Written by
Heather Ervin
APL 71 is the fifth vessel of its class to be delivered to the Navy and the third to be homeported in Norfolk, Va. (Credit score: Bollinger Shipyards)
Final week, Bollinger Shipyards delivered the primary Bollinger-built Auxiliary Personnel Lighter–Small (APL) Class berthing and messing barge (APL 71) to the U.S. Navy. APL 71 is the fifth vessel of its class to be delivered to the Navy and the third to be homeported in Norfolk, Va.
“We’re honored to be entrusted to construct the APL berthing and messing barge for the U.S. Navy,” mentioned Ben Bordelon, president and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. “I’m pleased with the exhausting work and dedication of our workforce at Bollinger and our continued dedication to delivering high-quality, dependable vessels that meet the Navy’s rigorous requirements and enhance the standard of life for our sailors. We sit up for persevering with to develop our partnership with the Navy and delivering this vital asset to help our nationwide protection.”
The earlier 4 APLs had been constructed and delivered by VT Halter Marine, which Bollinger acquired in late 2022. Halter acquired the preliminary contract in 2018. APLs are utilized by the Navy to deal with crewmembers when ships are in port for availabilities and Inter-Deployment Coaching Cycles. The barges are cell and might be towed to new bases or shipyards to help altering fleet necessities and likewise provide potential use for humanitarian missions and different short-term assignments.
The APLs are 269 toes lengthy, 69 toes vast and have a draft of seven toes. Every vessel is supplied with workplaces, school rooms, washrooms, laundry amenities, medical remedy areas, a barber store and health heart. With mess seating for 224 enlisted personnel and 28 officers, every meal is served through 5 20-minute shifts to permit meals service for 1,130 personnel (three meals per day). The vessels are fitted with combined gender berthing areas for 74 officers and 537 enlisted personnel, for a complete of 611 individuals.
