The US Navy has awarded a maintenance contract to Detyens Shipyards to provide the inspection and repair services for the navy’s fleet replenishment oiler USNS Big Horn.

Under the $6.2m upkeep contract, the company will be responsible for the overhaul of the ship, which includes preservation of ballast tanks, tank deck overhead, potable water tanks and main engine turbo charger overhaul.

The 677ft-long Henry J Kaiser Class fleet replenishment oiler serves in the United States Atlantic Fleet under the Military Sealift Command.

The capacity of the ship is up to 180,000 barrels of fuel oil and jet fuel, 7,400ft² dry cargo space and eight 20ft refrigerated containers with room for 128 pallets.

The contract has options which if exercised would make the value to $7.3m and the work is expected to be complete by the end of 2009.