FY 2022 could be a positive year for new federal shipbuilding
NSMV and Coast Guard Cutter funding continues
While the Navy’s shipbuilding program is facing Congressional scrutiny, the reception has been far more positive for the Maritime Administration (MARAD). Built on MARAD’s initial success in the on-going construction of the first four National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMV) under the oversight of Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) TOTE Services at Philly Shipyard, the House Appropriations Committee is looking fund the fifth NSMV for Cal Maritime. The Committee’s markup of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill, released on July 20, would provide $315 million to fund NSMV V in its entirety, along with providing $5 million for the NSMV program to assist State Maritime Academies in making necessary shore-side infrastructure improvements in preparation for delivery of the NSMVs.
Beyond just the NSMV themselves, it is clear that many federal leaders see the value of the NSMV design and VCM approach. In its markup of the FY 2022 NDAA, released on July 28, the House Armed Service Committee’s Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces specifically pointed to the NSMV as a basis for replacing the Navy’s hospital ships (T-AH). The Subcommittee’s markup stated, “The committee believes that as an alternative to maintaining converted supertankers that were procured in the mid-1970s, the Navy could take advantage of the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) that the Maritime Administration is currently procuring for the State Maritime Academies. By utilizing the NSMV hull form and production line, the Navy could minimize design costs and schedule of the T-AH(X) that is planned to replace the current T-AHs. This strategy would also allow the Navy to defer future costly maintenance availabilities on the existing T-AHs and deliver a replacement capability sooner than the current plan.
” Accordingly, the Subcommittee has requested a briefing from the Secretary of the Navy on the feasibility of utilizing the NSMV hull form to fill the requirements of the Navy’s hospital ship replacement vessels.
The House Appropriations Committee’s markup of the Homeland Security appropriations bill also focuses on continuing U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) shipbuilding programs. The bill would provide an additional $597 million to fund the construction of the fourth Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) at Eastern Shipbuilding and long lead time materials for the fifth OPC. The USCG would also receive $170 million for a portion of the long lead time materials for a third Polar Security Cutter at VT Halter Marine to keep the acquisition program on schedule.
While these funding bills are only in their preliminary stages, it is certainly a positive sign that the House Appropriations Committee has not only supported, but increased, the President’s budget requests for shipbuilding projects. If this trend continues, FY 2022 could be a positive year for new federal shipbuilding projects.
https://www.marinelink.com/news/prefabrication-federal-shipbuilding-490693
While the Navy’s shipbuilding program is facing Congressional scrutiny, the reception has been far more positive for the Maritime Administration (MARAD). Built on MARAD’s initial success in the on-going construction of the first four National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMV) under the oversight of Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) TOTE Services at Philly Shipyard, the House Appropriations Committee is looking fund the fifth NSMV for Cal Maritime. The Committee’s markup of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill, released on July 20, would provide $315 million to fund NSMV V in its entirety, along with providing $5 million for the NSMV program to assist State Maritime Academies in making necessary shore-side infrastructure improvements in preparation for delivery of the NSMVs.
Beyond just the NSMV themselves, it is clear that many federal leaders see the value of the NSMV design and VCM approach. In its markup of the FY 2022 NDAA, released on July 28, the House Armed Service Committee’s Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces specifically pointed to the NSMV as a basis for replacing the Navy’s hospital ships (T-AH). The Subcommittee’s markup stated, “The committee believes that as an alternative to maintaining converted supertankers that were procured in the mid-1970s, the Navy could take advantage of the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) that the Maritime Administration is currently procuring for the State Maritime Academies. By utilizing the NSMV hull form and production line, the Navy could minimize design costs and schedule of the T-AH(X) that is planned to replace the current T-AHs. This strategy would also allow the Navy to defer future costly maintenance availabilities on the existing T-AHs and deliver a replacement capability sooner than the current plan.
” Accordingly, the Subcommittee has requested a briefing from the Secretary of the Navy on the feasibility of utilizing the NSMV hull form to fill the requirements of the Navy’s hospital ship replacement vessels.
The House Appropriations Committee’s markup of the Homeland Security appropriations bill also focuses on continuing U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) shipbuilding programs. The bill would provide an additional $597 million to fund the construction of the fourth Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) at Eastern Shipbuilding and long lead time materials for the fifth OPC. The USCG would also receive $170 million for a portion of the long lead time materials for a third Polar Security Cutter at VT Halter Marine to keep the acquisition program on schedule.
While these funding bills are only in their preliminary stages, it is certainly a positive sign that the House Appropriations Committee has not only supported, but increased, the President’s budget requests for shipbuilding projects. If this trend continues, FY 2022 could be a positive year for new federal shipbuilding projects.
https://www.marinelink.com/news/prefabrication-federal-shipbuilding-490693