Philadelphia’s Hanwha Philly Shipyard will join TOTE Service, out of Florida, to build the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s Missile Range Instrumentation Vessels, the companies announced recently.
Hanwha Philly Shipyard will build the ships at its Philadelphia shipyard, while TOTE Services serves as the vessel construction manager (VCM). The MRIV will replace the Pacific Tracker and Pacific Collector, which were constructed in 1965 and 1970 and currently support missile range instrumentation missions.
The two companies will use the same commercially managed VCM model currently being deployed under that National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSVM) program for the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD). Officials said the NSMV program demonstrates how commercial management strengthens cost control, schedule performance and execution for complex vessel classes.
“Philadelphia has a long history of building ships that serve our nation, and our team is proud to carry that legacy forward,” David Kim, CEO of Hanwha Philly Shipyard, said. “This program demonstrates what is possible when proven designs, a skilled workforce, and strong government-industry collaboration come together. We look forward to delivering these vessels with the quality, reliability, and commitment our customers expect.”
HPSI said it will build the MRIV using the proven hull form, active production line, and existing supply chain, under the existing VCM contract vehicle between MARAD and TOTE Services. The project is being executed as an interagency collaboration between the U.S. Departments of Transportation and War, as well as the Missile Defense Agency. The first MRIV is scheduled for delivery in 2030.
“Hanwha is excited to build new versions of the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel to support such a critical defense function for our homeland,” said Michael Coulter, President and CEO of Hanwha Defense USA. “With these new ships, Hanwha Philly Shipyard is continuing to evolve in complexity as we look to deliver on our ambition to become a premier U.S. shipbuilder. As we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, we are building the next generation of our nation’s ships in the same city where America built its first Navy ships.”