Hanwha Defense USA has won a $269 million contract to build a medium landing ship for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, according to Investing.com. The agreement is with TOTE Services, a U.S. maritime services company. It covers one Medium Landing Ship (LSM), with options for three more vessels.
The report says the 2,687-ton, 100-meter ship is designed to support military operations in contested waters, including the Indo-Pacific region. Construction at Hanwha Philly Shipyard is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027. The first vessel is expected to be delivered in 2030.
Hanwha was chosen through a competitive bidding process that TOTE Services launched in July under its vessel construction management program. The report says Hanwha won based on competitive pricing and its acceptance of the program's subcontract terms.
TOTE Services received a $2.2 billion contract earlier this year to oversee construction of up to eight vessels. That supports the planned 35-ship LSM fleet for the Navy and Marine Corps. The report says TOTE Services is still talking with Bollinger Shipyards and Fincantieri Marinette Marine about joining the program.
Hanwha acquired Philly Shipyard in December 2024. The report says the shipyard has previously delivered four National Security Multi-Mission Vessels under TOTE Services' model. Hanwha is also pursuing a controlling stake in the Philadelphia facility, the report says.