Following Austal USA’s award from the US Navy to build steel-hulled towing, salvage, and rescue ships (T-ATS), Austal USA has contracted with local Alabama steel provider Ssab to provide steel for the new navy ships.
This contract, which was signed on 5 October, marks the first steel new ship construction program for Austal USA.
T-ATS will provide ocean-going tug, salvage, and rescue capabilities to support US fleet operations and will be a multi-mission common hull platform capable of towing heavy ships. These ships will be able to support current missions, including oil spill response, humanitarian assistance, and wide area search and surveillance.
The platform also enables future capability initiatives like modular payloads with hotel services and appropriate interfaces.
Austal will source various strength and sized steel plating from Ssab capable of being cut, shaped, welded, and fitted resulting in the construction of the support ships and potential combat ships for the navy.
“SSAB not only provides us with quality steel, but also great flexibility due to its location adjacent to us here in Mobile, Ala.,” Austal USA President Rusty Murdaugh said.
“The ability to work quickly and in-person with them on current and future steel requirements by the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard is an asset to Austal that will support our business and economic growth in our community.”
“Our participation in such an important and vital project, that will strengthen both the economic and national security of our country, makes this partnership even more meaningful. We are proud to work closely with Austal USA and demonstrate the service, quality and value that is delivered from an interconnected and local supply chain here in Alabama,” Ssab Americas Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Jeff Moskaluk commented.
Austal USA broke ground on a new steel manufacturing line in March 2020 to meet the steel-ship demand signal of the US government.
The new line will be operational in April with Austal poised to start construction on the recently awarded US Navy T-ATS program. Austal’s steel production line will support future steel programs for the US Navy and US Coast Guard, according to the company.