Littoral Combat Ship USS Sioux City Headed to Middle East After European Tour

By: Sam LaGrone

May 6, 2022 11:50 AM • Updated: May 6, 2022 12:17 PM

USNI.org

USS Sioux City (LCS 11) transits the Atlantic Ocean, May 3. Sioux City is operating in the Atlantic Ocean in support of naval operations to maintain maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Trey Fowler)

After a two year delay, the first Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship is operating in the Eastern Atlantic and on its way to the Middle East, USNI News has learned.

USS Sioux City (LCS-11) was operating in 6th fleet as of this week, U.S. 6th Fleet announced on Thursday.

“Sioux City’s deployment allows us to integrate the LCS’ unique operational capability into our already diverse fleet,” said Vice Adm. Gene Black, commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet in a statement. “The agility of Littoral Combat Ships allows them to operate in both near-shore and open-ocean environments, enhancing our ability to provide security and stability across the European theater.”

The ship departed from Naval Station Mayport, Fla., last month bound for operations in U.S. European Command and eventually the Middle East, a defense official confirmed to USNI News on Friday.

The Navy has largely regulated the Freedom-class LCS to operations in U.S. Southern Command after discovering a class-wide engineering flaw within the gearing linkage between the gas turbine and diesel engines in the main propulsion system.

The combining gear failure led the service to halt, in 2020, its plans to push the Freedoms out from Mayport to a forward deployed location in Bahrain in the Persian Gulf.

A U.S. 5th spokesman did not confirm Sioux City was headed to the Middle East when contacted by USNI News on Friday.

Sioux City is now in a surface warfare configuration with twin 30mm Bushmaster cannons in addition to its 57mm main gun. Based on a photo taken May 3, Sioux City does not appear to be armed with Naval Strike Missiles.

On the West Coast, the Independence-class LCS have operated steadily in the Western Pacific equipped with the Naval Strike Missile in a modified version of the surface warfare mission package.

The Mayport-base Freedoms were tasked with being the primary platform for the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare mission, which included a towed variable depth array sonar that was promised to be key to the fight against Russian submarines in the Atlantic. However, developmental delays caused the Navy to abandon the mission package and transferred the future capability to the under-construction Constellation-class (FFG-62) frigates that will be based on the West Coast.

As part of the Fiscal Year 2023 budget, the service announced it had intended to decommission the bulk of the Freedom-class – including Sioux City – and leave the remaining six under construction for operations in North and South American, USNI News previously reported.

In Late Test for the Freedom-Class LCS, USS Sioux City Heads to Europe

USS Sioux City under way (USN)

PUBLISHED MAY 5, 2022 11:20 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE

The Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Sioux City (LCS 11) has deployed across the Atlantic, marking the first time that an LCS has operated in U.S. 6th Fleet. It may well be a swan song: if the U.S. Navy follows through on its most recent budget plan, Sioux City is slated for early decommissioning, along with every other currently operating Freedom-class LCS. 

In a statement, the U.S. Navy emphasized the Freedom-class' strengths - high speed, access to littoral waters, and an ability to pick up routine taskings. The lightly-armed LCS was designed in part to carry out maritime security operations, joint exercises and freedom of navigation patrols, freeing up larger surface combatants for high-end operations. 

“Sioux City’s deployment allows us to integrate the LCS’ unique operational capability into our already diverse fleet,” said Vice Adm. Gene Black, commander of U.S. Sixth Fleet. “The agility of Littoral Combat Ships allows them to operate in both near-shore and open-ocean environments, enhancing our ability to provide security and stability across the European theater.”

Sixth Fleet is particularly active at the moment, given heightened tensions between NATO and Russia, and several East Coast-based destroyers have already rotated through Europe since February. The Navy suggested that Sioux City might be able to expand the availability of larger surface combatants in the theater. “This deployment will expand the relevance of these ships [LCS], particularly their ability to relieve larger surface combatants in key surface-mission areas," said Cmdr. Scott Whitworth, Sioux City’s commanding officer.

It is the first time that a Freedom-class LCS has deployed to 6th Fleet, according to the Navy, and it could be among the last. In its FY2023 budget request, the service told Congress that it would like to decommission nine Freedom-class LCS hulls before the end of their expected service life, including the 2018-built USS Sioux City. If it is not blocked by Congress, the plan would see the deactivation of every currently operational hull in the class. The youngest of the vessels on this list, USS St. Louis, was delivered less than two years ago. 

The Navy still has six more Freedom-class LCS hulls in various stages of construction and fitting-out, and it has not announced any change to its plans to take further deliveries. The decommissioning plan has no impact on the fleet of Independence-class LCS vessels, which share the "littoral combat ship" name but were built to a radically different design. 

The procurement of both LCS classes has been truncated in favor of the new Constellation-class frigate, which is based on a conventional European hull design. 

ABB to Power Two New Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Vessels

ABB to power two new Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection vessels – Image credit: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

PUBLISHED APR 27, 2022 4:11 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE

[By: ABB]

ABB has secured an order with Chantiers de l’Atlantique for Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to supply the electric propulsion systems and remote support for the luxury cruise operator’s two forthcoming mega-yachts. The ships are the second and third in a series that began with Ritz-Carlton Evrima, to start operations later this year, also featuring ABB technologies on board.

With a capacity of 456 passengers, the two yachts will be larger than the 298-passenger Evrima while maintaining the exclusivity and personalized service that differentiate Ritz-Carlton. Both vessels will be built by the French shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique, with the first due for delivery in 2024 and the second in 2025.

“Ritz-Carlton Evrima will embark on its maiden voyage in August this year, offering a bespoke sailing experience on a luxury mega-yacht custom-built to the highest of standards,” said Douglas Prothero, Chief Executive Officer, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “We trusted in ABB to supply the propulsion technology for our vessels featuring the highest level of service and craftsmanship. Our successful collaboration with the company has convinced us to call on its expertise again to equip our forthcoming sister ships, which will offer the same high standards as Evrima.”

“We chose to work with ABB on this project based on their proven track record in supplying leading-edge technologies for high-end vessels and the unrivalled ability to support shipyards with complex assignments,” said Arnaud Le Joncour, Program Director, Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “ABB is a long-term, trusted partner of ours, and we are delighted to expand our collaboration to a new vessel segment, leveraging the Azipod® propulsion units. This is an important project for all parties, and we look forward to the outcome.”

Key to meeting the efficiency, safety and passenger comfort demands of the 46,750-gross ton newbuild vessels will be the two ABB Azipod® propulsion units, with the combined propulsion power exceeding that of the Evrima by 4.4 megawatts. In addition to Azipod® propulsion’s ability to cut fuel consumption by up to 20 percent when compared with a traditional shaftline setup, it enables precise, efficient maneuvering with low vibrations and minimal noise for optimal onboard comfort.

“ABB Azipod® propulsion has been serving the cruise market for over 25 years, providing unparalleled maneuverability and efficiency for a wide range of ships,” said Juha Koskela, Division President, ABB Marine & Ports. “It is the ideal solution for operators like Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, whose high standards for onboard service and guest comfort will be matched by the performance of the Azipod® propulsors.”

As part of the scope, ABB will also supply the remote control system for maneuvering the Azipod® units from the bridge. Smooth running, remote monitoring and predictive maintenance will be supported through the inclusion of the ABB Ability™ Remote Diagnostics System in the vessels.

The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.

Secretary of the Navy Visits Fincantieri Marinette Marine

PUBLISHED APR 20, 2022 1:51 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE

[By: Fincantieri]

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro met with shipbuilders and toured the recently revamped shipyard, where Fincantieri Marinette Marine builds ships for the U.S. Navy.

At the sprawling Marinette shipyard, workers are finishing serial production of the Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ships and are about to begin construction of the Navy’s newest class of ships: Constellation-class Frigates. The frigates will be larger and more capable than the LCSs which are produced in partnership with Lockheed Martin. 

The visit by the Navy secretary lends support to one of his core principles – “to strengthen strategic partnerships and relationships, including those with industry.” Those who met with him mentioned his appreciation for the complex shipbuilding environment and its connection to our national security.

“We offered updates on the [Constellation-class] Frigate program and then showed the Secretary the scope of our recent $300 million investments in our system-of-shipyards,” said Dario Deste, CEO of Fincantieri Marine Group. “Sec. Del Toro mentioned several times the importance the Frigate program is for the Navy and the nation, and that is not lost on our team. Our men and women know that their work is directly linked to the Navy’s ability to project power abroad.”

The Fincantieri team continues its progress on detail design of the first Constellation-class Frigate, with the next milestone expected to happen in the coming months. Six months after that, FMM will begin construction on the second Constellation-class Frigate. FMM has options for eight additional frigates.

The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.

ABB to Power World’s First Hybrid-Electric Biomass Fuel Carriers

Conceptual Graphic Image of ROBOSHIP. Image courtesy e5 Lab, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding

PUBLISHED APR 19, 2022 1:16 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE

[By: ABB]

The Japanese Shipowners’ Association has announced that the Japanese shipping industry will take on the challenge of 2050 net zero GHG1. One of its most significant initiatives is e5 Lab Inc., a consortium comprising Asahi Tanker Co., Ltd., Exeno Yamamizu Corporation, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. and Mitsubishi Corporation, with the purpose of developing renewably powered commercial ships.

Addressing the decarbonization challenges facing Japan's ocean shipping and maritime industries, e5 Lab has recently unveiled ROBOSHIP – a design for a biomass fuel carrier, powered by a fully standardized, electric propulsion system to attain zero emission operations at harbour. Built by Honda Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., the 70-meter length, 499-gross ton carrier will be equipped with ABB’s complete modularized electrical propulsion package, enabling it to utilize multiple energy sources for optimized operational efficiency and emissions-free operations. Additional benefits of the system include reduced noise and vibration, lower maintenance costs, and improved steering capabilities that make pier docking and undocking operations easier.

“The collaboration with ABB has been beyond our expectations in delivering world-leading technology and efficiency, the ultimate in safety and reliability, specific size and weight reductions, that is unique to coastal vessels.” said Mr. Yasumasa Suetsugu, Chief Technology Officer, e5 Lab. “Furthermore, the high digital compatibility will help reduce both operations and maintenance costs. Our goal is to make a significant contribution to resolving the environmental challenges and reducing crew workload which face coastal shipping in Japan.”

Mr. Masao Akamatsu, President, IHI Power Systems, commented: “Our marine power systems team chose to work with ABB based on their excellent global reputation as an integrator of marine electrical systems and reliable, high quality products and services.”

“We are honored to have been selected for this groundbreaking project that will play a significant part in the efforts to decarbonize Japanese shipping,” said Juha Koskela, Division President, ABB Marine & Ports. “Electric-powered ships are key to the shipping industry’s sustainable future – and we take pride in providing our customers with highly efficient electric propulsion solutions that are compliant with today’s regulations and allow integrating with emissions-free energy sources in the future.”

ABB’s award-winning Onboard DC Grid™ power distribution system is modular and can be built to suit various vessel types – from largest ocean-going ships to smaller lower-power vessels operating over shorter distances and on inland waterways. The solution future-proofs ships to draw on clean energy sources for zero-emissions operations – without compromising speed or sailing range. Onboard DC Grid™ also reduces the footprint of the electrical equipment by eliminating the need for bulky transformers and main switchboards. This creates more space for cargo, provides greater flexibility in the positioning of system components on board the vessel and increases payload capacity.

ABB's full scope of supply includes a standard sytem package comprising the hardware for electric propulsion, including propulsion motors, DSC switchboards, energy storage batteries and generators, and ABB Ability™ Marine Remote Diagnostic System for continuous monitoring and remote support.
 

The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.

Fincantieri Wins US Navy Minesweeper Fleet Maintenance Contract

MarineLink March 22, 2022

(Photo: Anderson Bomjardim / U.S. Navy)

Fincantieri Marine Systems North America (FMSNA) has been awarded the maintenance contract for the U.S. Navy’s “Avenger”-class minesweepers. The program has a combined value up to more than $78 million.

The Navy operates eight “Avenger”-class vessels, which are homeported in Bahrain and Japan. All of the vessels have diesel engines produced by Isotta Fraschini Motori, another Fincantieri’s subsidiary, of which FMSNA technicians are experts. All of the “Avenger”-class vessels were made in Marinette and Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, where Fincantieri operates some of the largest and most active shipyards on the Great Lakes.

FMSNA,  a company specialized in marine systems, components and services which is part of the US subsidiary Fincantieri Marine Group (FMG), recently opened a repair yard in Jacksonville, Fla., to support the Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship fleet, built by Fincantieri in Marinette, and other vessels homeported nearby at Mayport Naval Station.

ABB Turbocharging Launches Digital Tools to Save Fuel

Marine Link

ABB Turbocharging has launched a new digital solution designed to offer shipowners simplified management of propulsion efficiency and CO2 emissions monitoring and reporting, and potentially unlock up to 20% fuel savings.

The new digital suite, called Tekomar XPERT marine, comprises three modules—engine, hull and propeller, and emissions—which, combined, provide actionable insights into ship performance to help shipping companies make better operating decisions and potentially reduce fuel usage. This, in turn, enables vessels to achieve improved carbon intensity index (CII) ratings. Charter party conformity on emissions reporting is also eased, ABB said.

Tekomar XPERT’s engine module is already established and is currently optimizing performance of more than 8,000 engines in operation. The hull and propeller and the emissions modules have now been launched to further extend the solution’s capabilities.

The emissions module enables the CII rating and CO2 emissions to be accurately forecasted, allowing for pre-validated emissions reporting in line with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) and the EU’s Monitoring, Reporting & Verification (MRV) requirements. According to ABB, the module has an easy to use, automated reporting function based on electronic logbook data. The actual CII ranking and its simulation is based on the key operating parameters of the vessel, as well as historic data.

The hull and propeller module provides insights into the vessel’s performance in real time. For example, it enables an accurate assessment of de-fouling requirements, which can have a significant positive impact on vessel’s performance – fouling can lead to an overconsumption of fuel of up to 20%. With this level of insights, effective planning of improvement actions can be simplified, ABB said.

“Tekomar XPERT marine raises our digital offering to a new level by adding the hull and propeller, and emission modules to our engine room offering. These combined analytics deliver real customer value through enabling greater efficiencies. For example, fuel savings of up to 3 tons per day can be achieved by optimizing performance of the engines alone, which translates to some 9 tons of CO2 emissions per day,” said Cristian Corotto, Vice President Digital Customer Solutions ABB Turbocharging. “Just as important is the system’s delivery of information needed to support decision-making related to the optimal timing of cleaning events, and the identification of the root cause of reduced propulsion efficiency. Essentially, with Tekomar XPERT marine customers are ready for the next level of data-driven decision making.”

Results of analyses from all the three modules are immediately available to shipowners and operators, and the solution can be integrated to work with existing data collection systems without the need for installing additional hardware. The expanded digital analytics offering promotes benchmarking, historic tracking and forecasting, ABB said, adding that the system offers advisory support on all levels, from the engine to the ship’s hull and propeller, as well as its emissions and CII ranking.

Customers can gain 24/7 access via a portal where they can view and benchmark their entire fleets. Operational data can be shared with ABB via C-2-C connectivity, following which ABB will assess, analyze and provide expert operational insights. Tekomar XPERT marine functions across all engines regardless of make, type and age.

Report to Congress on Constellation-class Frigate Program (FFG-62)

March 17, 2022 9:29 AM

• USNI.org

The following is the March. 2, 2022, Congressional Research Service report, Navy Constellation (FFG-62) Class Frigate (Previously FFG[X]) Program: Background and Issues for Congress.

From the report

The Navy began procuring Constellation (FFG-62) class frigates (FFGs) in FY2020, and wants to procure a total of 20 FFG-62s. Congress funded the first FFG-62 in FY2020 at a cost of $1,281.2 million (i.e., about $1.3 billion) and the second in FY2021 at a cost of $1,053.1 million (i.e., about $1.1 billion). The Navy’s proposed FY2022 budget requests $1,087.9 million (i.e., about $1.1 billion) for the procurement of the third FFG-62, and $69.1 million in advance procurement (AP) funding for the fourth and fifth FFG-62s, which are programmed for procurement in one or more future fiscal years.

Four industry teams competed for the FFG-62 program. On April 30, 2020, the Navy announced that it had awarded the FFG-62 contract to the team led by Fincantieri/Marinette Marine (F/MM) of Marinette, WI. F/MM was awarded a fixed-price incentive (firm target) contract for Detail Design and Construction (DD&C) for up to 10 ships in the program—the lead ship plus nine option ships. The other three industry teams reportedly competing for the program were led by Austal USA of Mobile, AL; General Dynamics/Bath Iron Works (GD/BIW) of Bath, ME; and Huntington Ingalls Industries/Ingalls Shipbuilding (HII/Ingalls) of Pascagoula, MS.

As part of its action on the Navy’s FY2020 and FY2021 budgets, Congress has passed provisions relating to U.S. content requirements for certain components of each FFG-62 class ship, as well as a provision requiring the Navy to conduct a land-based test program for the FFG-62’s engineering plant (i.e., its propulsion plant and associated machinery).

The FFG-62 program presents several potential oversight issues for Congress, including the following:

• the Navy’s emerging force-level goals for frigates and other surface combatants;

• the accuracy of the Navy’s estimated unit procurement cost for FFG-62s, particularly when compared to the known unit procurement costs of other recent U.S. surface combatants;

• the potential impact of the COVID-19 situation on the execution of U.S. military shipbuilding programs, including the FFG-62 program;

• whether to build FFG-62s at a single shipyard at any one time (the Navy’s baseline plan), or at two or three shipyards;

• whether the Navy has appropriately defined the required capabilities and growth margin for FFG-62s;

• whether to take any further legislative action regarding U.S. content requirements for the FFG-62 program;

• technical risk in the FFG-62 program; and

• the potential industrial-base impacts of the FFG-62 program for shipyards and supplier firms in the context of other Navy and Coast Guard shipbuilding programs.

Fincantieri Marinette Marine Dedicates New Construction Facility

PUBLISHED MAR 13, 2022 8:39 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE

[By: Fincantieri]

Leaders from Fincantieri Marinette Marine, the U.S. Navy, and Wisconsin-based Miron Construction dedicated a new facility at the Marinette shipyard with a small ceremony Mar. 8, 2022.

Employees and guests gathered to open the newest building at the Marinette shipyard, Building 35, where giant plates of raw steel begin the journey to become a U.S. warship. The 32,000 sq. ft. building is connected to a new panel line where steel is prepared, marked, cut, and welded on an automated assembly line complete with state-of-the-art robotic welders. This is where the Constellation-class Frigate’s large steel plates with be cut and welded. 

Fincantieri received a contract in 2020 that could be worth $5.5 billion to design and build the Navy’s newest class of ships, the Constellation-class Frigate. FMM is scheduled to begin construction on the first frigate this year, so this new facility will be increasingly busy as employees continue training ahead of frigate construction. This building and the panel line are part of the $300 million Fincantieri has recently invested into its shipyards. 
 
“It is important to remember that all of our construction and improvement projects are connected to a singular purpose: to be an efficient, modern shipyard that builds world-class frigates for the U.S. Navy.” said Dario Deste, President and CEO of Fincantieri Marine Group. “We continue to affirm our commitment to the Navy.”   

The new facility and panel line offer vast improvements in overall steel preparation, manufacturing, and staging processes that will be needed in construction of Constellation-class Frigates.  Fincantieri plans to build two ships per year after the ship design is stabilized. Fincantieri is scheduled to deliver the lead ship in 2026 and the second vessel in 2027.

In addition to these ships, the Navy’s contract with FMM has options for eight additional frigates which would be built in Wisconsin using Fincantieri’s system-of-shipyards, which includes Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, as well as Fincantieri ACE Marine in Green Bay. 

The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.

2022 US Shipbuilding Report

March 11, 2022

Marine Link

Gladding Hearn is currently building four pilot boats, including a 70-foot pilot boat for the Galveston Pilots. (Photo: Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding)

It’s a common story in the U.S. shipbuilding industry today. A piece of equipment that used to be available for delivery on short notice—maybe in one or two weeks—now must be ordered months or more in advance, and it costs double. Add to this rising steel prices and the labor issues that have pervaded nearly all industrial sectors since the early days of the pandemic, and it’s clear that business is far from usual for American shipyards.

Bollinger Shipyards president and CEO, Ben Bordelon, speaking as chairman of trade group the Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA) during a February 2021 House Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee hearing on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the maritime industry, said shipbuilders have been finding it difficult to navigate labor issues and supply chain disruptions. “Managing supply chain disruptions became essential to mitigating production delays because of the pandemic. The biggest drivers of schedule and cost impact have been increased rates of absenteeism—sometimes as high as 30% at some [SCA] member yards—unexpected loss of supervision and delayed equipment deliveries due to supply chain challenges.” He added that these issues and “other COVID-related costs” have “impacted every area of our business, from our workforce and finance teams, to our technical infrastructure.”

One year later, many of these challenges remain, according to shipyard execs like Peter Duclos, president and director of business development at Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation, who has four newbuild and six repair/refit projects ongoing. “Material lead times is a real problem and it’s adding to our delivery times,” he said. “We have done preordering on speculation of common products in advance of contracts to mitigate this problem, but there is some risk to that. The bigger problem is material cost for projects that were priced in early-mid 2021 with major expenditures occurring in 2022/2023. Pricing for materials have increased from 10% to 100%, and average about 25%.”

But there’s good news. Despite the various challenges, there’s plenty of business to be had, both in established and emerging corners of the market.

Dredging
The dredge building boom that was underway even before the arrival of COVID-19 is still going strong and is expected to continue on the wings of the recent historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which includes much needed funding for a long list of port, coastal and inland waterway dredging projects.

Meanwhile, Brownsville, Texas shipyard Keppel AmFELS is building a new trailing suction hopper dredge (TSHD) for Manson Construction Co. Once completed, the 15,00-cubic-yard capacity Frederick Paup will be the largest dredge in the U.S. Not to be outdone, Callan Marine last summer released a tender package to build a 16,000 cubic yard hopper dredge, Admiral Nimitz. Other hopper dredges known to be under construction currently include one each being built by Eastern Shipbuilding and Conrad Shipyard for Weeks Marine and Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD) respectively, both scheduled for 2023 deliveries.

A number of cutter suction dredges are also being built, including Callan Marine's General Marshall at DSC Dredge in Reserve, La. for handover in late 2022; and Mike Hooks' Lorraine at SPI/Mobile Pulley Works in Mobile, Ala. and Southwest Shipyard in Galveston, Texas, for scheduled delivery in the first quarter of 2022.

Offshore wind
Another promising area for U.S. shipbuilders is America’s newly forming offshore wind industry, which will require a fleet of new vessels to help build, service and eventually decommission the wind farms due to sprout up in U.S. waters, first along the East Coast, but also in the U.S. Gulf, Great Lakes and Pacific Ocean.

In November 2021, crew transfer vessel (CTV) owner/operator American Offshore Services ordered two CTVs from Blount Boats in Warren, R.I., with plans for further expansion. It was also announced that Senesco Marine in North Kingstown, R.I. will build three CTVs for sister company WindServe Marine, both part of the Reinauer Group. In October, Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding in Somerset, Mass. said it secured an order to build an Incat Crowther-designed CTV for U.S. offshore wind farm developer Mayflower Wind. In the years ahead, it's expected that dozens of CTVs will be built as part of a new fleet of Jones Act compliant vessels required to support the construction and long-term service of new offshore wind farms.

Jones Act-compliant service operations vessels (SOV) will also be needed to support this emerging industry. Ørsted and Eversource have taken the lead, contracting with Edison Chouest Offshore for construction of an SOV at several of its yards in the Gulf Coast. Crowley, having teamed up with established European offshore wind player ESVAGT, is awaiting the results of a bid and could be close to announcing an SOV order.

Facing an anticipated global shortage of wind turbine installation vessels (WTIV), Dominion Energy, the owner of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project, has opted to order a Jones Act compliant WTIV—the first ever—from Keppel AmFELS. Charybdis is scheduled for delivery in 2023. In another first, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock recently announced that it is moving ahead with the construction of a Jones Act compliant wind farm scour protection/rock installation vessel, which is being built at Philly Shipyard for delivery in late 2024. The deal includes an option for a second vessel.

Passenger vessels
Business in U.S. passenger vessel construction was solid prior to COVID-19, but this sector was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, and plans for new orders were shelved or in some cases totally scrapped. While it may be a long while until build activity returns to pre-2020 levels, there are glimmers of hope, such as U.S. river and coastal cruise shipping company American Cruise Lines’ recently announced plan for 12 new identical sister ships to be built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Md. The first two Project Blue ships are already under construction and are due for delivery in 2023.

Green vessel technologies like alternative fuels and electrification are also generating opportunities for U.S. shipyards and their suppliers. Notably, Bellingham, Wash. yard All American Marine recently completed SWITCH Maritime's Sea Change, the U.S.’ first zero-emissions, hydrogen fuel cell-powered, electric ferry. Washington State Ferries’ next five Olympic class ferries to be built by Vigor will be WSF’s first hybrid-electric newbuilds, in line with plans to make America’s largest ferry fleet emissions free by 2050. The first vessel, Wishkah, is expected to enter service in 2024. Nearby, Skagit County Public Works and Seattle-based vessel designer Glosten have developed an all-electric double-ended vehicle and passenger ferry to replace the Guemes. A yard has yet to be selected. Glosten is also working with Seattle-based Bieker Boats to develop a carbon fiber hydrofoil ferry. Elsewhere, the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) is in the process of selecting a U.S. shipyard to build a Glosten-designed replacement for its 57-year-old ferry Tustamena. Also out for bid is a 190-foot hybrid-electric passenger/vehicle ferry designed by Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG) to operate between Manhattan and Governors Island.

In more good news for ferry builders and their suppliers, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recently awarded $45.3 million in grants to help buy, repair and modernize ferry boats and terminals. The San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) will receive $3.4 million to construct a new zero-emission ferry. The Casco Bay Island Transit District in Portland, Maine, will receive $3.6 million to replace a passenger ferry nearing the end of its useful life, with a new ferry equipped with a diesel electric hybrid propulsion system. Kitsap Transit in Kitsap County, Wash., will receive $7.7 million to replace a diesel vessel with a new, environmentally friendly battery-electric passenger-only ferry and necessary charging infrastructure to carry passengers across Sinclair Inlet, between Port Orchard and Bremerton.

Green workboats
The green trend is also driving business in the workboat market, with several hybrid-electric and alternative fuel vessel projects currently ongoing as the maritime industry continues to develop and implement new technologies for cleaner vessel operations. Duclos said Gladding-Hearn is seeing “lots of interest hybrid and all electric vessels of all kinds”, and that, “We will definitely be seeing some of these for the right applications.”

Seabulk's new Robert Allan Ltd.-designed electric-hybrid tugboat, Spartan, was delivered in January from Master Boat Builders' (MBB) Coden, Ala., shipyard. The yard’s president Garrett Rice recently told Marine News that MBB sees growing interest in hybrid- and fully-electric tugs as operators work toward decreasing or in some cases removing emissions from their operations. In December, Master Boat Builders started building Crowley’s eWolf, the first all-electric ship assist tug in the U.S. The 82-foot harbor tug is expected to be completed and ready for service in mid-2023 at the Port of San Diego.

Master Boat Builders recently began building Crowley’s eWolf, the first all-electric ship assist tug in the U.S. (Photo: Crowley)

A first of its kind methanol-to-hydrogen fuel cell powered towboat is set to hit the water in 2023. The Hydrogen One is being developed by owner Maritime Partners in cooperation with naval architecture firm EBDG and hardware suppliers e1 Marine and ABB.

Another emerging opportunity for U.S. shipyards in the “green” realm is liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering barges like the one currently under construction at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding for Crowley. Set to be delivered in late 2023, the barge will be the largest of its kind in the U.S. and will be operated under long-term charter to Shell. Bay Shipbuilding is also building another noteworthy vessel, The Interlake Steamship Company's recently launched Mark W. Barker, the first new Great Lakes bulk carrier to be built in nearly four decades. The 639-foot laker is expected to be completed and underway in Spring 2022.

Government shipbuilding
Facing a shortage of commercial shipbuilding projects, a number of U.S. shipyards have turned to government work to keep busy, and several of these yards are now hard at work building, or jockeying to build, vessels for the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and U.S. Navy. Of note, the USCG is soon expected to select shipyards to design and construct its new river buoy and inland construction tenders as part of the waterways commerce cutter (WCC) program. In total, the Coast Guard plans to acquire 16 river buoy tenders, 11 inland construction tenders and three inland buoy tenders to replace its aging inland tender fleet.

Another closely watched Coast Guard build program is the Heritage Class Offshore Patrol Cutter, the first four of which are being built by Eastern Shipbuilding Group in Florida. The Coast Guard has called the OPC its “top acquisition priority”, and it intends to order 25 of the vessels in total. Eastern has bid for the second stage of the build program and is believed to be competing with yards such as Bollinger, Austal USA and Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Ingalls Shipbuilding. Stage 2 contracts could be awarded as soon as Spring 2022.

Eastern Shipbuilding Group is building the lead vessels in the USCG’s OPC program and is competing to win more vessels in stage 2. (Photo: Eastern Shipbuilding Group)

Pascagoula, Miss. shipbuilder Halter Marine has been awarded contracts to build the first two U.S. Coast Guard Polar Security Cutters to replace the Coast Guard's existing fleet of heavy icebreakers. Construction on the first PSC kicked off in 2021 with delivery planned for 2024, while work on the second vessel is expected to be completed by September 2026. Halter Marine, which has an option for a third PSC, is also building the U.S. Navy’s fifth Auxiliary Personnel Lighter–Small (APL(S)) 67 Class berthing and messing barge as well as oceanographic survey ship (T-AGS 67).

Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wis., which is currently building the Freedom Class littoral combat ships (LCS), has been awarded the first two of up to 10 Constellation-class guided missile frigates (FFGs), a new series of warships for the U.S. Navy. The lead ship is planned for delivery in around 2026. Mobil, Ala.-based Austal USA has four Independence-class LCS currently under construction, with two Expeditionary Fast Transports also under construction and a third under contract. In October, Austal USA was awarded a contract to build a pair of Navajo class Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ships (T-ATS) for the U.S. Navy, the first contract for Austal’s new steel construction facility. Gulf Island Fabrication and Bollinger Shipyards have also secured contracts to build Navajo class ships. Bollinger, which has 11 shipyards in Louisiana, was four additional USCG Sentinel-Class Fast Response Cutters (FRC) in 2021, bringing the total number of FRCs awarded to Bollinger up to 64 vessels since the program’s inception.

Another significant government build program is the series of five training ships known as National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMV) that Philly Shipyard is constructing for the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD). The ships will be operated by the state maritime academies, and the first is scheduled to be delivered to SUNY Maritime College in 2023.