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ConflictUS Navy awards TOTE $2.2B contract to manage Medium Landing Ship construction
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The U.S. Navy awarded a $2.2 billion Vessel Construction Management (VCM) contract to TOTE Services LLC for the Medium Landing Ship (LSM) program, aimed at supporting Marine Corps operations in the Indo-Pacific. The contract, directed by Congress under the FY2026 NDAA, tasks TOTE with managing construction of up to eight LSMs. Bollinger Shipyards will build one vessel, Fincantieri Marinette Marine will build four, and TOTE will determine the award strategy for the remaining three. Construction begins later in 2026, with the first LSM delivered by fall 2029. The LSMs, based on Damen Naval's LST-100 design, are approximately 100 meters long, can beach themselves, carry over 800 tons of cargo, and have a 3,400 nautical mile range. The program is part of President Trump's 'Golden Fleet' initiative to modernize the Navy with new manned and unmanned vessels.
Source report
The Navy this week awarded a $2.2 billion Vessel Construction Management (VCM) contract to TOTE Services LLC, based in Jacksonville, Florida, for the service's new Medium Landing Ships (LSMs).
Background and Purpose
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 ships are designed for island-hopping operations, transporting troops, equipment, and supplies.
Contract Details
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 aims to accelerate construction of simplified ship designs by adopting commercial shipbuilding practices.
TOTE Services will manage subcontracts with:
- Bollinger Shipyards – construction of one LSM
- Fincantieri Marinette Marine – construction of four LSMs
The VCM will determine the award strategy for the remaining three vessels, according to a Navy press release issued Monday.
Timeline
- Construction is set to begin later this year.
- The first LSM is scheduled for delivery in the fall of 2029.
Strategic Context
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 Capabilities
Last December, the Navy selected Dutch shipbuilder Damen Naval to design the Landing Ship Transport 100 (LST-100) for the initial tranche of LSMs. Key specifications include:
- Range: 3,400 nautical miles
- Capable of beaching itself to deliver over 800 tons of cargo
The Nigerian Navy already operates the LST-100, and the Australian Navy selected Damen's design in 2024.
Official Statement
"We're taking a proven design and leveraging congressional authorities to move with urgency and approach shipbuilding differently." — Christopher Miller, Navy portfolio acquisition executive for maritime, in a press release Monday.
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Defense NewsWestern
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U.S. Navy Awards $2.2B Contract for Medium Landing Ships Program