South Korean Group Wins Its First US Navy Medium Landing Ship Contract After Buying A Philadelphia Shipyard In 2024

TOTE Services, LLC, a leading U.S. maritime services company specializing in vessel construction management and ship management, today announced its first shipyard selection for the Medium Landing Ship (LSM) program under TOTE Services’ Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) contract for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

As VCM for the LSM program, TOTE Services issued a competitive request for proposals (RFP) to qualified U.S. shipyards in July 2026. Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA) is the first shipbuilder selected through that process, based on its competitive pricing and acceptance of TOTE Services’ subcontract terms and conditions. The award covers construction of one LSM, valued at $269 million, at Hanwha Philly Shipyard (HPSI), with options for three additional vessels.

The program will include up to eight new vessels under the base contract. TOTE Services continues productive contract discussions with Bollinger Shipyards and Fincantieri Marinette Marine, both directed shipyards under the VCM contract, which are expected to play a meaningful role in building the LSM fleet.

“This award shows the speed at which the VCM model can move from RFP to contract,” said Jeff Dixon, President of TOTE Services. “Through a competitive process, we secured strong terms that benefit the government, along with build positions that allow construction to start in the fourth quarter of 2027.”

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