The US Navy has selected General Dynamics NASSCO and Fincantieri-owned Vard Marine to undertake early-stage design and concept studies for its Next Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS) program. Introduced in 2020 and also referred to as the TAOL or Light Replenishment Oiler initiative, the program aims to field a fleet of medium-sized ships capable of enhancing logistics support, resupply operations, and humanitarian missions in challenging operational environments.
Contract allocations include $3.9 million for NASSCO and $4.5 million for Vard Marine, according to Inside Defense. Vard will execute its portion of the work from its Houston base, working alongside Hanwha Defense USA. The program is expected to progress to a detailed design and construction phase by 2028, with the US planning to procure 13 vessels as part of the initiative.
