USN awards $1.7 billion Portsmouth Naval Shipyard expansion contract
USS Virginia successfully exits dry dock at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. (Photo: USN.)
Works will improve the Maine shipyard's ability to support USN attack submarines.
US Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), on 13 August, awarded a $1.7 billion contract for the expansion and reconfiguring of a dry-dock complex at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
The works will increase the shipyard's capacity to maintain, modernise and repair US attack submarines.
The seven-year project, part of the USN's broader Shipyard Infrastructure Optimisation Program (SIOP), will see Nebraska-based 381 Constructors build an 'addition to Dry Dock 1', new concrete floors, pump systems, caissons and other mechanical and electrical systems.
Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Commander VADM William Galinis said: 'Our naval shipyards need these major modernisation efforts to sustain our ability to maintain our nuclear submarine fleet.
'The navy needs combat-ready ships and submarines to go where they're needed, when they're needed, and these major upgrades and reconfigurations at our naval shipyards will enable the fleet to meet its future missions.'
An initial $70 million of funding has already been allocated, with the rest to be incrementally released.
SIOP is a joint NAVSEA, NAVFAC and Commander, Navy Installations Command effort to modernise infrastructure at the USN's four public shipyards: Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping]()
Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
-
![Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost]()
Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost
The US Government has awarded a significant contract to move along its Polar Security Cutter programme.
-
![Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory]()
Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory
The deal, which has been planned since August 2024, is part of an ongoing attempt to bolster Australia’s defences against the potential of Chinese aggression.
-
![TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid]()
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
-
![As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?]()
As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?
The tripartite submarine project is under political pressure from a grass-roots Australian Labor Party movement, but it could also have practical issues in its way.
-
![Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting]()
Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting
DDG 129, which will become the USS Jeremiah Denton on commissioning, was moved to dry dock to begin its technical fitting and testing.
