U.S. Navy Turns to Commercial Approach for New Landing Ship Program

In a significant shift, the U.S. Navy has issued a Request for Proposal for a Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) to oversee production of its new Medium Landing Ship program, according to a report from gCaptain. This marks a departure from the Navy's typical shipbuilding process, which has faced setbacks and delays with programs like the Frigate. By bringing in a commercial-style construction manager, the service hopes to streamline the build and delivery of the new amphibious ships. 'The VCM will be responsible for managing all aspects of the ship construction, including planning, scheduling, cost control, quality assurance, and risk management,' gCaptain explained. 'This is a significant change from the Navy's traditional approach, where the shipyard has been responsible for managing the entire construction process.' The move towards a more commercial model is likely driven by a desire to avoid the kinds of challenges that have plagued other recent Navy shipbuilding efforts. The Frigate program, for example, has faced repeated setbacks and delays, leading the service to seek alternative approaches. 'Bringing in an experienced construction manager from the commercial sector could help the Navy avoid some of those pitfalls and deliver the new landing ships on time and on budget,' said maritime analyst Alex Roberts. The Medium Landing Ship program is intended to replace the existing fleet of aging amphibious ships, providing the capability to transport troops, vehicles, and supplies from ship to shore. With growing geopolitical tensions, these types of vessels are seen as increasingly crucial to the Navy's amphibious warfare mission. By adopting a more commercial mindset, the service is hoping to streamline the acquisition and construction process - a move that industry experts say could have broader implications for how the Navy approaches major shipbuilding efforts going forward.