Algol-class vehicle cargo ship

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Algol-class vehicle cargo ship" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (October 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

USNS Regulus
Class overview
Builders	T-AKR 287, 288, 289, 293; Rotterdamsche D.D.Mij N.V., Rotterdam, the Netherlands T-AKR 291; Rheinstahl Nordseewerke, Emden, West Germany T-AKR 290, 292, 294; AG Weser, Bremen, Germany
Built	1972–73
Active	8
General characteristics
Displacement	55,350 tons
Length	946.2 ft (288.4 m)
Beam	106 ft (32 m)
Draft	37 ft (11 m)
Propulsion	2 Foster-Wheeler boilers, 875 psi (61.6 kg/cm2) 2 GE MST-19 steam turbines; 120,000 hp (89.5 MW) 2 shafts
Speed	33 knots (61 km/h; 38 mph)
Complement	43 civilians, 12 military technicians (fully operational), 18 civilians (reduced operating status)

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. Due largely to their high cost of operation, all fast sealift ships are kept in Reduced Operating Status, but can be activated and ready to sail in 96 hours. All ships are named after bright stars in the night sky.