Austal USA has been awarded a $230.5 million contract for detail design and construction of EPF 16, an Expeditionary Fast Transport ship for the U.S. Navy.
Austal has already built and delivered 12 EPF ships to the Navy and three more are under construction.
Most of the work will be accomplished in the Mobile waterfront shipyard, with about 10% slated for Virginia and Michigan and smaller portions in other states.
The new ship is slated for completion by October 2025.
Designed for versatility, EPFs serve a variety of mission such as humanitarian aid or disaster relief, counter narcotics missions, maritime security, surveillance and other functions. The new Flight II variation includes a flight deck for V-22 aircraft.
“Like the previously delivered EPFs, EPF 16 will benefit from the serial production of this program, resulting not only in a world-class ship but also providing assurance to the U.S. Navy that capability will be delivered on budget and on schedule,” said Austal USA President Rusty Murdaugh. “Our reputation for delivering quality is a direct reflection of the commitment and dedication of our talented shipbuilders and suppliers.”
In addition to its EPF projects, Austal is under contract to build Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ships and the Navajo-class Towing, Salvage and Rescue ships (T-ATS). The firm is also supporting Navy unmanned vessel programs.
