Stena Impeccable, considered one of three Stena IMOIIMAX MR tankers in a Crowley and Stena Bulk JV and is likely one of the Tanker Security Program ships to get an MSC Charter. [Photo: Stena Bulk]
The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has introduced that 9 ships have now been enrolled within the Tanker Security Program (TSP). The Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), with minor changes within the FY22 NDAA, required that the Secretary of Transportation, in session with the Secretary of Defense, set up a fleet of lively, commercially viable, militarily helpful, and privately-owned product tank vessels to satisfy nationwide protection and different safety necessities. Congress appropriated funding for the TSP within the Fiscal Year 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act.
As we reported earlier, two of the businesses chosen for enrollment are Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. (three tank vessels) and Crowley-Stena Marine Solutions, LLC. (three tank vessels). The third is Seabulk Tankers, Inc. (three tank vessels).
All of the businesses have signed working agreements. Of the enrolled vessels, 4 are underneath U.S. flag and at the moment are working in this system, and 5 are working with the help of the U.S. Coast Guard to expedite reflagging to U.S. registry to start working underneath TSP agreements. Each tank vessel enrolled will obtain a most $6 million per yr fee, prorated on a month-to-month foundation for certified service as individuals in this system. The vessels will function in U.S. international commerce and be accessible to be used by the United States throughout occasions of battle or nationwide emergency.
The new Tanker Security program is allowed for as much as ten tankers and MARAD says it’s searching for to fill the remaining working settlement with a certified vessel. MARAD revealed notices within the Federal Register searching for purposes for enrollment from certified individuals. To qualify for this system, proposed vessels must qualify as Medium Range product tankers between 30,000-60,000 deadweight tons with gas carrying capability of 230,000 barrels or extra, be lower than 10 years of age, and accessible to decide to an emergency preparedness settlement during this system’s authorization. All vessel operators chosen for the TSP are required to be enrolled in MARAD’s sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention and response coverage program Every Mariner Builds A Respectful Culture (EMBARC).
“Today we are announcing the first ships to join the Tanker Security Program, which will help strengthen both our supply chains and our national security by delivering fuel to our armed forces around the world while creating hundreds of good jobs for American mariners,” mentioned U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
“The TSP accomplishes two key maritime sealift objectives: it grows our U.S.-flagged fleet and it significantly expands our ability to deliver vital fuel supplies to support military missions across the globe,” mentioned Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips. “Implementation of the TSP is a significant milestone for MARAD and the U.S. maritime industry.”
More on the Tanker Security Program HERE
