US Navy’s Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46). Credit: BAE Systems.

The US Navy has awarded a new $139.8m contract to BAE Systems for the upgrade and modernisation of its Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship, USS Tortuga (LSD 46).

The deal will see the company carry out a variety of restorative works on the 610ft-long vessel at its homeport in Norfolk, Virginia, over a 16-month period.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

It also includes a number of options, which if exercised would bring the cumulative value of the deal to $183.7m.

"Our previous experience with the ship and the outstanding skills of our employees and subcontractors will help us to return the ship back to the fleet in great shape."

BAE Systems is scheduled to begin the maintenance, modernisation and repair works on the USS Tortuga in January.

The arrangement will involve the installation of upgraded and advanced systems, as well as other enhancements on-board the navy vessel in order to extend its service life beyond 40 years.

The availability is expected to be completed in May 2019 following the reactivation of the vessel for operational service.

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.

BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair vice-president and general manager Dave Thomas said: “Our employees and subcontractors look forward to working with the navy to perform the deep modernisation work to ensure the Tortuga remains a very capable amphibious combatant ship.

“Our previous experience with the ship and the outstanding skills of our employees and subcontractors will help us to return the ship back to the fleet in great shape.”

USS Tortuga was originally commissioned in November 1990 and has been part of the US Navy’s LSD / CG-class modernisation programme since last year.

The keel on the vessel was initially laid on 23 March 1987.

BAE Systems’ Norfolk shipyard secured a $17.7m contract to begin the upgrade work on the ship in May 2016.