American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Group Inc. (ARC) recently announced that the ARC Endeavor entered the Maritime Security Program (MSP) fleet on Dec. 1.
MSP currently maintains an active fleet of 60 U.S.-flag, privately-owned ships available to provide sealift capacity and support to the military and other federal agencies in times of need, such as war or national emergencies.
M/V Endurance will remain in the U.S.-flag fleet. An ARC statement noted it is the largest and most militarily useful, multipurpose Ro-Ro ship in the U.S.-flag commercial fleet. She is a unique Ro-Ro vessel with no sister ships, the statement said, and is among the largest Ro-Ro vessels in the world at 860’, with a stern ramp rated at 320 tons. Endurance has nine decks that can be configured to carry over 260,000-sq.-ft. of high and heavy cargo such as CH-47s, MRAPs, M-ATVs, tracked vehicles, construction equipment and generators; 130,000 sq. ft. of additional high-side vehicles space; and space for approximately 200 containers. ARC remains the operator of nine Ro-Ro vessels in the MSP fleet, and by retaining Endurance, the company will operate ten U.S.-flag ships overall.
“Through our valued partnership with ARC and the U.S. military, the addition of the M/V ARC Endeavor to the MSP program under U.S. registry underscores our shared commitment to strengthening the U.S.-flag fleet and supporting national defense,” said Dave Heindel, Seafarers International Union president. “Together, we continue to enhance readiness and ensure reliable maritime capabilities for our nation.”
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