VT Halter Marine to build berthing barges for US Navy

By Baird Maritime - November 4, 2018.

Photo: Petty Officer 2nd Class Damon J. Moritz, US Navy – US Navy barracks craft APL-61

VT Halter Marine has been awarded a detailed design and construction contract for two firm and up to four optional Auxiliary Personnel Lighter Small APL-67 class berthing barges by the US Department of the Navy.

The vessels are expected to be delivered in the second and third quarters of 2020.

The contract plus options is valued at approximately US$244 million.

The APL(S) barracks craft are berthing barges that will be used by the navy to house crewmembers when ships are under repair or modification. The APL(S) are mobile and can be towed to new bases or shipyards and also offer potential use for humanitarian missions and other temporary assignments.

The new vessels will have a length of 82 metres, a width of 20.95 metres, and a draught of 2.2 metres. Each vessel will be fitted with mixed gender berthing spaces for 74 officers and 537 enlisted personnel, for a total of 611 people.

Onboard facilities will include offices, mess halls, classrooms, washrooms, laundry facilities, medical treatment areas, a barber shop, and a fitness center.