The U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command has awarded Fincantieri Marine Group, the U.S. division of the Italian shipbuilder, two contracts to provide design studies and analyses services in support of the landing craft-utility (LCU), and in support of a new class of towing, salvage and rescue ship, T-ATS(X).
According to the company, the scope of work for the LCU will include technical solutions for the future LCU including, identifying affordability initiatives for reducing acquisition and ownership costs.
Additionally, the company is to ensure that the LCU is compatible with all existing amphibious ship well deck configurations, and that acquisition and ownership costs over the service life of the vessel are kept low.
For ATS(X), the scope of work will include the modification of an existing commercial-vessel design to meet navy requirements. Design modifications will place emphasis on the use of commercially available technologies, again with the aim of reducing acquisition and ownership costs, and to maximize vessel reliability, maintainability and supportability.
FMG President and CEO Francesco Valente said: “Our experience in building 17 legacy LCU vessels and seven Powhatan Class Tugs for the U.S. Navy, combined with the Fincantieri resources of more than 1,000 engineers worldwide— including over 100 in the U.S.—uniquely positions us to provide comprehensive and cost effective solutions for each of these new platforms.”