The third Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) is taking shape on the waterfront in Mobile, Alabama (USA).

The first of 43 modules for JHSV 3 have been successfully transported from the Module Manufacturing Facility (MMF) and erected in the final assembly bay on the waterfront.

The most recent module transported, at just under 90% complete, is 20.4 meters long with a maximum width of 8.3 meters and is 9.4 meters high from keel to main deck. The module weighed just under 46 tonnes at time of erection.

JHSV 3 is one of 5 U.S. Navy vessels currently under construction at Austal’s Mobile, Alabama shipyard.

Construction on JHSV 3 began in October 2011 and this module is one of the first that will be erected for the JHSV 3 Keel Laying Ceremony scheduled for May 3, 2012.

Austal was selected as prime contractor in November 2008 to design and build the first JHSV, with options for 9 additional vessels expected to be exercised between FY09 and FY13 as part of a program potentially worth over US$1.6 billion.

Austal has received construction contracts from the U.S. Navy for 9 of the 10 vessels.

Meanwhile, Austal announced that its first Joint High speed Vessel USNS Spearhead (JHSV1) successfully completed Builder’s Sea Trials (B S T) on April 19 in the Gulf of Mexico.

The trials encompassed over 50 demonstration events that enabled the shipbuilder to rigorously test the ship and all of its systems in preparation for final inspection by the United States Navy before delivery.

Notable achievements during the trials included a demonstration of major systems along with first-of-class standardization and maneuverability trial, reaching a top speed in excess of 35 knots.