The SL7EXPO project, which aims to preserve one of the groundbreaking SL-7 Sea-Land Container ships as a commercial maritime exposition center in support of the SHIPS for America Act, has received seed
The SL7EXPO project, which aims to preserve one of the groundbreaking SL-7 Sea-Land Container ships as a commercial maritime exposition center in support of the SHIPS for America Act, has received seed funding from the Society of Marine Port Engineers.
Originally built by containerization innovator Malcolm McLean as 33 knot container ships, the eight SL-7 class ships were converted into Fast Sealift Ships by the US Government in the early 1980’s.
Their conversion into Roll on/Roll off vessels provided the US Government with a massive tactical sea lift capability that was vital in military operations such as Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
All eight in this class are scheduled for scrapping starting in 2026.
Their excellent structural condition, ground breaking history and massive interior of unobstructed deck areas, makes them perfectly suited as Smithsonian level display, training and exposition centers to promote commercial maritime and intermodal awareness, public engagement, and employment in the maritime industry.
While the U.S. Maritime fleet and commercial shipbuilding is small compared to other nations, the U.S. maritime industry, and the associated intermodal industry, is massive and provides high paying nationwide employment.
Due to its high efficiency and generally seamless operation, there is little public
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