US Navy awards contract for 15th expeditionary fast transport

The US Navy has awarded Austal USA a US$235 million undefinitised contract for the detailed design and construction of the 15th Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport (EPF).

As with earlier Spearhead-class EPFs, the vessel will have aluminium construction, a length of 103 metres, a cargo deck space of 1,800 square metres, a helicopter deck, and seating for over 300 embarked troops.

The vessel will also be used for humanitarian aid and disaster relief.