Crowley has successfully managed the acquisition of the MV Honor, the first vessel acquisition under its contract, in order to help recapitalise a sealift fleet, with the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD). With the forthcoming acquisition of the MV Freedom, vehicle carriers are part of the multi-year vessel acquisition and management contract, designed to help recapitalise the U.S. Ready Reserve Force.
The acquisitions will enhance the Ready Reserve Force, by increasing ship reliability and reducing the overall age of the fleet, a crucial component in conducting U.S. Department of Defense’s sealifts. The force provides nearly 50 percent of government-owned surge sealift capability.
Crowley’s proprietary software - SHIPFAXTM
Putting innovative technology to work, Crowley utilised its proprietary software - SHIPFAXTM
Putting innovative technology to work, Crowley utilised its proprietary software - SHIPFAXTM 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, expert in government maritime services
A long-time leader in government maritime services, including ship management, Crowley manages acquisition and conversion under a 2021 federal contract that calls for more vessels to be brought into the fleet.
Miles Spratto, the Program Manager for Vessel Acquisition, at Crowley, said “Crowley is proud to build on our legacy as a proven government partner, with over 20 years of partnership with MARAD. The Freedom and Honor vessels will help revitalise the Ready Reserve Force, a fleet critical to our national security. We look forward to continuing the momentum, with additional opportunities to acquire, manage and operate vessels, on behalf of MARAD and the U.S. government.”
Acquisition of Freedom and Honor vehicle carriers
Crowley is spearheading the acquisition and conversion of the Freedom and Honor vehicle carriers from American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Group in collaboration with Stena RoRo, Serco and LCE (Life Cycle Engineering), bringing combined expertise in acquisitions, naval ship architecture, engineering and applied technology to serve the VAM contract.
Crowley will oversee any modification and maintenance required to ensure the two vessels are fit for service, in compliance with U.S. Coast Guard, American Bureau of Shipping and U.S. Department of Defense requirements. Following the completed purchase of the Freedom and Honor vessels, Crowley will maintain and operate the two vessels on behalf of MARAD.