Electric Boat News

Electric Boat to Fuel Oyster Farm Ops

Maine Ocean Farms is investing in custom-built electric workboats and Aqua superPower's  marine fast charging to power its oyster farming operations, a project is made possible courtesy of a $500,000 grant from the US Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy plus another $500,000 in matching funds.Aqua superPower leads this electrification project, in partnership with Maine Clean Communities. Fogg’s Boatwoks in North Yarmouth, Maine, will design and build the custom workboat.

Austal USA Awarded $450 Million to Boost Capacity for Submarine Module Construction

Austal USA has been awarded a $450 million contract by General Dynamics Electric Boat to expand production capacity at its Mobile, Ala. shipyard in support of the U.S. Navy submarine industrial base (SIB).In 2022, Austal USA and Electric Boat, supported by the U.S. Navy, formed a strategic partnership to expand the production capacity of the SIB. As part of the partnership, Austal USA is constructing and outfitting Command and Control Systems Modules (CCSM) and Electronic Deck…

Vita Delivers Electric RIB to Newport Harbor Department

VITA Power announced it has delivered all-electric Vita Seal rigid inflatable boat (RIB) to the City of Newport Beach, marking the electric marine technology company's first sale to a public agency.The RIB will join the Harbor Department’s existing fleet of three boats and assist with patrols and towing and pushing vessels that need assistance or have broken away from moorings.According to VITA Power, its Vita Seal is suited for marine-based industries and harbor patrol law enforcement agencies, offering up to 10 hours of continuous operation at reduced speeds.

Washington State Awards $26.5 Million for Port Electrification Projects

Eleven ports in Washington have been awarded a total of $26.5 million to electrify their operations, a move aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions by over 140,000 metric tons over the next decade. This funding marks the inaugural round of grants from the Port Electrification Grant Program, established by the Legislature in 2023 and financed through Washington’s Climate Commitment Act.The grant program, which was open to all 75 public ports in the state, is part of a broader initiative to tackle carbon emissions in the transportation sector…

US Navy Launches Attack Submarine USS Idaho

One of the U.S. Navy’s newest attack submarines, the future USS Idaho (SSN 799), launched from General Dynamics Electric Boat’s Groton, Ct. shipyard into the Thames River, August 6.The "float off," or launch, is a milestone in a submarine's construction, marking the moment it leaves the shipbuilder's facilities and enters the water for the first time, signaling the start of final outfitting, testing and crew certification.“Today’s launch is testament to the strong collaboration the Navy has with its shipbuilding partners,” said Capt. Mike Hollenbach, Virginia Class Submarine program manager.

Rayha to Succeed Graney as President of General Dynamics Electric Boat

Mark Rayha has been selected to become the next president of Electric Boat, the submarine builder's parent company General Dynamics announced on Thursday.Rayha, who serves as the yard's current senior vice president and chief operating officer, will succeed Kevin Graney, who will retire at the end of this year. Rayha's appointment becomes effective December 1.Rayha joined General Dynamics in 1989 at Land Systems. He became CFO of General Dynamics Mission Systems in 2015. He joined Electric Boat in 2020 and served as CFO from 2021 to 2023.

AF Theriault, EV Maritime Team Up in Bid to Build Electric Ferries for Nova Scotia

Canadian shipbuilder AF Theriault & Son Ltd. announced it is teaming up with New-Zealand-based electric ferry design and technology company EV Maritime in hopes of securing a contract to build a series of electric ferries serving the community of Bedford, Nova Scotia.This partnership has been formed in relation to Halifax Regional Municipality’s (HRM) upcoming procurement for five new ferries for scheduled delivery in the 2027-2028 fiscal year. The entire project is estimated at CAD$258.7 million and will include ferries…

Vita Delivers Another Electric RIB in California

Vita Power announced it has sold an all-electric Vita Seal RIB boat to Bill Foss, a sustainable seafood harvester and restaurateur. This purchase supports Bill’s commitment to eco-friendly business practices, aiding his company TwoXSea in sustainable seafood distribution.The Vita Seal will transport divers to harvest red sea urchins, whose exploding population in the San Francisco Bay has led to destruction of local kelp forests and marine habitats. During the summer, the boat will be showcased at Lake Tahoe to promote electric boating and environmental preservation…

Transatlantic Partnership to Deliver First Vessel-to-Grid Project for Marine Electrification

The consortium consisting of UK and Canadian companies, led by Aqua superPower and BlueGrid, have launched the first transatlantic vessel-to-grid (V2G) project that will deploy bi-directional chargers and electric vessels in U.K.’s Plymouth and Canada’s Halifax.The $2.3 million (£1.8 million) CanUK V2G project will feature bi-directional charging technology which lets electric vessel batteries both receive and supply energy, cutting carbon emissions, slashing e-vessel costs, boosting grid flexibility…

Japan’s First Offshore Solar Demonstrator Hits Water in Tokyo

Dutch-Norwegian floating solar company SolarDuck, in collaboration with Japanese partners, has completed the installation of Japan’s first offshore floating solar demonstrator which will be used to power electric vehicles and boats.Together with its project partners Tokyu Land Corporation, Kyocera Communication Systems Corporation and Everblue Technologies, SolarDuck launched the demonstration of its offshore floating solar unit as part of the Tokyo Bay eSG project.The demonstration will showcase the production of renewable energy from the offshore floating solar unit…

Kruger Named President of Austal USA

The Austal USA Board of Directors has elected Michelle Kruger as Austal USA President. She has been serving as interim president since August 2023.Kruger joined Austal USA in 2022 as the vice president of global services and support. In that role she led Austal USA’s ship repair and warranty efforts including the development of business strategy and strategic alliances. She also oversaw the stand up of Austal USA’s San Diego repair yard including the delivery of a purpose-built 9000-tonne capacity dry dock.

US Navy Christens Submarine Idaho (SSN 799)

Groton, Conn. submarine builder General Dynamics Electric Boat hosted a christening ceremony for the U.S. Navy's new Virginia-class submarine Idaho (SSN 799) March 16.Idaho is the 26th submarine in the Virginia class, designed for the full range of 21st-century mission requirements, including anti-submarine and surface ship warfare and special operations support. Electric Boat and its partner Newport News Shipbuilding share construction of the Virginia class in a teaming agreement. Idaho is the 13th submarine in the class to be delivered by Electric Boat.The submarine will be the fourth U.S.

Printed Circuit Board Fuel Cell Technology Tested on Narrowboat

Bramble Energy has launched the world’s first hydrogen-electric boat powered by a printed circuit board fuel cell (PCBFC™).As the lead partner in the HyTime project working alongside custom engine builder Barrus, Bramble Energy has created a demonstration vessel that it says showcases the vast potential of its PCBFC™ technology to quickly and cost-effectively decarbonise the marine sector.A 57ft narrowboat was launched in Sheffield, UK, where it has successfully completed testing.

Newport News Delivers First Columbia-class Stern

HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division announced today delivery of the first Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine stern to General Dynamics Electric Boat.The stern for District of Columbia (SSBN 826) was transported by barge from Newport News to Electric Boat’s facility in Quonset Point, R.I..“This is a major milestone in the ramp-up of Columbia-class module production here at NNS,” said Brandi Smith, NNS vice president of Columbia-class submarine construction. “Our shipbuilders have worked with pride to accomplish this milestone…

General Dynamics Electric Boat Awarded $217 Million Submarine Contract

General Dynamics Electric Boat has been awarded a $217 million contract for long lead time material associated with the construction of Virginia-class submarines SSN 814 and SSN 815."This contract will enable Electric Boat to begin the acquisition of critical material and components for submarines that require substantial lead time to manufacture and deliver," said Kevin Graney, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. "Advanced procurement is essential to achieve the high-rate production the Navy requires of the submarine industrial base.

Austal USA Receives Submarine Module Construction Order

Austal USA has received its first order for components supporting construction of a US Navy Columbia-class submarine.The order, from General Dynamics Electric Boat (Electric Boat), is for fabrication of the Command and Control Systems Module (CCSM) for the third ship in the Columbia-class program (SSBN 828).This order represents a significant expansion in the capabilities Austal USA has been providing to the submarine industrial base since February 2023.The purchase order, with a value of up $12.8 million…

General Dynamics Electric Boat Wins $967 Million Contract

General Dynamics Electric Boat, a business unit of General Dynamics, wasn awarded a $967 million contract modification from the U.S. Navy for Lead Yard Support and Development and Design efforts for Virginia-class fast-attack submarines.The cost-plus-fixed fee modification to a previously awarded contract totals $967,185,528. Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut; McLeansville, North Carolina; Newport News, Virginia; and Newport and Quonset Point, Rhode Island. Work is expected to be completed by October 2024. This contract was awarded on September 29. 2023.Virginia-class submarines are designed for the full range of 21st-century mission requirements…

General Dynamics Electric Boat Awarded $517 Million Submarine Parts Contract

General Dynamics Electric Boat has been awarded a $517.2 million delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement for procurement and delivery of initial Virginia-class attack submarine spare parts to support maintenance availabilities.Work will be performed in Groton and Pawcatuck, Connecticut."The shipbuilders of Electric Boat are proud to continue our role providing lifecycle maintenance support to the U.S. Navy’s operational submarine fleet in keeping with our mission to provide sailors with the advantage that helps protect our nation…

Austal USA Tapped to Build More Submarine Modules

Mobile, Ala. based Austal USA received an order for the manufacture and outfitting of three electronic deck modules for the U.S. Navy's Virginia-class submarine program. The order, valued at $10.6 million, was issued by prime contractor General Dynamics Electric Boat. Construction will begin in fall 2023 and the modules are scheduled to be delivered to Electric Boat by the middle of 2025.The construction of these modules is the result of the strategic partnership formed in 2022 between Austal USA and Electric Boat, supported by the U.S.

Electric Boat Lays Keel for Submarine Tang (SSN 805)

General Dynamics Electric Boat held a keel laying for the Virginia-class submarine Tang (SSN 805) at its facility in Quonset Point, North Kingstown, R.I.The submarine will be the third ship in the U.S. Navy to carry the name Tang. The first USS Tang was a Balao-class submarine, SS 306, credited as the most successful U.S. submarine of WWII, sinking the most tonnage of any U.S. submarine—33 enemy ships—on five war patrols over the course of just 14 months."This ship represents…

Greening the U.S. Federal Fleet

The international shipping industry as a whole is responsible for 2% to 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and if nothing changes, those will increase by 250% by 2050, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Sobering numbers like these have made reducing emissions across the sector a focus for governments, shipbuilders, environmentalists, vessel owners and technology suppliers alike.The United States federal ship fleet, excluding combat ships, consists of various types of vessels utilized for civilian purposes. This fleet of vessels makes the U.S.

The Need for [U.S. Navy Shipbuilding] Speed

The Navy wants, and needs, more ships; but it can’t build them fast enough.While the U.S. Navy aims to achieve a 355-ship fleet, it is decommissioning older (and some not so old) ships at about the same rate it's adding new ones.A Congressional Research Service report stated that, as of April 17, 2023, the Navy included 296 battle force ships. "The Navy projects that under its FY2024 budget submission, the Navy would include 293 battle force ships at the end of FY2024 and 291 battle force ships at the end of FY2028."But there is progress…

U.S. Navy Shipbuilders & Disaggregated, Dispersed Production

With a lame-duck CNO, a divided Congress and the impending launch of the next Presidential election cycle, America’s naval market is locked into something of a fragile and fearful autopilot, cruising inexorably towards whatever excitement 2024 might bring.Materially, don’t expect much change: The demand for naval platforms will continue to outstrip available funding, meaning there will be little movement or growth in America’s major shipbuilding programs of record. The procurement outlines are already set.