Artistic rendering of the US Navy’s Constellation class frigate. Source: Fincantieri Marine Group.

Marinette Marine Corp., a player in naval shipbuilding, has been awarded a contract modification worth $80.2m.

This modification builds upon the previously awarded contract and activates options for engineering and class support requirements. The funding will also facilitate key projects to bolster the frigate surface combatant industrial base and foster workforce development.

The Constellation class is a multi-mission guided-missile frigate under development for the US Navy as a follow-on to the modular littoral combat ship. The Constellation-class vessels will provide escort capabilities, will take part in naval-presence missions, and will be able to conduct offensive missions, according to GlobalData’s “US Defense Market 2022-2027” report.

These initiatives strongly support the detailed design and construction of the Constellation class guided-missile frigate.

The US Navy exercised the option for the third Constellation class ship and began the construction of the first frigate in 2022. The US Navy has stated that the fourth Constellation class will be commissioned by 2029.

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According to GlobalData’s “The Global Naval Vessels and Surface Combatants Market 2023-2033” report, the US Navy plans to procure 20 Constellation class frigates under the FFG(X) Program under a contract worth $21.8 billion.

With a primary focus on enhancing the capabilities of naval assets, Marinette Marine Corp. will leverage the funding to execute engineering tasks and provide class support.

The contract modification encompasses a diverse range of locations, with work being distributed across Marinette, Wisconsin (65%); Newport News, Virginia (13%); New York, New York (5%); Columbia, Maryland (5%); Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (5%); Ayer, Massachusetts (3%); Arlington, Virginia (3%); and various other locations (1%).

The completion date for this endeavour is projected to be May 2034. The fiscal year 2023 shipbuilding and conversion funds from the Navy, amounting to $45.5m, will be obligated at the time of the award and are not set to expire after the current fiscal year.

The Naval Sea Systems Command, headquartered in Washington, DC, oversees the contractual activities for the frigate. This collaboration between Marinette Marine Corp. and the US Navy exemplifies a shared commitment to advancing naval capabilities, strengthening industrial infrastructure, and fostering a skilled workforce to meet the complex demands of modern maritime operations.