Msc Europe News

The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command today announced an organization re-alignment designed to increase efficiency while maintaining effectiveness. MSC is implementing the plan to realign three core aspects of the Washington, D.C.,-based command's shore side operations: the roles of three of the command's Senior Executive Service personnel, the number and structure of programs that conduct the command's seagoing missions, and the reporting structure of several field activities. MSC is repositioning three of its key Senior Executive Service members to better manage this new program structure. One SES will be the program executive over MSC's government-operated ships…

In a ceremony today at Naval Support Activity Capodichino in Naples, Italy, Capt. Richard Soucie assumed command from Capt. James E. Tranoris of Military Sealift Command Europe and Africa, also called MSCEURAF, MSC’s Naples-based office. MSCEURAF is responsible for MSC ships operating in the European and African theaters and is dual-hatted as Commander, Task Force 63, coordinating and providing transportation and delivery of personnel, equipment, fuel, supplies, repair parts, mail and ammunition via air and surface logistics assets to sustain U.S. forces in the European and African theaters. Soucie reports to MSCEURAF from his most recent duty as director of the Plans and Policy Division in the manpower and personnel directorate at U.S. Central Command Headquarters in Tampa, Fla.

On October 4 the new deepwater Port of Ngqura in South Africa witnessed the 984.2-ft long, 42.6-ft deep MSC Catania became the port terminal’s first commercial vessel. The docking of the vessel – while a major milestone for the port and the country – was used as a real live test-run for vessel operators to hone their skills in this first commercial container offloading at the Port of Ngqura. The MSC Catania is part of MSC’s Europe Service. It arrived en route from Durban where adverse weather conditions during the week had delayed its expected arrival at the Port of Ngqura. Two gangs of operators – with a third on standby – successfully put months of training to the test in handling and offloading the vessel using the port’s state-of-the-art Liebherr ship-to-shore cranes.

Low intensity conflict, littoral warfare, special forces that can be whisked ashore at a moment's notice-all familiar terms to describe just how the military must transform to fight the ongoing global war on terrorism, and the battles of the 21st century. For this very reason, the Navy's Military Sealift Command, or MSC, chartered two high-speed vessels-HSV Swift and HSV Westpac Express-sleek, stealthy, high-speed catamarans with a multitude of mission capabilities to meet today's security challenges, including: mine warfare, maritime interdiction, littoral warfare, humanitarian assistance, as well as the ability to quickly deploy troops to a combat zone.

Southhampton-based marine outfitting company MSC (Europe) Limited has signed a letter of intent that will lead to a thirteen million pound conversion contract to transform the EX Dronning Ingrid into a state of the art hospital vessel for Mercy Ships. MSC (Europe) Ltd., one of Maritime Services Corporation’s eleven offices worldwide, secured the contract amid strong competition by being able to deliver a complete turnkey package for the owners within the projected eighteen month period. The works comprise of the following: interior and structural design; engine, steel and tank works; electrical generation and distribution; air conditioning and sprinkler systems; fresh water and sewage systems; cabins and public rooms; and hospital areas. The works will take place at the Ex.

Maritime Services Corporation’s Southampton-based marine outfitting company, MSC (Europe) Ltd., has received a Letter of Intent and deposit that will lead to a $19 million conversion contract to convert the ex Dronning Ingrid rail ferry into a state of the art hospital ship for the charitable group Mercy Ships. MSC will act as the general contractor for all phases of the conversion.

combat equipment and supplies at four commercial ports throughout Europe. armed forces to continental Europe. In the event of a major mobilization of U.S. military cargo overseas, 95 percent would be deployed by sea. At MSC Europe, naval reservists support sealift requirements throughout the year and are key players during wartime or other contingencies. with sealift operations wherever needed. During this exercise, port offices were established at Rota, Spain; Bremerhaven, Germany; Augusta Bay, Italy; Livorno, Italy; and Rotterdam, The Netherlands. wide-variety of functions to support MSC ships, such as on-load and off-load operations, shore services, ship repairs and on-site personnel support.

MSC (Europe) Ltd., the European subsidiary of Maritime Services Corporation, Hood River, Ore. is currently handling various projects throughout the U.K. and Europe, mainly a $2 million conversion of a fast ferry into a casino vessel for Israeli-based Athissa Shipping. MSC provided ship units, project management and fitters for installation of duty free and other shops onboard Fred Olsen's MV Black Watch. The company also installed galley modifications and waste handling equipment onboard Arcalia Shipping's Princess Danae at A&P Falmouth. The company has further extended its expansion capabilities with new offices in Cape Canaveral and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. to meet the growing demands in these markets.