Crowley to Operate Ice Class Tanker Serving US DoD Bulk Fuel Needs 

The tanker will transport fuel for U.S. defense operations in the Arctic and Antarctic regions By DA Staff / 24 Mar 2022

Discover Leading Defense Technology Solutions

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Stena Polaris
Follow DA

Crowley has been awarded the Military Sealift Command charter contract to operate the Stena Polaris, an Ice Class tanker serving bulk fuel needs of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). 

Crowley’s government ship management group has completed the conversion of the ship to meet government and military service standards, including registration as a U.S.-flag vessel. The tanker will transport necessary fuel for defense operations in the Arctic and Antarctica regions. When not operating in those regions, the vessel will transport fuel for defense services in the Mediterranean Sea.

Crowley has partnered with the DNV classification society and the U.S. Coast Guard to verify that the vessel meets the applicable standards to support its missions safely and effectively. Enhancements include adding at-sea refueling capabilities for the military. The tanker, now U.S.-flagged with U.S. mariners, is set to enter service March 2022.

The conversion was completed at Fincantieri Marine Repair near Jacksonville, Florida, supporting investment, jobs and the economy of the home city of Crowley’s global headquarters.

“The Stena Polaris plays a critical mission for our warfighters serving our nation in austere environments, and fundamental work to help our military succeed will be done by the strong workforce and maritime industry in Jacksonville,” said Mike Golonka, vice president, government maritime services, for the Crowley Solutions business unit. “Crowley’s team is fortunate to partner with the U.S. Coast Guard, DNV and Fincantieri Marine Repair to complete the conversion, and we are honored that the U.S. government continues to trust Crowley’s ship management team to meet the Defense Department standards for success and efficient service.”

“We are excited to partner with Crowley here in Jacksonville to successfully complete this tanker reflagging project,” said Ryan Smith, Fincantieri Marine Repair’s president. “We are now operating in Northeast Florida providing high-quality services to meet the operational needs of military, government, and commercial clients.”

The contract, which carries a one-year term with multiple option years, has a potential cumulative value of more than $98 million.

Posted by DA Staff Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Quadratix: Unified Software Ecosystem from General Atomics

Quadratix, a General Atomics vertically integrated software enterprise, aims to deliver agile, interoperable solutions that bridge air, land, sea, cyber, and space operations

Apr 17, 2025
Ophir® FoldIR Lens Enhances Long-Range Imaging for Defense & Security Operations

The new Ophir® FoldIR 25-275mm MWIR zoom lens delivers compact, long-range imaging with low-SWaP performance for drones and small gimbal platforms

Apr 17, 2025
Rugged Power Conversion Devices for Military & Defense Applications

Defense Advancement showcases RIPEnergy's field-proven power conversion products for military and defense applications

Apr 17, 2025
Forcys: Advancing Seabed Warfare with Integrated Payloads, Detection Tools & Secure Communications

Forcys outlines strategies for countering underwater threats, combining sensor payloads, communications tools, and autonomous systems with defense and commercial applications

Apr 17, 2025
Advancing EMP/HEMP Filter Technology for Modern EMI Threats

Spectrum Control highlights key advancements in EMP/HEMP filters designed to protect critical systems from EMI and electronic warfare in its white papers

Apr 16, 2025
24th Annual Future Artillery Conference Registration Details

The Indirect Fires community gathers for the 24th Defence iQ Future Artillery Conference backed by NATO and the British Army

Apr 16, 2025

Featured Content

Textron Systems to Support Software & Payload Development for Navy’s MCM USV

Textron Systems is set to support the software development and payload integration for the Navy’s Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), focusing on future mission capabilities and advanced system integration

Apr 14, 2025
Triad RF Systems Supplies Bi-Directional Amplifiers to Boost Naval Communications

Taiwan has received dual-channel bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs) from Triad RF Systems, strengthening real-time data transmission and ISR functionality in unmanned naval platforms

Apr 11, 2025
How the MQ-9B SeaGuardian® Enhances Naval Surveillance & Warfare

GA-ASI explains how the MQ-9B SeaGuardian® supports naval operations with long-endurance surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and real-time intelligence for enhanced maritime security

Apr 08, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.