Austal USA awarded $248.8 million EPF contract

USNS Spearhead (T-EPF-1), the first Expeditionary Fast Transport vessel designed and constructed by Austal for the U.S. Navy

SEPTEMBER 16, 2016 — Austal USA, Mobile, AL, is being awarded a $248,898,142 modification to previously awarded Navy contract N00024-16-C-2217.

The award covers the design and construction of two Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) vessels (EPF 11 and EPF 12) for the U.S. Navy and the total includes previously announced contracts for long-lead time materials.

This new award adds to the current block-buy contract for ten EPF awarded the shipbuilder in 2008 and extends Austal’s total build for the program to twelve ships, valued at US$1.9 billion. The two additional EPF grow Austal’s extensive order book to over A$3.3 billion (US$2.48 billion) and extend the contracted production schedule at Austal USA’s Mobile shipyard into 2022.

“This new order for a further two EPF reflects the U.S. Navy’s continued confidence and investment in a proven product,” said Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton. “The EPF is a unique vessel that is re-defining naval sealift capability and exceeding expectations in various military and civilian operations around the world.”

To date, Austal USA has delivered seven EPFs, with three more under construction at Austal USA’s advanced modular manufacturing facility in Mobile, Alabama, including the future USNS Yuma (EPF-8), scheduled for launch this weekend.

Austal says the EPF is a unique, 103 m catamaran offering significantly enhanced naval support capability to transport troops, vehicles and cargo quickly and efficiently. With 35 knot performance, a large 1,800 sq m cargo deck, medium-lift helicopter deck and seating for over 300 embarked troops, the ship has the ability to support a variety of operations, including military and civilian logistics missions, humanitarian and disaster relief missions and other maritime law enforcement activities.

USNS Spearhead (T-EPF-1), the first Expeditionary Fast Transport vessel designed and constructed by Austal for the U.S. Navy

Austal