The following is text of a news release from Austal:
(WASHINGTON) — Austal USA has been awarded a $40.3 million order to fund the procurement of long lead-time materials for the construction of a 338-foot expeditionary fast transport (EPF). This will be the 14th vessel of this class built by Austal for the U.S. Navy. This contract follows a similar award for procurement of long lead-time items for EPF 13.
This order means that Austal has received long lead material contracts for two EPFs in this financial year, one funded from the FY18 federal budget and one from the FY19 federal budget. It is expected that these contracts will lead to full vessel contracts later in the fiscal year. If awarded, these full vessel contracts will ensure EPF construction continuity out until fourth quarter 2022.
Long lead-time materials for the additional vessel will include diesel engines, waterjets and reduction gears.
Austal was awarded the initial contract to design and build the first EPF in November 2008. The EPF is a high-speed, shallow-draft catamaran, designed for rapid intra-theater transport of troops and cargo. Reaching rapid speeds of 35-45 knots allows the EPF to be used for rapid deployment of conventional and special-forces with their equipment and supplies, making it an ideal platform for utilization in emergency humanitarian disaster relief.
Since 2008, nine Spearhead-class EPFs have been delivered and are serving as an affordable solution to fulfilling the Military Sealift Command’s requirements worldwide. Three additional EPFs are under construction at Austal USA.
