GD to build more replenishment ships under deal potentially worth more than $6.7 billion
The USNS Earl Warren (T-AO-207) is the third John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler ship built by NASSCO. Up to another eight will be built on top of nine already contracted. (Photo: GD)
General Dynamics (GD) subsidiary National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) has been awarded a contract potentially worth US$6.7 billion for as many as eight John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler ships.
NASSCO has already been contracted to build nine of the class. A tenth ship has now been ordered for $780 million as the first part of the new deal which will likely be for eight ships.
If all eight ships are ultimately exercised, including incentives and other contract options in support of those ships, the contract value will total more than $6.7 billion.
In 2016, the US Navy awarded NASSCO with a contract to design and build the first six of the class. In 2022, the contract was modified to add an additional three oilers.
Designed to transfer fuel to navy ships operating at sea, the 742ft vessels have a full load displacement of 49,850t, capacity to carry 162,000 barrels of oil and significant amounts of dry cargo, as well as providing aviation capability while traveling at speeds up to 20kt.
The first ship, USNS John Lewis, was delivered to the US Navy in July 2022 while the USNS Lucy Stone will be christened and launched on 21 September 2024.
The USNS Sojourner Truth and the USNS Thurgood Marshall are currently under construction. Construction of the USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg will start in October 2024.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
-
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.
-
How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions
The FD 2028 strategy intends to reduce the bureaucracy in procurement processes while speeding up the field of assets.
-
Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA
Miniaturisation of technology opens up radical sensing technologies to smaller navies under submarine threat, according to SEA sonar expert.