MLL Adds Two Vessels to MSP and VISA

Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) announces the addition of two U.S. flag roll-on/roll-off vessels in the Maritime Security Program (MSP) and Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA). The two vessels will carry U.S. government, preference and commercial cargo. Both vessels will operate in a round-the-world service and have completed the reflagging process. "MLL is pleased to conclude arrangements with Höegh Autoliners and Alliance Navigation, its U.S. affiliate, and to offer roll-on/roll-off service to our U.S. government and U.S. flag customers," said Bill Kenwell, MLL Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. "By diversifying the fleet, MLL can support its customers' growing demand for the transportation of vehicles, oversized, and non-containerized cargoes." Each vessel is a pure car/truck carrier and has the capacity of 6,500 car equivalent units, approximately 54,000 cubic meters of stowage space. The ALLIANCE ST. LOUIS and ALLIANCE NORFOLK, built in 2005 and 2007 respectively, bring the latest technology to the U.S. flag fleet, assuring the highest levels of reliability and customer service available in the global roll-on/roll-off market. "We are grateful for the support of the U.S. Transportation Command, the Maritime Administration, and the U.S. Coast Guard," stated Kenwell. "Without their commitment, the vessels' rapid insertion into the U.S. flag fleet would not have been possible. We believe the speed to market, facilitated by all the parties, will directly benefit our customers and their missions."