US Navy’s Biggest Shipbuilding Projects Delayed Due To Labour Shortages & Disrupted Supply Chains

In a recent announcement, the US Navy revealed significant delays in constructing its vessels, blaming skilled labour shortages, design challenges, and supply chain interruptions caused by the COVID-19 epidemic.

According to a directive US Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro issued in January, a comprehensive assessment was launched to investigate national and local causes contributing to these shipbuilding issues.

Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Vice Admiral James Downey emphasised the continued existence of labour turnover challenges, which were worsened by the pandemic’s aftermath.

Despite the end of the pandemic, shipyard attrition rates have continued to grow, with certain places seeing a doubling of attrition compared to pre-pandemic levels.

The delays affected the number of ships under construction for the United States Navy. The first ship in the new Frigate warship class, built at Fincantieri SpA’s Marinette Marine shipyard in Wisconsin, is reportedly three years behind schedule.

Similarly, General Dynamics and Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Virginia Class block IV submarine project faces a three-year delay.

The Navy estimates that the associated Virginia block V design, which includes extra missile launch tubes, is two years behind schedule.

The situation also worries the Columbia Class submarine, designed for nuclear missile launch capabilities. Contractors General Dynamics and Huntington are running behind by 12-16 months.

Such delays have caused the Navy to explore extending the operational lifespan of the Ohio Class submarines, given the Columbia Class’s completion timeframe has now exceeded the original target of October 2027.

The Navy has underlined the importance of prioritising the Columbia Class, citing its position as the launch platform for the sea-based component of the nuclear “triad,” which includes ground-based intercontinental ballistic missiles and nuclear-capable bombers.

Furthermore, current performance studies indicate that the Ford Class aircraft carrier, CVN 80, will be delayed by 18-26 months.

Initially scheduled for delivery in 2028, the carrier’s extended timeline highlights the broader issues confronting the Navy’s shipbuilding projects.

Reference: Reuters

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