US Navy orders other T-ATS-type rescue ships

Gulf Island Shipyards LCC received an order for two series multitasking T-ATS-6 type rescue ships Navajo.

Construction of rescue vessels this type is the implementation of the contractual option contained in the agreement of 16 March 2018 concerning the development of a new unit intended for rescue operations, sea-going towing and exploitation of sunk vessels. The winner of the procedure, following an agreement worth US$64.8 million, adapted the design of a civil oil rig (AHTS – Anchor Handling Tug Supply) type Wärtsilä VS 4612 and built a USNS prototype unit Navajo (T-ATS-6).

As part of the use of options for the construction of another 7 rescue ships, last April Gulf Island Shipyards received an order to build the future USNS Cherokee Nation (T-ATS 7) and USNS Saginaw Ojibwe Anishinabek (T-ATS 8) worth approximately USD 130 million. Ordering another The couple, which took place on March 26th this year, is another use of the option and, like last year's estimated at around USD 130 million. Another unit is to be ordered one in 2021-23.

The new rescue ships are to have a full displacement of 5191 tons, length 80 m, width 18 m., dive 5.4 m., speed 15.1 node, range 8170 miles at 10 knots, haul 176 tons, 2000 tons of cargo, and 42 crew members.

In the pursuit of multi-tasking new ships, T-ATS will replace T-ARS 50 rescue ships in service Safeguard and ocean tugs T-ATF 166 Powhatan. Their primary tasks are therefore to: