ICE-CLASS TANKER EXTENDED TERM TIME CHARTER
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Navy, specifically MSCHQ NORFOLK, is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice (SSN) for an ICE-CLASS TANKER EXTENDED TERM TIME CHARTER. This effort aims to evaluate an option to extend an existing charter contract, seeking information on the price and availability of suitable vessels. Responses are due no later than 1400 Eastern Time on January 29, 2026.
Scope of Work
The government requires a clean, U.S. Flag, Double Hull, ICE-CLASS Tanker with a minimum capacity of 250,000 BBLS for clean petroleum products (F76, JP5, JP8, JA1, AN8, MUM) with natural segregation. The vessel must have a minimum ice class rating of GL-E2, ABS-B0, F-S-1B, or equivalent, and be TWINSCEW or equipped with a bow thruster. It should be a maximum of 20 years old throughout the charter period, MARPOL/SOLAS compliant, adhere to the IMO Polar Code, and be capable of burning clean fuels in ECA and Polar Regions. Operational capabilities include calling on McMurdo, Antarctica. Dimensions are restricted to a maximum LOA of 200 meters, beam of 50 meters, DWT of 40,000 MT, and displacement of 50,000 MT. The tanker must have a crane with a minimum 15 MT lifting capacity and a minimum sea speed of 13 knots. Specific cargo requirements include 188,000 BBLS JP8 (laden draft <= 8.5m) and 250,000 BBLS JP5 (laden draft <= 12.0m).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Charter Period: March 21, 2026 – February 18, 2027
- Delivery/Redelivery: Mediterranean Sea Range and Port Charter's Option (e.g., Piraeus, Greece / Souda Bay, Crete)
- Response Due: January 29, 2026, 1400 ET
- Published: January 13, 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested parties should submit information via e-mail by the deadline. Requested details include: foreign flagged vessel re-flagging (time/costs), vessel name/description, daily charter rate, positioning fees, fuel consumption rates, Q-88, cargo stowage plan, class society certificates, confirmation of meeting all specified requirements, and any pertinent questions/comments.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
The NAICS code is 483111 (Water Transportation) with a small business size standard of 1050 employees. While no specific set-aside is designated for this market research, interested small business concerns are encouraged to indicate their status.
Additional Notes
This is a Request for Information (RFI) only and does not constitute an offer or commitment by the government to award a contract or pay for response costs. Responses will inform the decision on whether to exercise an option on an existing charter contract.