AmericasOperations

US Navy issues tender to haul damaged destroyer back home

The US Navy has posted a potentially lucrative tender, seeking a private contractor to take its damaged destroyer, USS Fitzgerald, from Japan back home across the Pacific for repairs. The heavylift contract is estimated to be worth at least $7m.

Seven American sailors died when the naval vessel collided with an NYK-controlled boxship, the ACX Crystal, in Japanese waters on June 17. The USS Fitzgerald suffered severe damage, its repair bill likely costing hundreds of millions of dollars.

Several investigations into the collision are ongoing. The Philippine master of the NYK-chartered ACX Crystal claimed in late June that the warship did not respond to warning signals or take evasive action. Advincula reported that his ship had signalled with flashing lights after the Fitzgerald “suddenly” steamed on to a course to cross its path.

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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