U.S Navy Selects Fincantieri To Construct First 4 Medium Landing Ships

The U.S Navy has chosen Fincantieri Marinette Marine, the U.S. subsidiary of the Italian Fincantieri Group, to construct the first 4 Medium Landing Ships (LSMs) in Wisconsin.

The development announced by the U.S. Navy’s Naval Systems Command is part of a new acquisition strategy to accelerate the project and strengthen the industrial sector.

The early production stages will be directed by the Shipbuilding Manager, who will coordinate the work at two shipyards.

Apart from Fincantieri, Bollinger Shipyards is also a part of the program.

In 2025, the shipyard entered into a contract with the Navy to design the lead vessel.

Per reports, Fincanitieri will construct the first four ships, and the Manager will define the procurement strategy for the remaining 5 ships, according to the base contract.

The new contract arrangement provides for the appointment of a Naval Construction Manager to handle the main contract with the U.S Navy and subcontracts with the shipyards.

This method was decided to reduce the risk of cost overruns, delays and other workforce-related issues.

By defining every technical detail, the Navy wants to ensure that the ships are delivered on schedule.

Additionally, the navy selected the LST 100 project developed by Damen Naval as the basis for the LSMs, stating that an existing design would decrease the associated technical risks and construction time.

The LSMs will bridge the gap between small landing craft and multi-mission amphibious vessels, offering coastal mobility and enhancing logistical capabilities in challenging environments, especially contested waters and the Indo-Pacific.

According to the project, 35 LSMs will be built to form a formidable fleet, central to the manoeuvres and logistics operations of the U.S. amphibious forces.