Austal USA has been awarded an undefinitized contract award (UCA) totaling $867.6 million by the U.S. Navy for the final design and construction of three Expeditionary Medical Ships (EMS), as announced in a news release on Dec. 21. The production of EMS will take place on Austal USA’s aluminum manufacturing line upon the completion of the last Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF 16).

Acting Austal USA President Michelle Kruger expressed confidence in the company's ability of providing the vessels to the Navy.

“This award is further evidence of the Navy’s confidence in Austal USA to produce highly-capable, shallow-draft aluminum multi-hull vessels,” Kruger said. “We are proud to provide this innovative critical care capability to the men and women who defend our county.”

The EMS, a variant of the Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF), presents a cost-effective design tailored to serve as a dedicated medical ship, optimized for patient holding, stabilization, evacuation and transport in support of Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO). Featuring a shallow draft, the EMS design facilitates extended reach and direct access to austere ports. The flight deck is designed to accommodate military aircraft, including the V-22 and H-53K.

Austal USA has previously delivered 13 EPFs, a precursor to the EMS design, to the U.S. Navy. The company is currently in the process of delivering the first EPF Flight II, the future USNS Cody (EPF 14), which boasts Role 2E medical capability. Additionally, two more Flight II vessels are currently under construction.