NASSCO awarded US Navy fleet oilers contract

General Dynamics NASSCO has been awarded a contract by the US Navy for the design and construction of six John Lewis-class fleet oilers.

Designed to transfer fuel to surface ships operating at sea, the oilers will have the capacity to carry 156,000 barrels of oil, including the navy’s new bio fuels.

The oilers also offer dry cargo capacity, aviation capability and will reach a speed of 20 knots.

The first ship of the program was funded in the US Navy’s FY2016 budget, allowing engineering and design work to begin immediately.

The FY2017 budget requests advance procurement for a second ship, with procurement expected to occur in FY2018.