National Defense Tank Vessel Construction Program

The program provides for financial assistance for construction in the United States of a fleet up to 5 privately owned product tank vessels to be operated in commercial service in foreign commerce. These vessels must be available to the government for national defense purposes in time of war of national emergency. The Act calls for a Request for Proposal (RFP) to be issued within 90 days after the date of its enactment, or by February 23, 2004.

Among its provisions, the RFP will request plans and specifications for construction of a new product tank vessel of not less than 35,000 dwt and not greater than 60,000 dwt. The vessels must meet foreign requirements.

Two industry meetings will be held to discuss these requirements. The first meeting will be held with interested ship owners and/or operators on Friday, January 9, 2004 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. in room 8236-40. The second meeting will be held with the shipyards only on Monday, January 12, 2004 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. in Room 6332-6336.

The meetings will be held at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, Nassif Building, 400 Seventh, S.W., Washington D.C. 20590.

The point of contact for these meetings is Tracey Ford, Contracting Officer, Telephone (202) 366-5757 or via email at [email protected].