The US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) under the US Department of War has awarded the joint global sealift charter contract to seven commercial shipping companies.
USTRANSCOM said the contract will provide global, short-term dry cargo time and voyage charters using Ro-Ro, multi-purpose, or vehicle carrier vessels to support its strategic sealift missions.
The command said this new charter will expedites the way it awards commercial shipping contracts and will providr agility to military logisticians and more predictability with shorter dwell times for industry partners.
Now, USTRANSCOM can hire participating companies and their vessels as needed under short-term charter contracts awarded through individual task orders rather than full contract solicitations.
To qualify, companies must have at least one Ro-Ro, multi-purpose, or vehicle carrier vessel enrolled in the US Government’s Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement that has transported Department of War cargo within the past two years.
Sealift represents approximately 90 per cent of USTRANSCOM’s total capacity to move military vehicles and equipment.
"The joint global sealift charter significantly increases our speed of response," said General Randall Reed, commander, USTRANSCOM. "It is one of the many ways we’re working with industry to strengthen relationships and improve processes across the joint deployment and distribution enterprise."
Companies receiving the contract include American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida; Farrell Lines in Norfolk, Virginia; Federated Maritime in Boca Raton, Florida; Liberty Global Logistics in Jericho, New York; Patriot Shipping in New Orleans, Louisiana; Schuyler Line Navigation Company in West Palm Beach, Florida; and Waterman Transport in Mobile, Alabama.
