Dry Cargo TUGCON

The Military Sealift Command (MSC) Headquarters in Norfolk is conducting market research to identify U.S. flag, ocean-going certified tugs for a long-distance tow mission. This requirement involves towing a U.S. Army Runnymede-class Large Landing Craft (LCU) from Fort Eustis, Virginia, to Yokohama, Japan, with a tentative start date of July 24, 2026. The mission requires a tug vessel built after 1970 that meets specific bollard pull and certification standards. The scope includes preparing a comprehensive towing package, coordinating a Panama Canal transit, and hiring an Independent Marine Surveyor (IMS) to oversee seaworthiness and tow preparations. Responses are due by June 8, 2026. The provided documentation includes the primary notification detailing performance standards and reporting requirements, along with a technical engineering drawing showing the inboard profile and general arrangement of the LCU to be towed. The Military Sealift Command (MSC) is seeking market information for the Dry Cargo TUGCON mission, which involves towing a U.S. Army LCU from Virginia to Japan. The mission is planned for late July 2026 and requires a U.S. flag tug that meets U.S. Navy Tow Manual standards. The tug must be a U.S. flag, ocean-going certified vessel built in 1970 or later, capable of a six-knot minimum tow speed in Beaufort 5 conditions.