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AMO fast sealift jobs secure as Maersk Line lands charter
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| Competition for Military Sealift Command contract was fierce |
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American Maritime Officers will continue to man Military Sealift Command's fleet of eight fast sealift ships in all licensed positions under a new charter awarded to Maersk Line Limited, of Norfolk, Va.
Maersk won the contract through an extremely competitive bidding process in which more than 50 proposals were solicited and offers received by MSC. Maersk's operating contract for the eight ships will extend for five years if all options are exercised. "AMO has a solid track record of manning the fast sealift ships for MSC," said AMO National President Michael McKay. "AMO members have demonstrated their competence and professionalism in both maintaining these ships in ready status and activating them for rapid transport of crucial cargo around the world. We're pleased to be continuing our role in this vital segment of the sealift fleet." The ships covered by the new contract with Maersk are the USNS Algol, USNS Altair, USNS Antares, USNS Bellatrix, USNS Capella, USNS Denebola, USNS Pollux and USNS Regulus. AMO also represented all licensed officers aboard these ships during the previous charter with American Overseas Marine Corp. (AMSEA). In February, AMSEA received a score of "exceptional" in all five categories of evaluation from Military Sealift Command for its management of the fast sealift fleet. AMSEA received scores of "exceptional" from MSC in each of its evaluations of the company's performance. These fast sealift ships are the fastest cargo ships in the world, capable of traveling at speeds of up to 30 knots, and are used for the rapid deployment of U.S. military equipment or humanitarian aid supplies to contingency sites. They are maintained in reduced operating status on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts and can be underway in less than 96 hours to deliver supplies for military and humanitarian operations anywhere in the world. |
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