The first joint high speed vessel (JHSV), was officially delivered by Austal to the United States Navy on December 5. The signing event was attended by Craig Perciavalle, Senior Vice President of Austal USA, representing the builder. The US Naval Ship Spearhead successfully completed acceptance trials in September and will sail away later this year.

The 103-metre-long aluminium catamarans are designed to be fast, flexible and manoeuvrable even in shallow waters, making them ideal for transporting troops and equipment quickly within a theatre of operations. The ship has the ability to support a variety of operations, supporting the war-fighter through traditional logistics missions, humanitarian support projects, disaster response or by supporting maritime law enforcement activities.

Austal USA is a full-service shipyard offering design, construction and high-speed vessel services and repair. As Austal USA continues to expand its services and repair capabilities, the company is well-positioned for new business with engineering, test and trials capabilities, and a new waterfront facility on the Mobile Bay waterfront.

Austal is currently under contract with the US Navy to build nine 103-metre JHSVs under a 10-ship, $1.6-billion contract and five 127-metre Independence-variant LCS class ships, four of which are a part of a 10-ship, $3.5-billion contract.