The international used ship market as a temporary solution to U.S. sealift requirements

Abstract

The objective of this thesis is to examine a possible contingency measure of purchasing available ships on the international market to augment existing sealift capabilities prior to or during a crisis situation. This study explores the already existing procurement process that the Military Sealift Command and the Maritime Administration utilize to acquire ships for the Ready Reserve Force. An in-depth set of data was gathered of past sales on the worldwide market from 1977 through 1989. The data are intended to explore cyclical patterns, to possibly find explanations as to why prices fluctuate, and to present a legitimate alternative in augmenting sealift by accelerated purchase of used ships.