Austal USA and Alabama Shipyard have launched AFDM 15, the first auxiliary floating drydock built for the U.S. Navy in more than 40 years.
The 694'×157' floating drydock weighs approximately 12,000 tons. According to Austal, AFDM 15 is the largest vessel by overall dimensions known to have been launched from a Mobile-area shipyard and represents the largest launch in Austal USA’s 26-year history.
The previous local record was held by the 616' tanker American Phoenix, launched in 2011.
“This milestone reflects the skill, precision and determination of our workforce, along with the strong partnership of the Navy and the maritime teams that helped make it possible,” Austal said in a Facebook post announcing the launch.
AFDM 15 is classified as an auxiliary floating drydock medium. Floating drydocks are designed to be partially submerged so vessels can enter before the dock is raised, allowing maintenance and repair work to be performed below the waterline.
Austal's website notes "AFDM will have the capability to dry dock Independence and Freedom-variant littoral combat ships, Arleigh Burke guided missile destroyers, Ticonderoga guided missile cruisers, and Whidbey Island and Harpers Ferry dock landing ships."
WorkBoat reached out to Austal for additional specifications and information about AFDM 15.
