Open federal opportunities

90-Day Tanker Time Charter

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.MSC.MSC HQS.MSCHQ NORFOLK · Response deadline: Fri, 16 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC) is seeking a 90-day time charter for a tanker vessel. Time charters are common maritime arrangements where the government hires a ship with crew for a defined period, gaining operational control of the vessel while the owner retains responsibility for crewing, maintenance, and regulatory compliance. Tankers in Navy service typically transport petroleum products, jet fuel, or other liquid cargoes to support fleet operations and forward-deployed forces.

This contract is tied to activity in Sasebo, Japan—a major U.S. Navy port and long-standing MSC hub in the Western Pacific. Sasebo serves as a logistics anchor for Seventh Fleet operations, making tanker support critical for refueling and sustainment missions throughout the region.

NAICS 483111 corresponds to deep sea freight transportation, specifically for petroleum and chemical bulk cargoes. This is specialized commercial work that bridges Navy unique requirements with standard maritime industry practices.

Key facts

Who can bid

This is a full and open competition with no small business set-aside. Any responsive and responsible offeror—large or small, U.S. or potentially foreign-flag with appropriate approvals—may submit a proposal. For NAICS 483111, the Small Business Administration size standard is based on average annual receipts; see the solicitation for the specific threshold and any applicable exceptions for mariner national security waivers or Jones Act considerations.

Given the specialized nature of tanker operations, eligible bidders typically include:

• U.S.-flag tanker operators with MSC experience
• Companies holding active Military Sealift Command contracts or past performance in government tanker charters
• Vessel owners with ships meeting Navy certification, safety, and security requirements
• Firms capable of obtaining necessary clearances for crew and operations in Japan

Small businesses in this space are uncommon due to capital intensity, but subsidiaries or joint venture arrangements may be possible.

How to put together a competitive bid

Tanker time charters for MSC demand meticulous attention to operating cost structure and risk allocation. Practical steps include:

• Vessel qualification: Confirm your tanker meets MSC's age, inspection, and classification requirements. See the solicitation for specific technical specifications, including cargo capacity, pumping rates, and double-hull status.

• Crewing and labor costs: Time charters typically require U.S. citizen mariners or approved equivalents. Factor in union agreements, overtime rules, and Japan-specific logistics for crew changes and shore leave.

• Fuel and voyage economics: Clarify whether fuel is owner's or charterer's account; this dramatically affects pricing. Analyze the Sasebo operating pattern and any ballast legs or repositioning requirements.

• Insurance and liability: Review knock-for-knock provisions, war risks, and pollution liability coverage requirements. MSC contracts often impose strict indemnification terms.

• Past performance documentation: Prepare detailed records of prior government or commercial time charters, including availability metrics and mission completion rates.

• Subcontracting strategy: If you lack direct Sasebo experience, consider partnering with firms possessing local husbanding or fuel supply relationships.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number N3220527R6008. The response deadline is October 16, 2026 at 1:00 PM EDT. Given the complexity of tanker charter proposals and potential need for vessel surveys or Navy pre-qualification, begin preparation immediately if you intend to bid.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →