Navy awards Conrad Shipyard additional YRBM contract
U.S. Navy Awards $28.3 Million Contract to Conrad Shipyard
The U.S. Navy has announced a significant contract modification worth $28.3 million to Conrad Shipyard in Morgan City, Louisiana, for the design and construction of a new yard repair, berthing, and messing (YRBM) barge. This modification could potentially increase the total contract value to $59.9 million, depending on options exercised. The construction is set to take place at Conrad’s facility in Amelia, Louisiana, with an expected completion date in March 2027.
Details of the Contract and Construction Timeline
The contract modification, part of the Navy’s fiscal 2024 shipbuilding and conversion budget, was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating that Conrad Shipyard is the only provider capable of fulfilling this requirement. The Naval Sea Systems Command, located in Washington, D.C., is overseeing the contract’s execution. The funds for this project were obligated at the time of the award, ensuring immediate financial support for the construction process.
Conrad Shipyard previously delivered its first YRBM, named YRBM 57, to the Navy in October 2024. This barge is stationed in Japan to enhance naval operations in the region. The delivery marked a significant milestone for the Louisiana-based shipyard, which has been operational since 1948, as it represented the first contract fulfilled for the U.S. Navy.
Features and Specifications of YRBM Barges
The YRBM barges are designed to provide essential living and working spaces for sailors. YRBM 57 is classified as an American Bureau of Shipping A1 accommodation barge, featuring a full load draft of 6 feet 8 inches and an air draft of 60 feet 11 inches, with a total displacement of 1,270 tons. It can accommodate up to 199 mixed-gender duty crew members and provide dining facilities for 300 personnel.
Key amenities on the barge include a 12-person officers’ mess, a 12-person chief petty officer mess, and a 60-person enlisted mess. Additionally, it houses a medical examination area for five personnel, a medical officer’s office for four, and various lounges and conference spaces. The barge also features classrooms capable of accommodating 72 personnel and a 25-person conference room, ensuring that sailors have access to both living quarters and essential facilities.
As the U.S. Navy continues to enhance its operational capabilities, the partnership with Conrad Shipyard signifies a commitment to providing sailors with the necessary resources and infrastructure to support their missions effectively.
