Bollinger Shipyards LLC
Bollinger Shipyards marked a significant milestone with the keel-laying of the R/S SpaceShip on October 24, 2024. The vessel, under construction at Bollinger Marine Fabricators Amelia, Louisiana, will serve as the second transport ship in United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) maritime fleet. Designed to transport Vulcan rockets from the factory in Decatur, Alabama, to launch sites at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida and Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, the ship will enhance ULA’s logistical capabilities.
The R/S SpaceShip will be a 356-foot roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel, specifically classed for both ocean-going and river service, reflecting ULA's strategic focus on ensuring efficient and versatile transport solutions for its space operations. Bollinger Shipyards was awarded the contract for this vessel in December 2023, further cementing its partnership with ULA in supporting the aerospace industry.
The new vessel will complement ULA’s existing transport ship and is scheduled for delivery in early 2026. This initiative underscores ULA’s commitment to expanding its logistical infrastructure to support the Vulcan Centaur rocket program, which plays a critical role in U.S. space exploration and defense. The project aligns with ULA’s broader goals of enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring timely rocket delivery to launch sites.
