Elodie Collins 
Hanwha Defense USA and Hanwha Philly Shipyard have secured their first U.S. Navy project to support the next-generation logistics ship, or NGLS, program.
Hanwha Defense USA said Monday that it will serve as a subcontractor to Vard Marine US. The companies will partner to conduct market research and provide concept design for the new NGLS, also known as the light replenishment oiler, or T-AOL.
“Hanwha is proud to partner with VARD in the design and integration of the Next Generation Logistics Ship for the U.S. Navy,” Tom Anderson, president of shipbuilding at Hanwha Defense USA, stated. “This award represents an important step in our ability to leverage our world-class shipbuilding expertise in building the ships the Navy needs to support our servicemembers deployed in contested maritime domains.”
Hear Navy leaders talk about the new capabilities supporting sailors and efforts to modernize U.S. fleets at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Navy Summit on Aug. 27. The event will provide opportunities for government contractors to gain insights directly from top defense decision makers and engage with leading industry players. Tickets are available here.
What Are the Details of VARD’s NGLS Contract With the Navy?
During the initial phase of the program, VARD will analyze existing domestic and foreign ship designs to identify options that meet Navy requirements. The company will then downselect and refine a baseline design through iterative integration of operational requirements, Canadian Defense Review reported.
The contract also includes options for functional design planning and special studies.
Hanwha Defense USA and Hanwha Philly Shipyard are supporting the effort by providing expertise in producibility, commercial shipbuilding practices and production cost evaluation. VARD has also partnered with Siemens Energy for support in propulsion and electrical systems integration and with Acumen Aerospace and Defense Advisors to serve as consultants for the project.
What Is the NGLS Program?
NGLS is the U.S. Navy’s effort to develop a new class of light replenishment oilers designed to support distributed maritime operations.
The ships will be smaller than the John Lewis-class of replenishment oilers and other vessels in the Combat Logistics Force. The T-AOL is intended to provide refueling, resupply and rearmament capabilities to widely dispersed naval and Marine Corps units in both contested and non-contested environments.
The Navy plans to procure up to 13 T-AOL vessels to support emerging operational concepts, including Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations and Littoral Operations in a Contested Environment.
