Conrad Shipyard Delivers YRBM-57

Louisiana-based Conrad Shipyard successfully delivered the first Yard, Repair, Berthing, Messing (YRBM) vessel to the U.S. Navy this month, marking a significant milestone in the shipyard’s longstanding history of shipbuilding and as a defense contractor.

The delivery took place October 18 at Conrad’s shipyard in Amelia, La., where the final inspection by key Navy officials took place. This YRBM vessel, the first in its class, was designed and constructed by Conrad Shipyard, featuring a new and innovative design tailored to meet the U.S. Navy’s operational needs.

The vessel recently completed its acceptance trials during Hurricane Francine, proving its resilience and readiness for duty. The delivered YRBM is part of a larger contract with seven more vessels currently under construction. On October 16, Navy officials visited Conrad’s shipyard in Amelia where construction is taking place and participated in a ceremonial hull plate signing to commemorate the construction of YRBM 61 and YRBM 62.

Reflecting on this achievement, Rear Adm. Kevin Smith said the Navy is “really excited to recognize Conrad as a new member of the navy shipbuilding team and their outstanding performance on YRBM 57, a much-needed berthing barge which will greatly improve sailor quality of service.”

The vessel will be stationed at its initial homeport in Japan where it will serve to enhance naval operations in the region.

Johnny Conrad, CEO of Conrad Shipyard, said, “We are honored to deliver this first YRBM to the U.S. Navy. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire workforce. This vessel will play a critical role in supporting U.S. Navy troops, and we are proud to be a part of that mission.”

YRBM 57 measures 151 feet 4 inches by 49 feet 4 inches with a depth of 14 feet and a draft, when fully loaded, of 6 feet 8 inches. Air draft is just under 61 feet. The design service life for the vessel is 40 years.

The vessel has accommodations for berthing 199 duty crew members and a messing capacity of 300 personnel for three meals per day. Food service stores aboard the vessel include more than 1,200 cubic feet for dry provisions, 671 cubic feet of chilled space and 464 cubic feet of freezer space.

YRBM 57, along with the other forthcoming vessels, also offers medical examination rooms, multiple lounges, classrooms for 72 people, a conference room for 25 people and office space. The vessels will offer both self service and bulk laundry facilities.

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Featured photo caption: A view of YRBM-57 at its first of class recognition ceremony in July. (Photo courtesy of Conrad Shipyard)