Artistic image of the US Navy's Mobile Landing Platform

General Dynamics (GD) NASSCO has successfully completed structural assembly of the first Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) for the US Navy ahead of schedule.

The company was earlier awarded a contract for the construction of three MLP ships to enhance the capabilities of the Maritime Prepositioning Force squadrons to enable rapid response in the event of a crisis.

General Dynamics NASSCO president Fred Harris said: "The MLP is the beneficiary of the ship-construction lessons learned during the successful T-AKE programme and a concerted ‘Design for Producibility’ effort."

"With this ship, we have further reduced construction time and applied improvements that have increased the efficiency of our workforce."

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

MLP vessels are a new class of auxiliary support ship, designed to serve the navy/marine corps as a transfer station or floating pier at sea to deliver equipment and cargo from sea to shore or when access to other bases is denied.

"With this ship, we have further reduced construction time and applied improvements that have increased the efficiency of our workforce."

Currently, the 233m-long, 50m-wide frigate is being worked on in preparation for undocking on 13 November.

With deadweight in excess of 60,000t, MLPs can cruise at a maximum speed of around 20k and can accommodate a crew of 1,112, along with their equipment.

The flexible, modular platform will join the three maritime prepositioning force squadrons of the US Navy, which are strategically placed worldwide to enable rapid response for disasters or crises, as well as reduced dependency on foreign ports.

The first MLP will be named Montford Point and is scheduled for delivery in May 2013, though it is not expected to be operational until 2015.

GD has selected Converteam to develop and deliver integrated power systems for the MLPs, including electric power, tandem propulsion motors powered by variable frequency drives and vessel automation system.


Image: Artistic image of the US Navy’s Mobile Landing Platform. Photo: courtesy of General Dynamics.