Crowley has successfully managed the first vessel acquisition under its contract to help recapitalise a sealift fleet with the US Maritime Administration (MARAD).
With the completed acquisition of the vehicle carrier Honor and the forthcoming acquisition of Freedom, the vessels will be part of the multi-year vessel acquisition and management contract designed to help recapitalise the US Ready Reserve Force.
Crowley said the acquisitions will enhance the Ready Reserve Force by increasing ship reliability and reducing the overall age of the fleet, which is a crucial component in conducting US Department of Defense (DOD) sealifts. The force provides nearly 50 per cent of government-owned surge sealift capability.
Crowley utilised proprietary software in carrying out the agreement, which allowed for a strategic and data-driven identification of the initial two vessels best suited for conversion to Ready Reserve service. The platform, which will be used in Crowley's future acquisitions, is able to analyse a vessel's lifecycle history, develop a condition summary, and estimate ongoing operation requirements for optimal vessel acquisition and management execution.
Crowley is the lead partner in the the acquisition and conversion of the vehicle carriers Freedom and Honor from the American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Group in collaboration with Stena RoRo, Serco and Life Cycle Engineering.
Crowley will oversee any modification and maintenance required to ensure the two vessels are fit for service in compliance with US Coast Guard, American Bureau of Shipping, and DOD requirements. Following the completed purchase of Freedom and Honor, Crowley will maintain and operate the two vessels on behalf of MARAD.
