BAE Systems nabs potential $51.5M contract for USS New Orleans repairs

The U.S. Navy has awarded BAE Systems a $36.7 million contract for the repair and maintenance of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18).

BAE Systems said New Orleans would be the first ship to be repaired in the company’s new drydock in San Diego.

The contract includes options that, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $51.5 million.

The company will begin work on the 684-foot-long ship in January 2017 and will perform structural and tank repairs, propulsion system repairs, and ventilation and auxiliary systems repairs, as well as preservation of the crew habitability systems and spaces.

The work onboard the ship is expected to be completed in March 2018.

“We look forward to working aboard the USS New Orleans again, this time in our new drydock,” said Bob Koerber, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair. “Our previous experience with the ship and the outstanding skills of our employees and teammates will help us to provide timely repairs and upgrades, and return the ship back to the fleet in great shape.”

New drydock in San Diego 

BAE Systems has purchased a 55,000 lifting-ton, 950-foot-long drydock for the San Diego shipyard, which will be operational in early 2017. The company already has a 26,000 lifting-ton drydock at the site.

In addition to another drydock in the port, the combination of three drydocks will support the growth of ships in the San Diego port and help the Navy to maintain its operational requirements, while keeping ships in their homeport for extensive repairs.

The surface ship fleet in San Diego, excluding aircraft carriers, is expected to grow from 59 ships now to 70 vessels by 2020, as the Navy increases its focus on Asia-Pacific operations.

BAE Systems’ $100 million investment in a new drydock and other capabilities is aimed at supporting the increased size of the fleet.

“We made the strategic investment to meet the ship repair needs of the Navy,” said Joe Campbell, vice and president and general manager of BAE Systems Ship Repair. “Soon, with two large drydocks in our shipyard, we’ll enhance the San Diego industrial base’s ability to repair warships in their homeport, providing the key maintenance and modernization work needed for the ships’ continued service to our nation and the stability for the ships’ crews.”