Apparently MSC has just issued an RFP for another HSV with larger cargo and troop capacities. Goto: MSC contracts section, lookup N00033-05-R-3308 and go down to section IX(A) to see the ship specfic requirements.

you should visit the aussie section, one of the guys on there trialled the ex Jervis Bay (now HSV). The austal and incat designs are fundamentally different ships in both architecture and design philosophy. IMV, the Austal is the better vessel, but thats because I've had dealings with Clifford (owner of INCAT) and he's a pr1ck of the highest order. ;)

I evaluated both designs for the original charter and I think the Austal design is better for the sealift mission the Marines of III MEF want it for. BTW the capabilities of the WestPac Express are not what the orginal post says they are. Maybe someone was mis-reading the Austal press release? The ship can not lift multiple M-1 tanks fully loaded.

"I evaluated both designs for the original charter and I think the Austal design is better for the sealift mission the Marines of III MEF want it for." re the press release, that would have had to been cleared by the "user" before going to press, so one assumes that USMC hiccupped a bit. Just going on build quality, the austal vs INCAT is like comparing a Mercedes S Class against a BMW 3 series. (IMO)

Austal has a history of loosely interpreting what the contract says versus what their ship can do. Yes MSC would have had to clear the press release, so the oversight is on the Navy. You did notice that this was just an 18 month extension for the convienence of the charterer i.e. MSC. Go look a MSC contracts section to see what the Marines really want next! That is more interesting

Any guess on how many HSV's will be required by MSC "customers" in WESTPAC in the near future? How long does it take to charter a HSV for a new specific requirement? If the Marines (eg, III MEF) decided they wanted another one, or if the Navy (eg, C7F) wanted one to support/enhance Intra-Theater Lift, will it take decades, years or months? Would it be one the time frame of getting a new class of ships programmed and built or would it be in a time frame of a spot charter? Is it likely that there will be a fleet of HSV's, zooming about in a theater, either attached to specific units on a longish term basis or doing jobs on a charter-like basis for various customers of MSC? Should I invest in or seek employment by Austal or INCAT?

"Should I invest in or seek employment by Austal or INCAT?" seek employment with Austal - INCAT are not in the same league.

Let me answer the easy part first, a "standard" HSV is usually chartered in about 6 months, but can be done in as little as one week. That time period goes from requirement with money! to delivery to customer. The Marines had a few extras which MSC has to allow time to install. MSC can charter any number of hulls a customer has money for, but cannot buy a fleet of ships, that is NSVSEA's domain. Notice that the Navy established a Joint HSV office and then let the Army (TSV) and Navy (HSV) buy their own ships because of differing design requirements!!! Now the hard part (with some editorial commants): The whole question on inter-theater support ships is hung up because Transportation Command wants to control them/get in the way/which costs the customer more money!!! There needs to be a class of big HSVs to move troops and cargo over 1000 to 2000 nmi voyages. That is partially because there is NOT enought airlift assets and partially becuase it is flat out cheaper than airplanes. The WestPac Express is desginated a "Navy unique" asset and hence chartered by MSC for the Marines. (read TRANSCOM keep your mitts off!) And the Marines love it. It is running on a bus schedule around Westpac. Saving the Marines money and landing about a battalion at a time (less if more vehicles are carried). The Army saw what they were doing and wanted something bigger and better (of course). Navy is off doing its own thing with a multi-mission hull. Who is in charge - No One! Both Austal and Incat have joined with US shipyards near Mobile AL and Austal is building in new enlarged facility there. BUT investing in any US shipyard is not generally considered a good financial decision!

"Who is in charge - No One!" My first guess is some admiral who figures getting the mission done is worth a scolding and being forced into retirement a year or two early. ; )

In my direct experience, the flag officers do NOT know the technical capabilities of HSVs, they just know they are good assets to have in "their" fleet. NAVSEA is just starting to formalize the HSV as a new program. Once again, they do not have a good track record when it comes to new hull types. Witness their preference for Incat ("go fast") boats as opposed to Austal. Maybe the LCS program will "enlighten" them?. Check out this url: http://peos.crane.navy.mil/pms325/jhsv.htm