MV American Tern

MV American Tern is a roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) cargo ship operated by Crowley Maritime for the United States Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD). The vessel is part of the Ready Reserve Force (RRF), a fleet maintained to provide surge shipping capacity during national emergencies or military contingencies. It is primarily used in the Puerto Rico trade lane, transporting vehicles, containers, and breakbulk cargo between the mainland United States and the island.

History

The vessel was constructed in 2003 by VT Halter Marine at its shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi. It was built under the provisions of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, specifically for service in the U.S. domestic trade, known as the Jones Act trade, between the U.S. mainland and non-contiguous areas like Puerto Rico. The ship's construction and operation are supported by the Maritime Security Program, which ensures the availability of militarily useful vessels for national defense. Its design emphasizes flexibility for both commercial service and rapid activation for government missions.

Design and specifications

The *American Tern* is a ConRo (container/roll-on/roll-off) vessel, capable of carrying a mix of containers, rolling stock, and heavy equipment. Its design features a stern quarter ramp and internal ramps for efficient vehicle handling. The ship has a length overall of 660 feet, a beam of 106 feet, and a draft of 29.5 feet. It is powered by a MAN B&W diesel engine driving a single controllable-pitch propeller, providing a service speed of approximately 22 knots. Cargo capacity includes space for over 400 trailers and automobiles, along with hundreds of TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). The vessel is classed by the American Bureau of Shipping and is crewed by U.S. citizens represented by the American Maritime Officers union.

Service history

Since its delivery, the *American Tern* has been engaged in regular commercial liner service for Crowley Maritime on the Jacksonville, Florida to San Juan, Puerto Rico route. This route is a critical economic lifeline for Puerto Rico, transporting consumer goods, manufacturing components, and government supplies. As part of the Ready Reserve Force, the vessel is periodically activated for exercises or actual missions by the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) and the Military Sealift Command. These activations have supported operations such as Operation Iraqi Freedom and humanitarian relief efforts following natural disasters like Hurricane Maria.

Incidents and events

In January 2018, the *American Tern* was involved in a minor collision with the dock at the Port of Jacksonville during high winds, resulting in damage to the ship's stern ramp but no injuries or pollution. The incident was investigated by the United States Coast Guard. The vessel has also been activated for several federal emergency responses. Notably, following the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017, it was tasked with transporting critical relief supplies, including Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) equipment and power restoration vehicles, from Port Everglades to Puerto Rico to support recovery operations.

See also

* SS Cape May * MV Cape Washington * MV Maersk Illinois * Ready Reserve Force * Jones Act * Crowley Maritime

Category:Ships built in Mississippi Category:Roll-on/roll-off vessels of the United States Category:2003 ships