Vard scores US Navy’s logistics ship design deal, teams up with Hanwha

March 31, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Vard Marine, a subsidiary of Vard Group, has been awarded a contract to conduct concept design and refinement for the US Navy’s Next Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS) program.

The contract positions Vard Marine as the prime contractor responsible for delivering a baseline design for the NGLS, also known as the light replenishment oiler (T-AOL), a smaller, more flexible platform intended to support distributed maritime operations.

The vessel is designed to provide afloat and ashore refueling, resupply, and rearmament capabilities while relying on commercially available technologies.

Under the initial phase of the award, Vard Marine will carry out a comprehensive market analysis of existing domestic and foreign ship designs. This study, due within two months, will inform the selection of a candidate platform to be refined through iterative design development into the navy’s NGLS baseline.

“This award underscores our continued partnership with the U.S. Navy in support of a critical mission,” said Darren Truelock, President of Vard Marine US.

“We are committed to delivering a cost-effective and operationally superior design that enhances replenishment capabilities while maintaining fiscal responsibility.”

To execute the program, Vard Marine has assembled a multinational industrial team. Among the key partners is Hanwha Defense USA, alongside Hanwha Philly Shipyard, both serving as subcontractors supporting producibility, commercial construction practices, and production cost assessments.

The award marks a milestone for Hanwha, representing its first US Navy contract since establishing its American defense presence and acquiring the Philadelphia shipyard. Since late 2024, the company has invested more than $200 million in upgrading the facility’s workforce and capabilities.

Under this contract, Hanwha will partner with VARD on conducting a market survey and performing a concept design and refinement for the new NGLS platform. Hanwha will also support manufacturability, commercial construction practices, and the evaluation of production costs.

The award also includes options that can be exercised for functional design planning and special studies.

“Hanwha is proud to partner with Vard Marine in the design and integration of the Next Generation Logistics Ship,” said Tom Anderson, President of Shipbuilding at Hanwha Defense USA.

“This program allows us to apply our shipbuilding expertise to support U.S. servicemembers operating in increasingly contested maritime environments.”

According to program details, the NGLS aims to complement the navy’s existing fleet oilers by introducing a smaller, more agile logistics vessel capable of operating closer to dispersed forces. The approach reflects a broader shift toward distributed maritime operations, where sustainment assets must match the flexibility and survivability of frontline units.

The contract includes options for further functional design planning and specialized studies, potentially extending Vard Marine’s role deeper into the program’s development phase.