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PoliticsUS Navy awards TOTE $2.2B contract to manage Medium Landing Ship project
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The U.S. Navy awarded a $2.2 billion Vessel Construction Management (VCM) contract to TOTE Services LLC for the construction of up to eight Medium Landing Ships (LSMs) for the Marine Corps. The LSMs, designed for island-hopping operations in the Indo-Pacific amid potential conflict with China, are approximately 100 meters long and can beach themselves to deliver over 800 tons of cargo. TOTE will manage subcontracts with Bollinger Shipyards (one vessel) and Fincantieri Marinette Marine (four vessels), with a strategy for the remaining three to be determined. Construction begins in 2026, with the first LSM delivery scheduled for fall 2029. The ships are part of President Trump's 'Golden Fleet' initiative and are based on the Dutch Damen Naval LST-100 design, already in use by the Nigerian Navy and selected by Australia.
Source report
The U.S. Navy has awarded a $2.2 billion Vessel Construction Management (VCM) contract to TOTE Services LLC, based in Jacksonville, Florida, to oversee the construction of the service's new Medium Landing Ships (LSMs).
The Marine Corps commissioned the LSMs with a focus on potential conflicts with China in the Indo-Pacific region. Measuring approximately 100 meters, these smaller, more agile vessels are designed for island-hopping operations, transporting troops, equipment, and supplies.
Congressional Directive and VCM Approach
Under the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act, Congress directed the Navy to select a VCM outside of the military to manage the contract for procuring no more than eight additional LSMs. The VCM approach is intended to accelerate construction of simplified ship designs by adopting commercial shipbuilding practices.
Construction and Subcontracts
TOTE Services will manage subcontracts with:
- Bollinger Shipyards – construction of one LSM
- Fincantieri Marinette Marine – construction of four vessels
The VCM will determine the award strategy for the remaining three vessels, according to a Navy press release issued Monday. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year, with the first LSM expected for delivery in fall 2029.
Part of the "Golden Fleet" Initiative
The LSMs are part of President Donald Trump's "Golden Fleet" initiative, which envisions maintaining the Navy's legacy ships while adding new manned and unmanned vessels.
Design and Proven Technology
In December, the Navy selected Dutch shipbuilder Damen Naval to design the Landing Ship Transport 100 (LST-100) for the initial tranche of LSMs. The ship has a range of 3,400 nautical miles and can beach itself to deliver over 800 tons of cargo, according to a Marine Corps video released in April.
The LST-100 is already in use by the Nigerian Navy, and the Australian Navy selected Damen's design in 2024.
"We're taking a proven design and leveraging congressional authorities to move with urgency and approach shipbuilding differently," said Christopher Miller, the Navy's portfolio acquisition executive for maritime, in a press release Monday.
Source
Military TimesWestern
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U.S. Navy Awards $2.2B Contract for Medium Landing Ships Program