UPDATE 2.35pm: The US Navy has awarded Austal a $434 million contract to build another two high-speed troop carriers.
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The order to design and construct the expeditionary fast transport vessels at Austal’s Alabama shipyard includes a previously announced contract for long lead-time materials.
The order comes on top of a 10-ship contract the WA company won in 2008 for the 103m catamarans, formerly called joint high speed vessels.
It brings the value of Austal’s 12-ship EPF program to $US1.9 billion ($2.5 billion), and extends its US production schedule to 2022. Seven of the vessels have been delivered.
Chief executive David Singleton said the new order reflected the US Navy’s continued confidence and investment in a proven product.
One of Austal's expeditionary fast transport vessels conducting sea trials.
“The EPF is a unique vessel that is re-defining naval sealift capability and exceeding expectations in various military and civilian operations around the world,” Mr Singleton said.
“Two more EPF signal a commitment by the US Navy to further expand the EPF roles and reach.”
The ships are designed to transport about 300 troops as well as vehicles and cargo, travelling at 35 knots. It has an 1800 square metre cargo deck and a medium-lift helicopter deck.
Austal’s shares were off three cents, or 1.93 per cent, to $1.525 at the close.
