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Algol-class vehicle cargo ship
The Algol-class vehicle cargo ships, also known as Fast Sealift Ships (FSS) or SL-7s, are currently the fastest conventional steam powered cargo ships in the world that are still (intermittently) operating, capable of speeds in excess of 33 knots (61 km/h). The Maersk Line B-Class Container ships are faster at 37 knots (69 km/h), like the MV Mærsk Boston. Although in reality both are laid up due to their high operating costs and less than green credentials in terms of fuel burned in transporting one unit of cargo per nautical miles traveled. Originally built in 1972 and 1973 as high-speed container ships known as SL-7s for SeaLand, the ships' high operating costs limited their profitability. All eight ships were acquired by the United States Navy in 1981 and 1982, with the last ship converted, delivered to and placed in service with Military Sealift Command in 1986. The conversion entailed the installation of four cranes, addition of roll on/roll off capability and a redesign of the cargo hold to better facilitate storage of vehicles. All ships are named after bright stars in the night sky. Due largely to their high cost of operation, all fast sealift ships were kept in Reduced Operating Status while in MSC Custody, initially in ROS-3 (96 hour) and later ROS-5 (120 hour) activation readiness status. ServiceAll eight ships took part in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, delivering thirteen percent of all the cargo transported between the United States and Saudi Arabia during and after the Persian Gulf War. Fast sealift ships have taken part in Operations Restore Hope, Joint Guardian, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom in addition to humanitarian relief efforts across the globe. On 1 October 2007, the United States Maritime Administration began operating all eight FSS. All eight were transferred to the Ready Reserve on 1 October 2008. At this time their USNS designations were replaced with SS designations as they were no longer US Navy ships.[1] Commencing in February 2024,[2] the Maritime Administration began to consolidate the Algol Class to the Beaumont Reserve Fleet in Beaumont, TX from their previous homeports in preparation for their removal from the Ready Reserve Fleet. Shortly thereafter the agency began announcing the planned deactivation and scrap sale dates for select vessels as they phase out of active reserve service. Antares propulsion failureBefore Operation Desert Storm an engine failed. From GlobalSecurity.org:[3]
Fast Sealift Ships_lower_equipment_to_a_landing_craft_on_15_July_1986.jpg)
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