Australian maritime engineering company Birdon has been selected by the US Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) to build two prototype Ancillary Surface Connector-Medium (ASC-M) vessels. MCWL’s initial interest in Birdon’s technology and concepts led to Birdon being competitively selected as the sole provider to develop a high-performance, medium-sized landing craft tailored to meet the Marine Corps’ specific operational needs.
Birdon CEO Jamie Bruce said Birdon’s ASC-M design was selected for its superior capabilities and ability to be customised for the unique challenges of the MCWL’s operating environments. “Our specialist naval architects and engineers designed this craft from the ground up, integrating cutting-edge sonar and fuel systems to enhance operational success,” he added.
Birdon has partnered with C&C Marine and Repair in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, for the prototyping effort. The two vessels will be built at C&C’s state-of-the-art facilities near New Orleans. Construction on the first vessel is set to begin in June 2025, with delivery scheduled no later than June 2026, demonstrating Birdon’s commitment to speed to capability and a collaborative approach in defence and maritime manufacturing.
Birdon’s selection of C&C Marine and Repair was driven by C&C’s ability to meet the specific needs of the ASC-M project. C&C’s facilities are optimised for the construction of flat-bottomed vessels like the ASC-M, incorporating advanced automation that ensures fast and efficient production.
Bruce said the partnership offers other strategic advantages, stating, “C&C’s capabilities and proximity to Birdon’s New Orleans operations make them the ideal partner for this project. Their ability to scale production gives us the flexibility to meet future demands.”
The ASC-M is designed to carry up to 40 embarked troops and 54 tons of cargo, with minimal draft for exceptional manoeuvrability, stability, and long-range ocean transit. To ensure safe landings on uncharted beaches, Birdon worked with a specialist sonar company to develop and integrate an advanced forward-looking sonar system, allowing operators to detect obstacles and assess beach gradients well ahead of the vessel. The vessel is designed to beach and de-beach in gradients significantly shallower than existing landing craft can support, providing enhanced amphibious operations capability.
As part of its commitment to advancing Australian innovation, Birdon collaborated with an Australian company to develop a cutting-edge fuel delivery and transfer system. This system enables efficient vessel-to-vessel fuel transfer, supporting extended operational range and flexibility in challenging environments.
This contract with the U.S. Marine Corps strengthens Birdon’s position as a trusted defence provider to both Australia and the United States. With a global workforce of 750+ and 11 facilities across the globe, Birdon continues to deliver highly innovative and reliable maritime solutions that enhance Australian and U.S. defence capabilities.
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