Halter Marine launches 2 APL(S)

PASCAGOULA, Miss. – In just the past few days, Halter Marine Inc., a company of ST Engineering North America, celebrated multiple milestones on the Auxiliary Personnel Lighter–Small (APL(S)) program. The company launched the first two berthing barges; and erected modules on the third barge. The company’s initial contract was awarded in September 2018 to design and build two units, with options for four more. The first two are expected to be delivered in the fall. The third APL(S) is due to be delivered in the first quarter of 2021. Construction on the fourth vessel is expected to be completed next summer. Each APL launch took place over a two-day period. APLs are often referred to as berthing barges, and used by the Navy to house crewmembers when ships are in port for availabilities and deployment training cycles. (VT Halter Marine 07/07/20)