The US Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) has opted for Damen Shipyards Group’s Landing Ship Transport (LST) 100 design. According to the navy, up to 35 LST100 vessels will be constructed at shipyards in the United States for the Medium Landing Ship programme (LSM).
This US Navy initiative aims to enhance capability to transport and land Marine Corps units in contested environments. NAVSEA released the RFI (Request for Information) to the industry at the beginning of 2025. Following this, in July, Damen received a Technical Data Package (TDP) award from NAVSEA for the LST100. The design has now been selected as the basis for the LSM class, following which up to 35 LST100s will be constructed at American yards.
Damen has supported shipyards around the world with the construction of its designs since 1977. In this way, over 150 Damen-designed vessels have been built in the USA to date. This includes the Sentinel Class and Protector Class patrol vessels in operation with the US Coast Guard.
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In-service example
To ensure speed of delivery to the fleet, the Navy was seeking a non-developmental sea-going vessel design. Damen has previously delivered an LST100, providing the opportunity for NAVSEA representatives to visit an in-service example for themselves.
Additionally, last year, the Australian Government announced its selection of the LST100 for the Australian Defence Force’s Landing Craft Heavy programme. With this, up to eight of the vessels will be constructed by Australian shipyards.
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Diverse operational scope
The LST100 is 100.68 metres long with a beam of 16 metres and a draught of 3.58 metres. It is suited to a diverse range of operations. With its ability to transport personnel, vehicles, equipment and cargo, the vessel can be used in patrol, landing, survey and reconnaissance operations, as well as for the delivery of humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
In its standard design, it features bunks for 282 personnel. Cargo can be transported on the RoRo deck (500 m2), vehicle deck (400 m2) and on the helicopter deck. The vessel is able to sail at speeds of up to 14 knots, with an endurance of 3890 nautical miles. At endurance speed of 10 knots, it can reach up to 7530 nautical miles.
The LST100 features extensive flexibility. Its modular design enables straightforward adaptation and upgrade without compromising the benefits of standardisation. For example, with the addition of a standard, 20-metre modular block, the vessel can be enlarged to the LST120 design during construction.
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Continued US cooperation
Damen Area Manager Americas Alan Borde: ‘We are very much looking forward to continuing our cooperation with American shipyards during the construction of these vessels in the coming years. We enjoy long-standing relationships with a number of these yards, having supported their construction of our vessel designs over the last decades.’
Picture by Damen.
