Philly Shipyard one of four to win Navy CHAMP study contract

The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) has awarded four U.S. shipyards contracts worth almost $2.9 million each to carry out design studies for the proposed Common Hull Auxiliary Multi-Mission Platform (CHAMP.)

The the four yards are Bollinger Shipyards, General Dynamics NASSCO, Philly Shipyard, and VT Halter Marine.

The CHAMP program is a multi-phase effort that involves design studies, preliminary design, and detail design and construction (DD&C) to ultimately replace the Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet of aging ships, which provide transport of supplies and critical support to U.S. forces abroad. CHAMP could affordably recapitalize the current fleet with significant decreases in cost both in ship construction and life-cycle maintenance cost. The demand for the CHAMP program could approach 60+ vessels.

Thus far, Philly Shipyard is the only yard to comment on its proposal, for which it has teamed with designer Vard Marine.

“We are excited and grateful to team with Vard Marine and explore the design for this important program,” said Steinar Nerbovik, Philly Shipyard President and CEO. “Philly Shipyard has the history, facility and access to skilled labor, as well as a strong reputation for quality, which is required to develop a highly effective, mature and affordable solution to support a successful long-term recapitalization.”

“It is an honor to be teamed with a state-of-the-art and capable world-class shipyard such as Philly. Our combined expertise is a great recipe for achieving a best-value solution for the CHAMP program,” said Darren Truelock, VP Houston for Vard Marine.

The design study efforts begin immediately and last into 2022. It is anticipated the shipyards will ultimately compete for the DD&C contract, with award in 2023 and acquisition occurring over the next ten years. There is growing support, however, says Philly Shipyard, to accelerate the program to begin acquisition of the first vessels as early as 2021.
tions located in Vancouver and Ottawa, and American operations located in Houston, Texas. The company offers professional ship design, engineering, and shipbuilding technology services. More information on Vard Marine can be found at https://vardmarine.com.