Austal USA has been awarded an $18.5 million contract to procure long-lead materials for the 12th expeditionary fast transport vessel (EPF) for the U.S. Navy.

The award covers materials including main propulsion engines, generators, water jets, main reduction gears, and other long-lead time items.

“This material procurement contract is further evidence of the Navy’s unwavering support of the EPF program’s continuing success,” Austal USA president Craig Perciavalle said. “We are excited about the feedback we’re getting on the EPFs already delivered and in the potential this program has to be extended.”

Austal has delivered six ships under the EPF program and has three more under construction at its Mobile, Ala. facility. Austal was awarded a $1.6 billion 10-ship block buy contract in November 2008 that initiated construction of the Navy’s expeditionary fast transport program. The 338'x93'x12' aluminum Spearhead-class EPFs are built for carrying heavy transport at speeds up to 43 knots, with a service speed of 35 knots.