Ice Class Tanker - Sources Sought

The Military Sealift Command (MSC), a component of the Department of the Navy, is seeking sources for a U.S. flag ice-class tanker charter through this pre-solicitation notice (SS-26-029). The vessel must be a double hull tanker capable of carrying multiple fuel types including F76, JP5, and JP8, with an ice-class rating of GL-E2 or equivalent and a vessel age not exceeding 20 years. Key technical requirements include a maximum length of 200 meters, deadweight tonnage not exceeding 45,000 MT, cargo capacity of at least 150,000 BBLs for JP8, 230,000 BBLs for JP5, and 225,000 BBLs for F76, along with a minimum operational speed of 13 knots in moderate weather conditions and full compliance with MARPOL/SOLAS requirements. The vessel must be capable of operating in polar regions including McMurdo, Antarctica, and prospective vendors must submit detailed company and vessel information, technical specifications, pricing, and installation cost estimates for two Consolidated Cargo Operations (CONSOL) stations and one Fuel Delivery Station by 1400 Eastern Time on December 23, 2025. The government evaluation will consider vessel specifications, technical capabilities, pricing competitiveness, and the contractor's ability to meet installation and operational requirements as outlined in the attachments.

This procurement carries no set-aside designation and involves a five-year charter period spanning from February 20, 2027 through January 20, 2032, structured as a base year with four option years. No specific budget ceiling or award value is disclosed in the pre-solicitation notice, though the charter value will be substantial given the vessel size, operational specifications, and specialized equipment installation requirements including CONSOL stations and fuel delivery systems. The cost of installing CONSOL stations, reflagging the vessel to U.S. flag status, and Fuel Delivery Station modifications within 30 days must be included in the proposed daily charter hire rate. No incumbent contractor is identified in the notice, indicating this represents a new acquisition or replacement of existing charter arrangements. Interested parties should note that while the December 23, 2025 deadline is preferred, responses received after this date may still be considered under this non-formal sources sought solicitation, which serves as a market research tool prior to formal solicitation issuance.