Rep. Courtney Celebrates First Ships Enrolled in the Tanker Security Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), Ranking Member of the Seapower and  Projection Forces Subcommittee, issued the following statement after MARAD announced the first nine ships enrolled in the Tanker Security Program (TSP) which was authorized by the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee under then-Chairman Courtney’s leadership.

 "MARAD’s announcement that the Tanker Security Program is now a reality is welcomed news. The launch of this fleet originated from the bipartisan efforts of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee that authorized this needed sealift program in 2021. These first nine ships will prove essential to our military readiness, particularly in the Indo-Pacific as the Navy transitions away from the Red Hill fuel facility in Hawaii."

 Background

The Tanker Security Program (TSP) will ensure that a core fleet of U.S.-based product tankers can operate competitively in international trade and enhance U.S. supply chain resiliency for liquid fuel products. The TSP will provide the Department of Defense with assured access to 10 U.S.-registered product tank vessels that may be used to supply the armed forces with fuel during times of armed conflict or national emergency.

The TSP was authorized by the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee through the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act. 

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