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- Austal (ASB) will build its sixteenth ship for the US Navy as part of its fixed-priced incentive US$230.5 million (A$324.6 million) contract option
- The Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) 16 will be the third ship constructed using the “Fight II” configuration which has enhanced medical and aviation capabilities
- Austal’s subsidiary Austal USA has delivered 12 EPF ships to the US Navy since 2012 and is currently constructing EPFs 13, 14 and 15 at its shipyard in Mobile, Alabama
- Construction of EPF 16 will commence later this year with delivery projected for 2025
- Austal shares are down 1.44 per cent, trading at $2.06
Global shipbuilder and defence contractor Austal (ASB) will build its sixteenth EPF ship for the US Navy as part of its fixed-priced incentive US$230.5 million (A$324.6 million) contract option.
The Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) 16 will be the third ship constructed using the “Fight II” configuration which has enhanced medical and aviation capabilities.
Austal’s subsidiary Austal USA has successfully delivered 12 EPF ships to the US Navy since 2012 and is currently constructing EPFs 13, 14 and 15 at its shipyard in Mobile, Alabama.
EPF 13 is being developed as a prototype for autonomous operations, while EPF 14 and 15
were redesigned to deliver greater medical capability and capacity.
Austal CEO Paddy Gregg said the contract for another EPF with enhanced medical capabilities highlighted both the success of the high-speed vessel platform and its flexibility to deliver various mission profiles.
“Austal’s Flight II EPF’s will further enhance the US Navy’s capability and enable a fast response with expanded medical support facilities available for any mission or theatre of operation,” Mr Gregg said.
Construction of EPF 16 will commence later this year with delivery projected for 2025.
In addition to EPFs 13, 14 and 15 currently in production, Austal USA is currently constructing the Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) 32, 34 and 36, and is under contract for LCS 38.
Following the opening of the company’s new steel shipbuilding production line, construction will soon commence on the first of two Navajo-class Towing, Salvage and Rescue Ships (T-ATS), T-ATS 11 and 12 for the US Navy.
The US Navy’s fleet of EPF ships conduct various missions globally, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and counter narcotic missions.
The versatility of the EPF design provides a significant operational capability that can be tailored to the needs of each fleet and combatant commander’s geographic command.
Austal shares were down 1.44 per cent, trading at $2.06 as of 12:43 pm AEST.
