Damen’s design picked for US Navy’s Medium Landing Ship program

December 9, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

The US Navy’s Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) has selected Damen Shipyards’ Landing Ship Transport (LST) 100 design for the Medium Landing Ship (LSM) program.

NAVSEA began the search for an LSM design with an RFI in early 2025 and followed up in July by awarding Damen a Technical Data Package for its LST100. The navy has now chosen that design as the basis for the LSM class, with plans to build up to 35 vessels at American yards.

Seeking rapid delivery, the US Navy required a non-developmental, sea-going design. Damen had already delivered an LST100, allowing NAVSEA teams to inspect an operational ship before the selection.

Additionally, last year, the Australian Government announced its selection of the LST100 for the Australian Defence Force’s Landing Craft Heavy program. With this, up to eight of the vessels will be constructed by Australian shipyards.

Australia picks Damen’s design for landing craft heavy program

Vessels

The LST100 is 100.68 metres long with a beam of 16 metres and a draught of 3.58 metres. It is suited to a diverse range of operations. With its ability to transport personnel, vehicles, equipment, and cargo, the vessel can be used in patrol, landing, survey, and reconnaissance operations, as well as for the delivery of humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

In its standard design, it features bunks for 282 personnel. Cargo can be transported on the RoRo deck, vehicle deck, and on the helicopter deck. The vessel is able to sail at speeds of up to 14 knots, with an endurance of 3,890 nautical miles.

At an endurance speed of 10 knots, it can reach up to 7,530 nautical miles. For example, with the addition of a standard, 20-meter modular block, the vessel can be enlarged to the LST120 design during construction, according to Damen.

“We are delighted at NAVSEA’s selection of the LST100 for its LSM programme. We are very much looking forward to continuing our cooperation with American shipyards during the construction of these vessels in the coming years. We enjoy long-standing relationships with a number of these yards, having supported their construction of our vessel designs over the last decades,” Damen Area Manager Americas Alan Borde said.