Military Sealift Command (MSC) has awarded a contract to Maersk Line Ltd. in Norfolk, Va., to charter a ship to function as a “maritime support vessel.”

The $73 million contract, with options for four 12-month options for a potential total value of $143 million, calls for a U.S.-flag, twin-shaft vessel for use into November 2014, and potentially through October 2018.

The ship is MV Cragside, said Jim Marconi, a spokesman for MSC, though he added, “We can’t provide details relating to the ship’s mission.”

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