# TOTE selects Hanwha Defense USA to build $269 million Medium Landing Ship The Philadelphia award includes options for three additional vessels. TOTE remains in contract discussions with Bollinger Shipyards and Fincantieri Marinette Marine. Published 2026-10-30 by TGOs. Canonical: https://tgos.io/news/2026/10/30/tote-selects-hanwha-defense-usa-to-build-269-million/ TOTE Services announced on Oct. 30 that it selected Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA) to build a Medium Landing Ship (LSM) for the Navy and Marine Corps.[1] The award covers one vessel valued at $269 million at Hanwha Philly Shipyard.[1] It includes options for three additional vessels.[1] HDUSA calls the selection its first contract to build ships for the Navy.[2] TOTE holds the prime contract and awards and manages the shipyard subcontracts directly.[3] In July, TOTE announced a contract valued at $2.2 billion from the Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Maritime to serve as vessel construction manager for up to eight Medium Landing Ships.[3] HDUSA says the Philadelphia yard has already built and delivered four National Security Multi-Mission Vessels under the same management model with TOTE.[2] TOTE issued a competitive request for proposals to qualified U.S. shipyards in July.[1] It says HDUSA's selection rested on competitive pricing and acceptance of TOTE's subcontract terms.[1] Contract discussions continue with Bollinger Shipyards and Fincantieri Marinette Marine, both directed shipyards under TOTE's contract that it expects to help build the fleet.[1] ## Why it matters TOTE's contract supports the Navy and Marine Corps' planned 35-ship fleet.[1] TOTE says construction can start in the fourth quarter of 2027.[1] It expects the program's first vessel to deliver in 2030.[1] ## Sources 1. TOTE Services: TOTE Services Identifies Hanwha Defense USA for Medium Landing Ship Construction; Additional Shipyard Selections Planned (Oct. 30, 2026) 2. Hanwha Defense USA: HDUSA Selected by TOTE Services for LSM Construction Contract in Philadelphia (Oct. 30, 2026) 3. TOTE Services: TOTE Services Awarded VCM Contract to Oversee Medium Landing Ship Construction Program (July 13, 2026)