SAM #MARADVesselLeaseRFI2026

MARAD RFI for Leasing Up to 10 U.S.-Built RO/RO Vessels for Strategic Sealift

The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) is seeking industry input on leasing up to 10 newly constructed U.S.-built RO/RO (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessels for strategic sealift purposes. - MARAD issued a Request for Information (RFI) to identify qualified U.S. maritime industry sources capable of delivering vessels that meet specific mission requirements. - The vessels must be built in U.S. shipyards and eligible for coastwise endorsement. - Key vessel specifications: - 211 meters in length - 32.3 meters beam - 14.14 meters depth - 8.5 meters draft - 12,500 kW main engine - 19 knots full speed - Accommodations for 48 personnel - Bow and stern thrusters, flap type rudder, uni-fuel MGO operation - Lease terms are expected to be 20 years per vessel, structured as consecutive charters with five-year options and potential purchase options. - MARAD requests industry feedback on acquisition strategy, financing, operational terms, and vessel characteristics. - No specific OEMs or vendors are named; the RFI is for planning and market research purposes only. - Interested parties should review the updated RFI document for full details.

Description

The purpose of this announcement is to request additional industry feedback regarding a potential solicitation/acquisition. The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is issuing this RFI notice to determine the availability and technical capability of the U.S. maritime industry to deliver strategic sealift ships. The Government is seeking to identify all qualified sources to assess the industrial base’s capability to meet upcoming mission requirements.

Interested parties are invited to review the attached RFI in its entirety and respond no later than 5:00 PM PDT on Monday, August 31, 2026.

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY. This RFI is being issued for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation (Request for Proposal or Request for Quotations) or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Furthermore, the Government is not seeking proposals at this time. Respondents to this notice are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred by responding to this notice. All costs associated with responding to this notice will be solely at the expense of the responding party.

Submissions may be reviewed by Government personnel and support contractors bound by appropriate non-disclosure agreements. Intellectual property, business confidential or other privileged information contained in responses to this RFI will not be distributed outside of the Department of Transportation, except as required by law, regulation, or court order. Any such information must be clearly marked at the bottom of each page.

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