The Maritime Security Program (MSP) is a fundamental element of the U. S. maritime transportation system, providing an active, privately-owned, US flag, and US crewed liner fleet in international trade which is available to support Department of Defense (DOD) sustainment in a contingency.

The MSP was established by the Maritime Security Act of 1996 and provides approximately $100 million in funding annually for up to 47 vessels to partially offset the higher operating costs of keeping these vessels under U.S. flag registry. MSP payments represent approximately 13 percent of the cost of operating U.S.-flag vessels.

Program Participants and MSP ships as of September 30, 2003 include:

American Ship Management, L.L.C. (9 ships)
American Car Carrier International, Inc. (3 ships)
Central Gulf Lines, Inc. (3 ships)
E-Ships, Inc. (3 ships)
First American Bulk Carrier Corp. (2 ships)
First Ocean Bulk Carrier Corp-I, LLC (1 ship)
First Ocean Bulk Carrier Corp-II, LLC (1 ship)
First Ocean Bulk Carrier Corp-III, LLC (1 ship)
Maersk Line, Limited (4 ships)
OSG Car Carriers, Inc. (1 ship)
U.S. Ship Management, Inc. (15 ships)
Waterman Steamship Corporation (4 ships)

These vessels are modern, efficient, and militarily useful commercial dry cargo vessels which can support national security requirements and maintain a competitive US flag presence in international commerce.

The MSP helps retain a labor base of skilled American seafarers who are available to crew the US Government-owned strategic sealift as well as the US commercial fleet, both in peace and war.

Go to Maritime Security Program