Competition Opens for Second Constellation-class Shipyard

According to a request for information (RFI) posted by NAVSEA and the FFG 62 Constellation Course Frigate Program Workplace (PMS 515), the united state Navy is formally looking for a 2nd shipyard for the FFG 62 program, including in the ability of Midwest-based Fincantieri Marinette Marine. A 2nd shipyard, according to the RFI, would certainly require to “show that they have the requisite centers, labor force, and capacities to execute the job.”

Principal of Naval Procedures Adm. Mike Gilday and Assistant of the Navy Carlos Del Toro both thought about a 2nd shipyard as seriously crucial in an Us senate Armed Solutions Board hearing in 2014. Fincantieri Marinette Marine has actually likewise broadened job to 2 various other Fincantieri backyards in the area, Fincantieri: Sturgeon Bay, and Fincantieri ACE Marine.

Added ability at a 2nd shipyard would certainly enable the manufacturing of 4 Constellation-class FFGs annual, increasing the rate of Fincantieri Marinette Marine alone, a lawn that has actually dealt with trouble in preserving and employing a labor force with the ability of implementing FFG 62 shipments on time, while likewise stabilizing completion of Freedom-class manufacturing which the backyard has actually focused on for almost two decades.

According to the RFI, PMS 515 particularly “looks for to determine professional united state surface area fighter Shipbuilders as resources for future layout and/or follow-on building and construction of the Constellation Course Frigate”. This varies from product purchase to post-delivery shakedown test assistance.

Fincantieri Marinette Marine presently has actually 6 ships granted, FFG 62 via FFG 67. The most recent 2 ships were granted in mid-2024. The lead ship of the course, USS Constellation (FFG 62), was set on April 12, 2024. Naval Terminal Everett, Everett, Washington, will certainly be the home of the very first twelve ships according to the U.S. Navy.

The united state Navy means to area 20 Constellation-class FFGs at first, with the opportunity of extra ships even more in the future as the commercial base maintains, system costs reduce, and a 2nd shipyard starts manufacturing of the course.

Including In the united state Navy’s passion in a 2nd shipyard, Norway has expressed interest in procuring five or six Constellation-class frigates as a supplement and ultimate substitute for the Fridtjof Nansen-class. A 2nd frigate building and construction backyard would certainly enhance the possibilities of the Constellation-class quote in Norway as the Nordic nation is reported to call for a fast shipment of the very first ship (2029 duration). Greece has actually likewise revealed passion in co-producing the Constellation-class as a substitute and has signed a letter of interest in producing seven Constellation-class FFGs in Greece.

Regardless of the passion by PMS 515, the ask for details sent does not ensure that a 2nd shipyard will certainly be picked to start manufacturing of the Constellation-class. According to the RFI, “Participants will certainly not be informed of the outcomes of this notification. The details acquired from sent feedbacks might be made use of in growth of a procurement method and a future solicitation.”

The blog post Competition Opens for Second Constellation-class Shipyard showed up initially on Naval News.