Maersk Line Ltd. operates prepositioning ships

Maersk Line Ltd. operates prepositioning ships    Maersk Line Ltd. has been awarded a contract for the operation and maintenance of two ships in the U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command's Maritime Prepositioning Force.
   The U.S.-flag operation of A.P. Moller – Maersk will provide personnel and mariners, operational and technical support ashore and afloat, as well as all the equipment, tools, provisions and supplies necessary to operate the vessels USNS Wheat and USNS Stockham.
   Maersk Line Ltd. also will support Military Sealift Command in the management of government-owned cargo, including, but not limited to, hazardous materials, vehicular, bulk and general cargoes.
   The company's support of Maritime Preposition Ships dates back to 1983 when it converted five commercial vessels and operated them for the next 25 years. 'We're pleased that MSC has recognized the value of our service and has entrusted us with these ships,' said Scott Cimring, Maersk Line Ltd.'s senior director of government ship management, in a statement.
   If all options are exercised, the contract periods for the Wheat and the Stockham will extend into 2015. The approximate contract value, including all option years but excluding reimbursable expenses, is expected to be $66 million.
   Based in Norfolk, Va., Maersk Line Ltd. is the largest U.S. shipping company engaged in international trade and a major charterer and contract operator for the U.S. government.