The Maritime Administration has awarded a contract to Earl Industries, LLC., of Portsmouth, Va. to provide layberth services for three of the agency’s Ready Reserve Force vessels—Cape Ray, Cape Race, and Cape Rise. Cost of the initial contract award is $2,095, 500 with a total value of $7,415, 100 including options for renewal. The vessels are currently docked at the Earl Industries facility.
These roll on/roll off vessels were purchased in 1993 by the Maritime Administration to meet a mobility requirements study. The three ships were re-flagged in the United States during 1993- 1994.
The vessels all operate in the same manner with their capacity to load both wheeled and tracked vehicles via the stern ramp and side port. The most notable feature of each vessel is the total deck capacity consisting of 176,278 square feet with 139,467 militarily useful.