Gulf Island Fabrication has been awarded the option for a newbuild contract for the construction of one 2,461kW towboat.
The first newbuild contract, with an option for a second, was awarded in May 2018, with delivery estimated 12 months after. Delivery of the second vessel is estimated to be delivered two months after delivery of the first.
Gulf Island has not specified the client, but anecdotal evidence suggests the builds are for the US Navy.
The two vessels will be built at Gulf Island's shipyard in Houma, Louisiana.
