Shipping and Logistics
SSAB and Austal Team Up on Plate for U.S. Navy Ships
Written by David Schollaert
December 3, 2021
SSAB Americas will supply the Mobile, Ala.-based shipbuilder Austal USA with steel for the construction of new U.S. Navy ships.
The supplier partnership with the Alabama-based steelmaker follows Austal’s award from the U.S. Navy to build steel-hulled Towing, Salvage, and Rescue ships (T-ATS). The Navajo-class ships will be built in new steel shipbuilding facilities that are expected to be operational in spring 2022.
“SSAB not only provides us with quality steel, but also great flexibility due to its location adjacent to us here in Mobile,” said Rusty Murdaugh, Austal USA’s president. “The ability to work quickly and in-person with them on current and future steel requirements by the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard is an asset to Austal that will support our business and economic growth in our community.”
According to Austal, the partnership with SSAB will directly support hundreds of jobs in the greater Mobile area. The company will source several “strength and sized steel plating” from the steelmaker.
“Austal USA is a respected and valued partner to SSAB Americas,” said Jeff Moskaluk, SSAB Americas’ senior VP and CCO. “Our participation in such an important and vital project, that will strengthen both the economic and national security of our country, makes this partnership even more meaningful. We are proud to work closely with Austal USA and demonstrate the service, quality and value that is delivered from an interconnected and local supply chain here in Alabama.”
By David Schollaert, David@SteelMarketUpdate.com
David Schollaert
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