HII using distributed shipbuilding to increase throughput
HII Partners with Shipyards Nationwide to Boost Shipbuilding Capacity
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) is collaborating with shipyards and fabricators across various states to enhance its shipbuilding throughput and meet the growing demand from the U.S. Navy. This strategic partnership aims to expand the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base and improve schedule adherence for all ships built by HII.
HII’s CEO and president, Chris Kastner, expressed the company’s dedication to increasing ship production at a faster pace for the Navy. The outsourcing of hours has already doubled in 2025, with plans to quadruple them within two years. This initiative has led to increased hiring, reduced attrition, and a growing experience base within the company.
HII’s structural assembly network now includes 23 companies that contribute to outsourced modular assembly of ships. The acquisition of a manufacturing facility in Goose Creek, South Carolina, demonstrates HII’s commitment to producing submarine modules and structural aircraft carrier units at the site. Moreover, key manufacturing partners in Virginia and beyond are building structural assemblies for future submarines and aircraft carriers, expanding production capabilities for the Navy’s fleet.
At Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi, outfitted structural units for Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are being constructed, inspected, and accepted at partner locations before final integration at Ingalls. This distributed shipbuilding model involves collaborating with strategic partners in multiple states, supporting the construction of DDGs 135, 137, and 139.
Apart from domestic outsourcing, HII is exploring international partnerships with Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and Babcock International Group to enhance throughput and strengthen the shipbuilding industrial base. These collaborations aim to leverage mutual strengths, expand shipbuilding capabilities, and explore new market opportunities in the global defense industry.
HII’s strategic partnerships with shipyards and fabricators nationwide signal a significant expansion in shipbuilding capacities to meet the U.S. Navy’s growing demands. This collaborative approach not only enhances production efficiency but also strengthens the global defense industry through innovative methods and international partnerships.
