends the existing contract and demonstrates Austal USA’s continuous excellence in naval shipbuilding.
The new contract modification increases the number of LCU vessels scheduled or under construction at Austal USA to five.
The contract, initially awarded in September 2023, includes options for up to nine additional vessels, for a total of 12 LCU 1700-class vessels. The contract’s total potential value is US$379.7 million (A$587.6 million).
Austal Limited CEO Paddy Gregg emphasized the achievement, stating that the modification of the contract confirms Austal USA’s successful start to construction of the first LCU vessel for the US Navy and highlights the steel shipbuilding ability of Austal’s Mobile, Alabama facility.
The LCU 1700-class vessels have a steel hull and can carry up to 170 tons of loads. They will assist with a range of military activities, including the transportation of vehicles, troops, and goods between ship and shore.
The vessels’ roll-on/roll-off monohull configuration includes hydraulically powered bow and stern ramps, allowing for efficient and secure loading and unloading.
Each LCU 1700-class vessel can transport loads up to 3.5 meters high and navigate the open ocean independently. It has a range of 1,200 nautical miles at 8 knots and a top speed of 11 knots. The vessels are designed to operate on the well decks of amphibious assault ships.
Mr. Gregg emphasized the contract’s significance, stating that the Austal USA team continues to demonstrate their industry-leading capabilities in managing multiple steel naval shipbuilding projects for the United States Navy, such as Towing, Salvage, and Rescue (T-ATS) ships and Ocean Surveillance (T-AGOS) ships.
The LCU 1700-class vessels are planned to join the United States Navy fleet in the coming years. Paddy Gregg has approved and authorized the announcement for release.
