Vigor will build a new generation of landing craft, Maneuver Support Vessel (Light) (MSV(L)), for the US Army, as part of a contract valued at around $979m.
The MSV(L) design was developed under a partnership between Vigor and BMT, following a study of the army’s requirements and the available design options to fulfil those needs.
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It is claimed to improve the capabilities of the current LCM-8 and provide the optimal combination of performance, operational flexibility and lifecycle cost.
Commenting on the contract award, Vigor CEO Frank Foti said: “This award is the culmination of a five-year process of research and development that first began with Kvichak prior to its merger with Vigor.”
The landing craft’s tribow monohull has been designed to provide superior manoeuvrability and stability in high sea states, through the littorals and within inland waterways in support of land-based operations.
Vigor Ballard general manager Tim Kolb said: “Phase one of the programme will begin immediately and centre on design refinement and prototype construction.
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By GlobalData“The contract calls for one prototype vessel, four vessels under low rate production, and up to thirty two additional vessels for use by army mariners in even the most difficult environments.”
The contract is expected to create close to 200 jobs during the ten-year period.
In addition to BMT, Vigor’s team currently consists of other key partners including Gladding-Hearn and Northrop Grumman.
