03/03/2020- We’re still a few months out from a final decision on which of four candidates will ultimately be awarded the US Navy’s new FFG(X) contract, but officials at the local shipyard and at the federal level remain confident Fincantieri Marinette Marine is a strong contender. Most recently in its hunt, FMM received a $29-million Harbor Assistance Program Grant and FMM President Rick Hunt says those dollars and the major upgrades they’ll facilitate will allow Marinette Marine to construct and launch much larger vessels, including the new frigate design they’re after.

Congressman Mike Gallagher says he’s been working in close partnership with FMM for the past several years and he’s confident the shipyard has submitted the best design for the FFG(X) in terms of both quality and cost.

The 20-ship contract is expected to be awarded by July at the latest, but there has reportedly been some indication from Washington that that announcement may likely come earlier. If Fincantieri Marinette Marine is selected, it’s estimated that will support between 5500 and 6000 new direct and indirect jobs throughout Wisconsin and the UP.