# U.S. Navy Awards LCU 1700 Prototype Contracts

The U.S. Navy awarded three competitive Prototype Other Transaction agreements totaling over **$280 million** on September 15, 2026, to Conrad Shipyard, Master Boat Builders, and Saronic Technologies for the construction of Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1700 class vessels. These contracts aim to accelerate production timelines, validate technical data packages, and expand the maritime industrial base. Deliveries are expected to begin in late 2028, supporting the Navy's amphibious transport capabilities and enhancing operational readiness.

- The awards represent a strategic investment in expanding shipbuilding capacity across multiple yards, including facilities in Texas and Alabama.
- Procurement professionals should note the use of Prototype Other Transaction agreements, which may offer streamlined acquisition pathways for innovative shipbuilding projects.
- Contractors and suppliers in maritime manufacturing and related sectors can anticipate increased demand for materials and services supporting LCU 1700 production.
- This initiative signals the Navy's commitment to strengthening the domestic maritime industrial base and may lead to follow-on contracts with options for additional vessels.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 16, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Navy (Navy)

### Vendors
- Conrad Shipyard, LLC (prime contractor)
- Master Boat Builders, Inc. (prime contractor)
- Saronic Technologies (prime contractor)
- Austal USA ()

### Sources
- [
	U.S. Navy Awards Three Prototype Agreements to Accelerate LCU 1700 Production and Strengthen Maritime Industrial Base  > United States Navy > display-pressreleases
](https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/4601894/us-navy-awards-three-prototype-agreements-to-accelerate-lcu-1700-production-and/) - NAVY
- [Navy Picks Three New Yards To Build More LCU-1700 Landing Vessels - Defense Daily](https://www.defensedaily.com/navy-picks-three-news-yards-to-build-more-lcu-1700-landing-vessels/navy-usmc) - Defense Daily
- [Mobile County shipbuilder lands major U.S. Navy contract](https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/mobile-county-shipbuilder-lands-major-145453617.html) - Yahoo