Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) has been awarded a multi-year contract for the operation and maintenance of five container and roll-on/roll-off ships in support of the Military Sealift Command's (MSC) and the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program.

'We are extremely honored and proud of this award. Winning this contract once again after our resubmission is a true testament of MSC's trust in our capability and performance. We feel confident in our ability to support our customer's requirements by drawing from our extensive operational and technical experience,' said Scott Cimring, MLL's Senior Director of Government Ship Management.

These 'Bobo-class' vessels, essential in the U.S. military's readiness strategy, will be crewed by civilian mariners and deployed worldwide to preposition equipment and supplies at sea. MSC strategically places military equipment and supplies aboard these ships in key ocean areas to ensure rapid availability during military operation and humanitarian relief.

This contract will begin in September 2011, and consists of a base period of 30 days with four one-year options. If all options are exercised, the total contract value will reach approximately $126 million, excluding reimbursable expenses and performance incentives.

As a leading ship operator, MLL has more than 28 years of experience crewing, operating, and maintaining all types of government vessels. Our exceptional track record, global reach, innovative skills, and set of processes have proven to increase ship availability and ensure mission readiness.