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Navy Awarded Contracts for New Landing Craft

The U.S. Navy selected three companies to build new LCU 1700 class vessels to replace aging fleet equipment.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Manufacturing

Isometric editorial illustration of a modular steel naval hull segment in a shipyard facility, representing military procurement and industrial infrastructure.
The U.S. Navy awarded prototype contracts to Conrad Shipyard, Master Boat Builders, and Saronic Technologies to develop new LCU 1700 class landing craft. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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On September 17, 2026, the U.S. Navy announced it awarded prototype production contracts to Conrad Shipyard, Master Boat Builders, and Saronic Technologies. These new LCU 1700 class craft are intended to replace the legacy LCU 1610 class vessels currently in service.

Why it matters

This initiative aims to expand the shipbuilding industrial base capacity and develop a more resilient supply source for the Navy. By utilizing prototype authorities, the military is modernizing its logistical support capabilities.

Master Boat Builders previously committed to a $60 million investment for a 20-acre yard, while Conrad Industries reported $28.6 million in capital expenditures over 10 years. Saronic Technologies is concurrently developing its $3.2 billion Port Alpha facility.

The players

Conrad Shipyard

This shipbuilding company is based in Orange, Texas, and has invested $28.6 million in capital expenditures over the last decade.

Master Boat Builders

Headquartered in Coden, Alabama, this firm is expanding its infrastructure with a $60 million investment into a 150,000-square-foot facility.

Saronic Technologies

Located in Brownsville, Texas, this company is currently developing its multi-billion dollar Port Alpha shipyard.

U.S. Navy

The branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for the development and maintenance of naval vessels and maritime defense.

The details

The Navy is funding this acquisition under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act using 10 U.S.C. § 4022 prototype authorities. This program follows the August 2026 delivery of the first LCU 1700 craft, designated LCU 1710, which was built by Austal USA.

Timeline

  1. December 2025: Master Boat Builders announced a $60 million shipyard investment.

  2. July 2026: Saronic announced the Port Alpha shipyard in Brownsville, Texas.

  3. August 2026: The Navy took delivery of the first LCU 1710 class vessel.

  4. September 17, 2026: The Navy announced the award of three prototype contracts.

  5. Late 2028: Craft deliveries are scheduled to begin.

Market Landscape

The use of 10 U.S.C. § 4022 allows the Navy to accelerate the procurement of landing craft by bypassing standard acquisition hurdles. This strategy marks a shift toward diversifying the industrial base by awarding contracts to multiple mid-tier shipbuilders simultaneously.

While these contracts primarily affect the defense supply chain, the expansion of shipyard capacity may create local job growth in Texas and Alabama. Taxpayers will see the results of this funding as deliveries commence in late 2028.

The takeaway

The transition from the 50-year-old LCU 1610 class to the new LCU 1700 series represents a significant technical update for the Navy. These prototype agreements reflect a broader effort to modernize maritime logistics through competitive industrial expansion.

Further reading

For more on the current state of the defense sector, visit the Manufacturing section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Waterways Journal.

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