The U.S. Navy has awarded a trio of competitive "Prototype Other Transaction" (OT) agreements to three Gulf Coast shipyards for up to seven Landing Craft, Utility (LCU) 1700 landing vessels. Under the agreements, the Navy will receive a total of seven LCU 1700s from Saronic Technologies, Brownsville, Texas; Conrad Shipyard, Orange, Texas; and Master Boat Builders, Coden, Ala.
"By selecting three distinct shipyards, the Navy is expanding its shipbuilding industrial base capacity and building a resilient 'second source' of supply for landing craft," said William F. Mahan, who is performing the duties of assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development, and acquisition. "Other Transaction prototype authority allows the Navy to move at the speed of relevance."
According to the announcement from the Navy, each shipyard will build two or three prototype craft with a focus on refining manufacturing plans in support of rapid production. The total amount obligated was $280.5 million. The program's funding came from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The OT approach, the Navy stated, is intended to expedite delivery of landing craft and validate the production-ready Technical Data Package (TDP) for the LCU 1700.
Master Boat Builders initially will build three LCU 1700s, according to a statement from the company, with an option for a fourth. Work is expected to go through 2029.
"This award represents a major milestone for Master Boat and reflects the dedication of the skilled workforce that has built our reputation over the last 45 years," said Garrett Rice, president of Master Boat Builders. "We are honored by the Navy's confidence in our team and proud to expand our role in supporting America's maritime mission. As we deliver these craft, we will continue investing in our people, capabilities, and Gulf Coast operations to provide the quality and performance our warfighters depend on."
The LCU 1700 program marks Master Boat Builder's first work as a prime defense shipyard. The company previously supported the Navy's Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ship (T-ATS) program through distributed shipbuilding as a subcontractor for Austal USA. Late last year, the company announced plans to build a new $60 million defense-focused shipbuilding facility.
The LCU 1700 will replace the Navy's LCU 1610 class landing craft, which averages more than 50 years of active service. The new vessels will boost payload capacity, extend operational reach, and be compatible with the Navy's amphibious ships. In August, Mobile, Ala.-based Austal USA delivered the first LCU 1700 to the Navy.
"The competitive awards announced today aim to establish a resilient, multi-source industrial base, introducing state-of-the-art construction processes across three shipyards," the Navy said in announcing the contracts with Master Boat, Conrad, and Saronic. "By validating the TDPs through actual fabrication, the Navy ensures a low-risk transition to high-rate production for the remainder of the LCU 1700 program."
