ARC Reflags Ro-Ro to U.S. Registry

American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Group Inc. (ARC) has expanded its fleet with the addition of its ninth U.S.-flagged roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel, the M/V ARC Honor.

Formerly known as the M/V Tulane and registered in Malta, the vessel was re-registered to the U.S. registry and renamed on February 2, 2024. The reflagging occurred in the port of Incheon, Korea, under the supervision of the U.S. Coast Guard.

“This tremendously capable and flexible U.S.-flag ship is crewed by American merchant mariners and now operates in ARC’s global network supporting America’s national defense and economic security through trade,” said Eric Ebeling, ARC President & CEO. ARC Honor is the fourth large car/truck carrier (LCTC) vessel in ARC’s fleet.

Originally built in 2012, M/V ARC Honor previously served under ARC’s parent company, Wallenius Wilhelmsen. The vessel is now enrolled in the Maritime Security Program (MSP) and the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA). The MSP is an active fleet of U.S.-flag, privately-owned commercial ships available to the U.S. Department of Defense when needed.

ARC has reflagged several vessels into the MSP and U.S. registry since 2016. As the largest operator of U.S.-flag roll-on/roll-off carriers, the company now owns and operates a total of nine vessels operating in international trades.

Maritime Administrator, Ann Phillips, congratulated ARC on the new addition to the U.S-flag fleet.

“As a new addition to the Maritime Security Program, this ship and her crew of U.S. credentialed mariners will support our nation’s economic security and provide sealift capacity for our Armed Forces operating around the world,” said Phillips.

ARC stated that the M/V ARC Honor, which can carry tracked and wheeled vehicles, helicopters, and other high and heavy project cargoes, will be among the most capable and militarily useful vessels in the U.S.-flag commercial fleet. The vessel is 229.99 meters long, with a 6.50m high main deck and a stern ramp rated for cargo weighing up to 320 MT.

“The leadership team at ARC once again is demonstrating its commitment to our industry, to our mariners, and to our nation by bringing this vessel under the Stars and Stripes,” said David Heindel, Seafarers International Union (SIU) President. “The SIU has been with ARC from the beginning, and we’re excited about providing the crew for the ARC Honor.”

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