https://gcaptain.com/crowley-awarded-military-sealift-command-charter-for-ice-class-tanker/
March 22, 2022
Crowley Awarded Military Sealift Command Charter for Ice-Class Tanker (Stena Polaris)

Crowley has been awarded a charter contract from Military Sealift Command to operate the Stena Polaris, an ice-class tanker serving bulk fuel transportation needs of the U.S. Department of Defense.

Crowley’s government ship management group has completed the conversion of the ship to meet government and military service standards, including registration as a U.S.-flag vessel. The tanker will transport necessary fuel for defense operations in the Arctic and Antarctica regions. When not operating in those regions, the vessel will transport fuel for defense services in the Mediterranean Sea.

The contract, which carries a one-year term with multiple option years, has a potential cumulative value of more than $98 million.

Crowley is working with classification society DNV and the U.S. Coast Guard to verify that the vessel meets the applicable standards. Enhancements include adding at-sea refueling capabilities for the military. The conversion was completed at Fincantieri Marine Repair near downtown Jacksonville, Florida, home to Crowley’s global headquarters.

The tanker, now U.S.-flagged with U.S. mariners, is set to enter service this week.