Construction to commence of the initial design in Oct 2005.If...

Construction to commence of the initial design in Oct 2005.
If that is acceptable they will receive another contract to produce 2 more vessels. ASB's share $100M per vessel. they will take about 18 months per ship to build.

if these vessels are acceptable to the NAVY they would awarded a further contract to produce the rest.

There is another consortium going through the same process if their vessel is better, well ASB won't get anything.

I wouldn't expect an announcement on the major contract until late 2006.

ASB are I believe going to tender for the US ARMY TSV.
They have previously supplied the USMC with the Westpac Express which performed exceptionally according to Marine Logistics officers.
Ownership of this project may get handed over to the navy. (makes sense).

The contract for this are for around 14-17 vessels at $85M US a throw.

Have a look at this link for some TSV info
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/hsv.htm

Cheers
Badahur