US Military Plans to Buy More Used Ships to Secure Sealift Capacity

In a recent hearing before the Senate Armed Services Readiness and Management subcommittee, Air Force General Randall Reed, the head of US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), requested approval for the authority to purchase an additional 10 used cargo vessels to support the delivery of US forces and combat power overseas.

Reed’s appeal during Thursday’s hearing is driven by a looming deadline in 2032, when over half of the government-owned sealift ships will reach the end of their service life, leaving the nation’s ability to project military power by sea at risk.

Current Sealift Capacity Concerns

General Reed has emphasized the urgency of addressing the sealift capacity deficit. As of 2024, 85 percent of US combat power is located in the United States, and for successful overseas operations, a significant portion of this power would need to be delivered via sea or air transport.

However, unless action is taken by 2032, more than 50 percent of the US government’s sealift fleet will be retired, threatening the country’s ability to deploy forces and sustain military operations globally.

Reed’s testimony underscored that, in order to remain capable of conducting operations abroad, the US military must secure sufficient sealift capacity.

With a focus on cost-effectiveness and speed, Reed proposed the purchase of 10 additional used cargo vessels to supplement the current fleet. These ships, although second-hand, would be newer and suitable for the task of transporting military supplies and personnel.

The estimated cost for acquiring two used vessels in fiscal year 2025 is approximately $210 million.

Reed emphasized that, given the time-sensitive nature of the situation, the purchase of used vessels represents a necessary step to maintain sealift capabilities while newer, longer-term solutions are explored.

As part of the ongoing efforts to bolster the US sealift fleet, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and USTRANSCOM have already secured seven used vessels, with two more expected to be purchased in FY25, bringing the total capacity to over 1.5 million square feet.

However, Reed cautioned that even with the expected increase in the fleet, the overall capacity will remain constrained due to the anticipated retirement of 30 ships between 2026 and 2034.

The Need for Greater Flexibility

Reed highlighted the critical need for more flexibility in acquiring used vessels and refurbishing them to US standards.

The refurbishment process, which includes bringing the ships up to code and ensuring they meet operational requirements, typically takes between nine and 14 months.

Without this flexibility, Reed warned, USTRANSCOM would face difficulties in maintaining credible sealift capacity in the years to come.

Additionally, Reed expressed concern about the potential impact of the Pentagon’s announced 5 to 8 percent budget cuts on the ability to acquire ships at competitive prices.

He stressed that while purchasing used ships would address short-term needs, sustaining a reliable sealift capacity will require continued investment and full funding for programs such as maritime security and tanker security.

Modernizing the Fleet

Reed also pointed out the age of many vessels in the MARAD Ready Reserve Fleet, with 20 ships being over 50 years old. These vessels, many of which are steam-powered, are considered unsuitable for modern, contested environments.

Reed noted that the crew members who would serve on these ships need more reliable and efficient vessels for their careers, not outdated steam-powered ships that fail to meet the performance standards required in 21st-century warfare.

This further underscores the urgency of acquiring newer, more capable ships to ensure the long-term viability of the US sealift force.

Managing Crew Sustainability

Another issue discussed by Reed was the sustainability of the mariner workforce.

Military Sealift Command (MSC), which crews the Navy’s logistics and support vessels, currently operates with a crew ratio of 1.27 mariners per billet. This structure requires mariners to be at sea for four months followed by one month of rest before returning to duty.

In response to crew fatigue and operational needs, MSC has made the decision to sideline 17 ships, aligning the fleet with available mariners and ensuring that crews are better able to maintain readiness without being overstretched.

Conclusion

The request by General Randall Reed for the authority to purchase 10 additional used cargo vessels is a critical step toward ensuring that the US military maintains the necessary sealift capacity to support global operations.

With many of the government-owned sealift vessels nearing the end of their service life, the purchase of used, newer vessels will help bridge the gap until a more sustainable solution can be achieved. At the same time, modernization of the fleet and improved crew sustainability will be key to ensuring that US Transportation Command remains capable of rapidly deploying and sustaining combat forces worldwide.