Conrad will build landing craft at Texas yard

Conrad Orange Shipyard Inc. has been awarded a competitive Prototype Other Transaction agreement to build two Landing Craft, Utility 1700-class craft, with options for two additional craft, the company said Thursday.
Under the agreement, Conrad will construct the prototype vessels and refine manufacturing plans to support future high-rate production. The craft will be built at Conrad’s shipyard in Orange, Texas.
The LCU 1700 will replace the legacy LCU 1610 class, which has averaged more than 50 years of active service. The new craft will provide improved reliability, increased payload capacity, extended operational reach and compatibility with the Navy’s amphibious warfare ships, Conrad said.
“This award reflects Conrad Shipyard’s proven ability to deliver complex vessels for the U.S. Navy and reinforces our commitment to supporting the nation’s maritime readiness,” said Cecil A. Hernandez, president and CEO of Conrad Shipyard. “We are proud to contribute to
the next generation of landing craft, create opportunities for the skilled workforce that supports our industry, and help strengthen the nation’s maritime industrial base while expanding shipbuilding capacity across the Gulf Coast.”
The award gives Conrad another opportunity to bring its experienced shipbuilding teams, established supplier relationships and disciplined production practices to a mission-critical Navy program, the company said.
The project also reinforces Conrad’s commitment to the Gulf Coast maritime workforce and the domestic shipbuilding industrial base. Construction at the Orange shipyard will support skilled jobs, engage regional vendors and contribute to the capacity needed to deliver vessels and services for the Navy, Conrad said.