USA: General Dynamics NASSCO Wins Deal for Third MLP Ship

General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. (NASSCO) has been awarded a $359,750,000 modification to a previously granted contract.

This contract includes procurement of the detail design and construction of a third Mobile Landing Platform Ship (MLP).

The Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) is a 34,544 MT displacement carrier for LCACs [Landing Craft Air Cushion]. It would also function as a staging position for doing some of the assembly of forces. The MLP would be a troop carrier, carrying 1,112 Marines, and a place where forces could be matched with their equipment before being transported ashore on LCACs or via aviation assets. The ships would be about 800 feet (250 meters) long and built to commercial standards, with a maximum speed of about 20 knots.

NASCOO will perform the work in San Diego, Calif.; Pittsburgh, Pa; Beloit, Wis.; Crozet, Va.; Chesapeake, Va.; Belle Chasse, La.; and various sites throughout the United States and outside the United States.

This work is expected to be completed by January 2015.