VT Halter Marine to Conduct MARAD Study

VT Halter Marine Inc., a subsidiary of Vision Technologies Systems Inc., announced today that it will partner with the U.S. Department of Transportation – Maritime Administration to conduct a feasibility study for the design and manufacture of a dual-use vessel. A dual-use vessel is one that has both commercial and military applications. The four-part study has an estimated cost of $1,224,680, which VTHM will share on a 50/50 basis with the government. It will take approximately 26 weeks to complete the project. VTHM will evaluate known hull forms to help determine the feasibility of a dual-use vessel based on a fast Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) ferry design. The use of RoRo vessels to transport cargoes coastwise to relieve congested highway traffic corridors is expected to accelerate. Current U.S. military needs include short-range fast transportation on vessels with seating facilities for large numbers of combat-equipped troops, living quarters, and the capability of fast trans-oceanic selfdeployment in a wide range of sea states. Phase 1 of the study includes an evaluation of the market concept. During Phase II, the implementation of dual-use features, such as variable height cargo decks, removable ramps, passenger accommodations, and removable command and control modules will be analyzed. A cost-feasibility study will be conducted in Phase III and a preliminary design will be completed by VTHM during Phase IV. CEO Butch King said, “VTHM is building a bright future by pursuing and securing projects that complement our long-term goals, which include fast sea lift vessels. We believe that the results of this study will provide solutions that can be specifically tailored to meet needs of both commercial and military customers.”