90-Day Tanker Time Charter   2

Background
The Military Sealift Command (MSC) Norfolk, Strategic Sealift Program Support Office is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) N3220527R6013 for a 90-day time charter of a tanker vessel. The MSC's mission is to provide ocean transportation for the Department of Defense and other government agencies. This contract aims to secure a vessel capable of meeting specific transportation requirements for military fuel products.

Work Details
The contractor is required to provide one clean, approved U.S. or foreign flag, double-hull tanker with an Inert Gas System (IGS) and Segregated Ballast Tanks (SBT), capable of carrying a minimum of 240,000 barrels of clean product (F76 and/or JP5). Key requirements include:
- Vessel must not have crew members from China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia.
- Must be part of the Ship Inspection Report (SIRE) System with a current Q-88.
- Vessel's age and specifications must comply with TANKTIME 2026 guidelines.
- Must maintain a minimum Speed of Advance (SOA) of 13 knots while laden.
- Provide detailed stowage plans demonstrating compatibility with intended cargoes.
- Confirm vessel readiness for internal tank inspection prior to loading.
- Submit monthly voyage abstracts and position/status reports every six hours during the charter period.

Period of Performance
The charter period is approximately 90 days, commencing on November 23, 2026, and canceling on November 24, 2026.

Place of Performance
Western Pacific / Sea of Japan, with intentions for Sasebo, Japan as the range and port in Charterer’s option.

Bidder Requirements
Bidders must ensure that their vessels meet all specified technical requirements including:
- Valid certifications such as Safety Management Certificate and International Ship Security Certificate.
- Compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations for both U.S. flagged vessels and foreign flagged vessels.
- Provide detailed cargo tank compatibility assessments based on previous cargoes.
- Confirm ability to take samples without contamination and provide Certificates of Quality for last three cargoes.

Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail)
This opportunity for a 90-day clean tanker time charter appears to have a confirmed incumbent based on prior award N3220525P5019 to TSP Tankers Holdings ($9,715,000; 06/26/25–01/13/26). That prior contract required a clean, approved double-hull tanker with an inert gas system (IGS) and segregated ballast tanks (SBT) capable of carrying at least 240,000 barrels of clean products (including JP5 and F76) operating in the Western Pacific/Sea of Japan region for a similar charter duration. The vessel specifications and operational profile in the prior award align closely with the current RFP’s cargo compatibility, IGS/SBT requirements, and regional employment, suggesting continuity of the same type of tanker service.