The United States Navy has rolled out a sweeping $3.5 billion contract proposal to procure 2,800 small boats over the next ten years, a strategic effort aimed at strengthening the nation’s shipbuilding industry and improving operational readiness at American ports. By broadening the competitive field to a larger base of vendors and implementing parallel competitions, the Navy seeks to stabilize domestic boatyards and enhance the efficiency of its waterfront support operations.
This ambitious plan lays out a Request for Information (RFI) covering a wide spectrum of vessel types, including aluminum oil-spill response boats, Naval Special Warfare surface support craft in 8-meter and 11-meter configurations, force-protection craft, diving support vessels, and high-speed maneuvering surface targets. The Navy also intends to acquire steel workboats, tugs, barges, floating cranes, and service craft, with notional quantities reaching 2,800 hulls between fiscal years 2026 and 2036.
Annual procurement will include utility boats, skimmers, maneuvering targets, and other service platforms, supporting both fleet sustainment and ongoing training requirements. The Navy plans to concentrate deliveries at major stock points in San Diego and Williamsburg, with additional options for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) variants and familiarization packages for allied partners.
Notably, the technical specifications outlined in the RFI are unusually explicit for early-stage market research. Medium and large steel workboats will span about 25 to 40 feet, feature diesel inboard engines, and offer substantial bollard pull—prioritizing reliability and mooring capability over top speed. Forward thrust for these vessels is targeted between 10,000 and 15,000 pounds, alongside integrated navigation systems, HVAC cabins, and specialized towing and hoist fittings for demanding harbor operations.
Aluminum oil-spill response units will consist of 27- to 30-foot utility boats, boom platforms, and skimmers—each equipped with twin gasoline outboards. Utility boats and boom platforms are designed to cruise at 15 knots and sprint up to 25 knots, while skimmers will operate at a recovery speed of 1.5 knots or reposition at 15 knots, utilizing integrated filter-belt systems for spill containment.
High-performance craft are also slated for acquisition, including open- and enclosed-cabin support boats for Naval Special Warfare teams, capable of over 35 knots and equipped with shock-mitigating seating, dive ladders, tank stowage, and advanced electronic navigation suites. A special Coast Guard variant features an open console, triple outboard engines delivering up to 45 knots, heavy weapon mounts, and next-generation integrated navigational and communications technology.
For harbor needs, procurement includes tugs and small harbor tugs with azimuthing stern drives for superior maneuverability, lighters with open or covered decks offering 500-ton cargo capacity, and barges supporting up to 14,000 barrels of fuel or oil storage. The acquisition scope further extends to accommodation barges with onboard hotel services and large floating dry docks, ensuring submarines and surface ships maintain schedules for repairs and upgrades.
