Seaward Services Awarded High-Speed Vessel Operations & Maintenance Contract

Seaward Services, Inc. has been awarded a five year contract (if all options are exercised) by the United States Navy’s Military Sealift Command to operate and maintain the USNS GUAM and USNS PUERTO RICO. 
 
The contract is continuation of Seaward Services’ management of the vessels dating back to their original construction at Austal USA in Mobile, AL. Along with general operations and maintenance, Seaward Services will play an integral technical role in conversion of the USNS GUAM from a commercial ferry to replacement vessel for WestPac Express.
 
The WestPac Express is a 101-meter high-speed catamaran chartered to the US military for the rapid deployment of Marines and their equipment in the Western Pacific. Seaward recently extended its operation and maintenance sub-contract for the ship with Austal to February 2014. The company has held the contract for over ten years and has been instrumental in the ship achieving technical availability levels exceeding 99%.
 
Seaward Services, Inc. has extensive experience in large High-Speed Craft construction, operation, maintenance and overhaul. The company has operated and maintained the WESTPAC EXPRESS, SPIRIT OF ONTARIO, LAKE EXPRESS, ALAKAI (now USNS GUAM) and HUAKAI (now USNS PUERTO RICO) and SEAFIGHTER. Seaward Services is also experienced in providing owners representation during construction and overseeing dry dockings and overhauls for these types of vessels. In addition, the company has been a Subject Matter Expert for the Navy’s Joint High-Speed Vessel program. In January of 2010 the company activated the HUAKAI and ALAKAI for relief efforts following the earthquake in Haiti. Seaward also provides bridge officers, including master and chief engineer, for JHSV and LCS (Littoral Combat Ship) Builders Trials and Acceptance Trials for Austal USA.  
    
“The Seaward Services’ team is truly excited about this contract, continuing our involvement in these vessels and continuing to provide services to MSC. This award is further testament to our expertise in the operation and maintenance of this type of vessel.” According to Bill Annand, President/COO of Seaward Services, Inc.