TUGCON, OPEN-OCEAN TOW

The U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command is conducting market research for one or two U.S.-flag, Jones Act‑compliant ocean‑going tugs capable of towing two decommissioned warships (ex‑Fort Worth LCS‑3 and ex‑Lake Erie CG‑70) from Naval Station San Diego to inactive ship sites in Bremerton, WA and Pearl Harbor, HI. The mission consists of two separate tow trips, each requiring a minimum bollard pull to achieve 6 knots in Beaufort 5 conditions, four days of laytime, and up‑to‑four additional days at the destination for customs/delivery. Contractors must provide a fully bunkered tug, fuel capacity for nonstop transit (or fuel stops if a single tug handles both tows), internet and satellite phone, and must include an Independent Marine Surveyor (IMS) in their lump‑sum price. A pre‑tow conference at San Diego is required no later than 24 hours before each tow, and detailed towing packages (Appendix H, line‑tension calculations, weather analysis, rigging specifications, etc.) must be submitted for MSC approval. Responses are to be submitted via email by 1100 EST on 06 Oct 2026, including tug specifications, pricing (lump‑sum and demurrage), itinerary, and small‑business status. • Tow vessels: LCS‑3 (3,500 LT) and CG‑70 (9,600 LT) • Departure: Naval Station San Diego, CA • Destination: Bremerton, WA (LCS‑3) and Pearl Harbor, HI (CG‑70) • Laytime: 4 days total; up to 4 additional days at destination • Required tug: built ≥1970 or fully rebuilt/re‑powered after 1970, sufficient bollard pull for 6 knots in 5 kt SOA • Mandatory pre‑tow conference and IMS oversight • Submission deadline: 06 Oct 2026 (email)