American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Group (ARC), the leader in U.S.-flag Ro-Ro carrier operating liner services, has announced it is bringing another car carrier into the United States registry, adding more new job opportunities for the members of American Maritime Officers.
The new vessel, reflagged and named the M/V ARC Endeavor, will be the tenth car U.S.-flag carrier in ARC’s fleet. ARC Endeavor is the 9th ship added to the ARC US flag fleet since 2016. AMO members man all licensed positions on the other nine ARC vessels in service, which are crewed by Tote Services Inc. Once in service, the ARC Endeavor will fall under the same collectively-bargained AMO contract as other ARC vessels. ARC officials expect the new addition to begin service in the next two months.
“On behalf of the men and women of AMO, congratulations to ARC on another addition to their superb fleet of vessels,” AMO National President Willie Barrere said. “AMO appreciates our outstanding working relationship with ARC and its service to our nation’s armed forces, and we look forward to continuing our partnership and growing together in the future.”
ARC provides government services including global logistics and shipping services. ARC and its U.S. affiliates own and manage the largest U.S.-flag Ro-Ro fleet. This includes providing American-owned, managed, and crewed Ro-Ro shipping and intermodal services committed to the requirements of the Department of Defense, other U.S. Government departments and agencies, and commercial customers.
“ARC has consistently invested in new tonnage and this latest Ro-Ro is the ninth ship we have brought into the American fleet since 2016. ARC Endeavor further strengthens ARC’s position as a leading logistics company and the largest U.S. flag Ro-Ro carrier,” said Eric Ebeling, ARC President & CEO. “We are proud that this investment will also enable us to grow our talented team, hiring more captains, mates, engineers, mariners and more to crew these critical vessels.”
ARC Endeavor measures 754 feet in length with a 21-foot-high stern opening and a stern ramp rated for cargo weighing up to 320 tons. In terms of car-equivalent units, the ARC Endeavor can carry over 7,500 vehicles at once.
ARC Endeavor will be among the most capable and militarily useful vessels in the U.S.-flag commercial fleet, able to carry tracked and wheeled vehicles, helicopters, and other high and heavy project cargoes. ARC is the largest U.S.-flag Ro-Ro operator and is actively supporting America’s national defense through the Maritime Security Program and Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement.
American Maritime Officers members who conducted the reflag of the ARC Endeavor, here in Baltimore, included Captain Matthew Abraham, Chief Mate Jonathan Merzlak, Second Mate Michael Rawlins, Third Mate Tyler Reistetter, Chief Engineer Gabriel Shubert, First Assistant Engineer William (Julian) Rozier, Second A.E. Christopher McLellan and Third A.E. Aaron Vernott. Not pictured is Captain Nicholas Bahill. With them is AMO National Secretary Treasurer Bob Rice.
Captain Matthew Abraham hoists the the American flag and ARC company flag as part of the ceremonial reflag process for the ARC Endeavor joining the U.S. registry.