Austal USA starts work on US Navy floating dry dock
The floating dry dock will measure around 211m long. (Photo: Austal USA)
Austal USA has started constructing a floating dry dock for the USN at its Gulf Coast ship manufacturing site.
The Auxiliary Floating Dry Dock Medium (AFDM) is the third programme to begin construction at the company’s new steel-shipbuilding line following T-ATS 11 and 12 – the first two of four USN Towing, Salvage and Rescue (T-ATS) ships.
Austal USA VP of new construction Dave Growden said: ‘This dry dock will be a first for Austal, but we’re up to the challenge,
‘Our talented shipbuilders are always ready for whatever we require of them whether it’s the fourth ship in a multi-ship program or the first of a new design.’
Related Articles
Incumbent loses out as Austal USA wins follow-on Offshore Patrol Cutter contract
Austal nets US Navy T-AGOS surveillance ships contract
VIDEO: US Navy footage shows 'unsafe' manoeuvres by Chinese ship
The AFDM has continuous wing walls and sectional pontoons to provide the stability and displacement needed to lift and submerge vessels.
The dry dock has an 18,000lt lifting capacity and an 8,435 sq m clear deck working area.
Measuring 211m, the design incorporates features to improve operability and maintainability based on Austal’s knowledge of owning, operating and maintaining a similar dry dock at its Mobile, Alabama, repair facility.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Indian Navy’s next generation OPV fleet advances with keel-laying of third vessel]()
Indian Navy’s next generation OPV fleet advances with keel-laying of third vessel
The ship is the third in a fleet of 11, with the first vessel due to be delivered in 2026.
-
![Fincantieri and TKMS partner for Philippine submarine bid]()
Fincantieri and TKMS partner for Philippine submarine bid
The companies have banded together to promote the Fincantieri U212 NFS offering, and hinted that the collaboration may not be a one-bid phenomenon.
-
![New enhanced FREMM frigate delivered to Italian Navy]()
New enhanced FREMM frigate delivered to Italian Navy
The frigate, Spartaco Schergat, is equipped for a broad range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare.
-
![NAVSEA invests more in support of mine countermeasure USVs]()
NAVSEA invests more in support of mine countermeasure USVs
The new contract with Textron Systems will support software development for uncrewed vessels over the next three years.
-
![Two new European logistics support vessels enter sea trials]()
Two new European logistics support vessels enter sea trials
The two Logistic Support Ships (LSS), contracted under Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation, (OCCAR), should be commissioned into service later in 2025.
