Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD), Arcline Investment Management’s subsidiary, has secured contracts for the supply of crucial valve components for the assembly of 12 US Virginia-class submarines and five Columbia-class submarines.
The contracts worth $96m were secured through its Hunt Valve division.
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The order comprises a range of valves, including ship service ball valves and high-pressure system valves that are forged, which are said to be integral to the submarines’ operations.
This deal positions Fairbanks Morse Defense as a primary supplier for these submarine programmes and ensures steady work for its Hunt Valve operation for over five years.
This stability allows for strategic investment in the company’s workforce, machinery, tools, and inventory, reinforcing its aims to support the US Navy’s fleet.
Fairbanks Morse Defense CEO George Whittier said: “This long-lead contract signals that the U.S. Navy is listening to industry challenges and actively collaborating to find solutions that strengthen our ability to serve.
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By GlobalData“As a key defender of our nation’s freedom of the seas, the Navy’s silent service relies on top performance. Fairbanks Morse Defense remains committed to providing the essential components that help our fleet operate at its best.”
The Columbia-class submarines, claimed to be the largest the US Navy has ever constructed at 580ft, are being built to replace the ageing Ohio-class fleet.
These ballistic missile submarines have a nuclear-powered propulsion system that translates nuclear energy directly into electric power, enhancing their stealth and quiet operation.
The first of these, the USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826), is scheduled for delivery in October 2028 and is expected to be operational by 2031.
A total of 12 Columbia-class submarines will be constructed by General Dynamics Electric Boat, with Hunt Valve’s orders catering to the fourth through seventh vessels in the series.
The new Virginia-class submarines, designed to succeed the Los Angeles-class attack submarines, feature improved acoustic and stealth features.
These nuclear-powered fast attack submarines are built for shallow-water operations and are equipped with a divers’ lock-out chamber and enhanced land-attack munitions capabilities.
They also feature the Virginia Payload Module, an addition that boosts their firepower with extra missile capacity.
The Virginia-class submarines are being constructed by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding.
The latest vessel, SSN 797, was recently delivered to the US Navy as the 12th battle force ship of 2024.
