The strategic enhancement bolsters the nation’s vital maritime preparedness infrastructure, which has played a pivotal role in facilitating U.S. military endeavors since 1996. The Maritime Security Program (MSP) fleet, consisting of 60 U.S.-flagged vessels, has emerged as an essential component of national defense. These U.S.-flagged commercial vessels have been responsible for transporting over 90% of the sustainment cargo required for military operations and reconstruction initiatives in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2009.

“Through our valued partnership with ARC and the U.S. military, the addition of the M/V ARC Endeavor to the MSP program under U.S. registry underscores our shared commitment to strengthening the U.S.-flag fleet and supporting national defense,” said Seafarers International Union President Dave Heindel.

Photo courtesy ARC.

The vessel ARC Endeavor was officially transferred to the American registry on September 27, thereby augmenting the fleet with its formidable capabilities as the fifth U.S.-flagged Large Car Truck Carrier of American Roll-On Roll-Off Carriers (ARC). This ship boasts a substantial cargo capacity exceeding 7,500 car-equivalent units, and is equipped with a stern opening and ramp that stand 21 feet (6.50 meters) in height, capable of managing cargo loads up to 320 tons.

As the ARC Endeavor assumes the position of the Endurance within the Maritime Security Program (MSP) fleet, the Endurance itself will persist in its service under the banner of the U.S. flag. Esteemed as the most capacious multi-purpose Roll-On/Roll-Off (Ro-Ro) vessel in the U.S.-flagged commercial maritime fleet, the Endurance is distinguished by its singular technical specifications, which encompass nine decks that can be configured as needed, along with a substantial cargo holding capacity ideally suited for the transport of military vehicles and associated equipment.

The integration of the new vessel increases the total number of U.S.-flagged vessels in ARC’s fleet to ten, with nine of these ships being part of the MSP program. As the premier U.S.-flag Roll-On/Roll-Off (Ro-Ro) operator, ARC is also a participant in the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA) program administered by the Maritime Administration (MARAD).

ARC is part of the Wallenius Wilhelmsen group of companies.