The US Army is getting a new way to move tanks and armored vehicles through littoral environments.
Called USAV Craney Island, the Maneuver Support Vessel (MSV) Light from Vigor Marine Fabrication can carry up to 82 tons (164,000 pounds) and reach 21 knots (39 kilometers/24 miles per hour) at full payload.
The vessel features a lightweight all-aluminum hull, drive-through bow and stern ramps, and waterjet propulsion, a combination designed to support operations in shallow and coastal waters.
It can travel more than 360 nautical miles (667 kilometers/414 miles) and accommodate a crew of eight.
Its 1,697-square-foot (158-square-meter) deck provides enough room for a main battle tank, multiple armored vehicles, or other mission-specific payloads.
“Vigor Marine Fabrication unveiled USAV Craney Island yesterday, marking a major milestone for the company and the US Army,” the company stated.
“We’re proud to continue supporting US military readiness and strengthening America’s maritime industrial base.”
Backed by 300 Skilled Workers
The Craney Island builds on lessons from the prototype SSG Elroy F. Wells, which underwent testing in the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii in 2022.
More than 300 workers at Vigor’s Vancouver facility helped build the vessel, with support from more than 40 Washington-based companies.
The facility is now building the vessel’s hulls, with delivery of the full unit scheduled for this fall.
“This is a critical milestone for both the US Army and our skilled Vigor Marine Fabrication workforce in Vancouver, where this journey began years ago,” said Francesco Valente, chief executive officer of Vigor Marine Group.
“Today reflects the dedication of our employees, suppliers, and Army partners who have worked together to refine this next-generation vessel.”
