NASSCO to develop MLP preliminary design

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has contracted General Dynamics to develop a preliminary ship design for the Mobile Landing Ship program.

U.S. company General Dynamics says its subsidiary National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. was awarded the Navy contract. Under the $3.5 million contract, NASSCO will provide the Navy's Mobile Landing Ship program, also known as the Mobile Landing Platform program, with a preliminary ship design.

The Navy MLP program is part of an effort to develop a new class of auxiliary ships to serve as transfer stations or "floating (piers) at sea." The MLP program was established to ensure cargo and equipment deliveries in regions where ports are not available.

NASSCO will be expected to develop its design for the construction of three ships.

"We are pleased to be selected to design this revolutionary auxiliary ship," Fred Harris, president of General Dynamics NASSCO, said in a statement.

"We look forward to working closely with the Navy to further understand the requirements and ensure our team creates an affordable, effective MLP design."