Crowley has secured a potential $98 million contract from Military Sealift Command to support operations of a tanker vessel that was built to sail in icy waters and perform at-sea refueling work for U.S. defense missions.
The company said Monday it converted and registered Stena Polaris to operate as U.S. flagged ship that will deliver fuel to military platforms afloat in Arctic and Antarctic regions, as well as the Mediterranean Sea.
Modification efforts took place at Fincantieri Marine‘s repair facility in Jacksonville, Florida.
The tanker is scheduled to begin supporting military activities this week, and Crowley said the charter contract with MSC has a one-year base period along with multiple options.
Crowley, the U.S. Coast Guard and the DNV classification society collaborated to carry out verification work necessary to ensure the ship complies with mission standards.