Navigational Services to Shipping

NAICS 488330 (Navigational Services to Shipping) encompasses maritime support services that facilitate the movement, docking, and operational requirements of vessels. These services include harbor pilotage, tug boat operations, vessel transportation, marine salvage, floating crane services, and specialized maritime logistics support. Contractors provide critical navigation assistance, vessel handling, emergency response, and technical maritime support to government and commercial maritime entities.

The federal contract awards in this category primarily involve the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and NOAA, with contracts typically ranging from $3,000 to $8.4 million. Frequently awarded entities include Tokyo Kisen Co., LTD, Okinawa Marine Service Co., Ltd, Western Towboat Company, and Jacobsen Pilot Service, Inc. Most awards are firm fixed-price delivery orders or purchase orders with performance periods between one and twelve months. Contracts frequently support naval operations in Japan, Alaska, California, and Hawaii, with common services including tugboat assistance, pilotage, vessel relocation, and maritime logistics. The majority of awards do not utilize set-aside designations, indicating open competition.

Recent federal contract opportunities focus on time-chartered tugs for various naval bases, including locations in San Diego, Kings Bay, Mayport, Norfolk, and Pearl Harbor. The Military Sealift Command has multiple solicitations seeking U.S.-flagged tugs with specific technical requirements such as bollard pull capabilities, transit speeds, and firefighting equipment. Other opportunities include floating crane services for the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, vessel debris removal in North Carolina and Delaware, and specialized ship management and training support services. These opportunities generally cover maritime infrastructure maintenance, vessel support, and navigation services, with performance locations spanning coastal regions of the United States.