VT Halter Marine Lays Keel for LSV

At a keel-laying ceremony on March 13, VT Halter Marine Inc., began the construction of the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armament Command’s (TACOM) newest Logistic Support Vessel. “We value the confidence and trust that the U.S. Army has placed in our company and our employees,” said Butch King, CEO of VT Halter Marine. “Our employees have first-hand experience in designing and building Logistic Support Vessels, Large Tugs and LCU-2000 Class Landing Craft that are specifically tailored to operational requirements. The U.S. Army is a long-term marine customer and about 50 vessels in their fleet have been built at our shipyards. We are very proud of the fact that this vessel will be used to help support our fighting forces and guard our national interests.” The 313-ft. LSV class vessel, designed to carry over 2,000 tons of deck cargo, has a beam of 60-feet and a molded depth of 19-feet. VT Halter Marine announced the Logistic Support Vessel (LSV) contract award December 20, 2002. Vessel delivery should take place sometime during the fourth quarter, 2004.