The ARC Freedom tanker has been added to the United States flag fleet, providing new capacity for commercial and governmental customer services as well as strategic capabilities for the U.S. military.
Technical Details of ARC Freedom
ARC Freedom (IMO 9505041) is a large tanker designed for transporting vehicles and trucks, intended for the transportation of cars, trucks, heavy equipment, and other mobile cargo. This ship will operate as part of the Maritime Security Program (MSP) and will provide U.S. flag capacity to support the needs of the Department of Defense.
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National Security Implications
The addition of the ARC Freedom to the U.S. flag fleet is considered a major victory for U.S. national security. This ship, as a member of the maritime security program, will provide the rapid response capability that the military needs to maintain the security of the country. This action helps strengthen the U.S. commercial maritime force and ensures that it remains strong and ready.
ARC Freedom has the capacity to carry nearly 8,000 equivalent vehicle units across 13 vehicle decks, which includes five movable decks that provide flexibility for various cargoes. This ship also features a main deck/large door with a height of 6.5 meters and a rear ramp capable of carrying mobile loads up to 320 metric tons. These capabilities allow ARC Freedom to transport a wide range of cargoes including vehicles, commercial equipment, heavy industrial loads, and military equipment such as the V-22 Osprey aircraft and CH-47 helicopter.
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