Rocket Lab Partners with Bollinger Shipyards to Support Neutron Rocket Landing Capability

Rocket Lab has awarded a contract to Bollinger Shipyards to support the ocean landing platform for its Neutron reusable rocket. The 400-ft-long platform, named 'Return On Investment', will be modified and fitted with Rocket Lab technology at Bollinger Shipyards in Louisiana. The platform will feature autonomous ground support equipment, blast shielding, and station-keeping thrusters to enable Neutron return-to-Earth missions at sea. Delivery is expected in early 2026.

Title: Rocket Lab Partners with Bollinger Shipyards to Develop Neutron Landing Platform

Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB), a leading provider of launch services and space systems, has awarded a contract to Bollinger Shipyards to support the development of its ocean landing platform for the Neutron reusable rocket. The 400-ft-long platform, named 'Return On Investment', is currently undergoing modification and fit-out at Bollinger Shipyards in Amelia, Louisiana. The project aims to deliver the platform by early 2026 [1].

The collaboration between Rocket Lab and Bollinger Shipyards is part of Rocket Lab's broader strategy to meet increasing demand for regular and reliable launches to space. The Neutron rocket, with its advanced architecture and carbon composite structures, is designed to deliver a 13-ton payload to space and return to Earth for reuse. The 'Return On Investment' platform will feature autonomous ground support equipment, blast shielding for on-deck equipment protection during Neutron landings, and station-keeping thrusters to maintain its position during Neutron's return-to-Earth missions at sea [2].

Reusability is a key aspect of Neutron's development, with the platform expected to enable Rocket Lab to scale its launch capacity annually once it enters service. The platform's development in Louisiana supports Rocket Lab's expansion plans for Neutron's operations and development in the U.S. East Coast, facilitating timely delivery and return of Neutron rockets to its launch site on Wallops Island, Virginia [1].

Shaun D’Mello, Vice President – Neutron at Rocket Lab, stated, "Neutron's ability to return to Earth on 'Return On Investment' and launch again and again will be foundational to its success. With Bollinger's extensive experience in marine engineering and shipbuilding, they have been selected to deliver this critical project. We're looking forward to working with Bollinger to modernize Louisiana's shipyard capabilities to meet the demands of the aerospace industry's cutting-edge capabilities."

Ben Bordelon, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, added, "Bollinger is proud to partner with Rocket Lab on a project that showcases both the ingenuity and innovation of American shipbuilding and the future of space flight. At Bollinger, we’ve spent decades building some of the most advanced vessels in the world. We’re honored to have been selected to bring our deep expertise and experience in marine engineering and fabrication to a program that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible."

References
[1] https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-selects-bollinger-shipyards-to-support-modification-of-neutron-landing-platform/
[2] https://www.morningstar.com/news/business-wire/20250710170169/rocket-lab-selects-bollinger-shipyards-to-support-modification-of-neutron-landing-platform