PHILADELPHIA: Philly Shipyard Inc. (FRA: 65I), the sole operating subsidiary of Philly Shipyard ASA (OSE: PHLY), has won a contract from Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, the nation’s leading dredging company, to construct one Jones Act-compliant Subsea Rock Installation Vessel – the first such ship to enter the U.S. market.

Great Lakes retains a right of first refusal on a second ship.

The initial award is valued at approximately USD 197 million. If both ships are ordered, then the total contract value of the 2-ship program would be approximately USD 382 million.

The contract win solidifies and diversifies Philly Shipyard’s current order backlog – four National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMV) for Tote Services LLC, which retains its option for a fifth NSMV.

 “Over the past several years, we have made a conscious effort to pivot toward a more diversified order backlog in an attempt to grow the Company’s profitability,” said Steinar Nerbovik, President and CEO, Philly Shipyard.

 “Philly Shipyard has a long-standing position as the leading U.S. commercial shipyard for tankers and container ships, and we are making inroads into government projects – both new builds and repairs. This win now carves a path into the expanding offshore wind market. This contract is proof that we are executing on our vision and diversifying our market opportunities.”

The basic design is by Ulstein, a leading Norwegian/Dutch designer of offshore wind vessels. The Subsea Rock Installation Vessel is designed to carry up to 20,000 MT of rock and shall transport and strategically deposit these rocks to the ocean bottom, laying a foundation for the monopiles which serve as the prevailing support structure for offshore wind turbines.

The ship will have an overall length of 140.5 meters (461 feet), a breadth of 34.1 meters (112 feet), and crew accommodations for 45 people.

The owner will supply the rock placement system and other mission equipment. Delivery for the first vessel is expected in Q4 2024 with the second (if awarded) being delivered in Q4 2025.

 “Philly Shipyard is proud to contribute to the delivery of a vessel which will be essential in achieving the nation’s ambitious offshore wind targets. It is monumental for our shipyard to win this contract for Great Lakes,” said Thomas Grunwald, Vice President and lead manager of U.S. offshore wind strategy and business development at Philly Shipyard.

Philly Shipyard Inc. is a leading U.S. shipbuilder that is presently pursuing a mix of commercial and government work.

It possesses a state-of-the-art shipbuilding facility and has earned a reputation as a preferred provider of oceangoing merchant vessels with a track record of delivering quality ships, having delivered around 50% of all large ocean-going Jones Act commercial ships since 2000. www.phillyshipyard.com