ROTA, Spain - Since implementing a new surface cargo route, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Sigonella Site Rota cut cargo transit time and costs in half by mid-Oct. 2015.

In July 2015, NAVSUP FLC Sigonella Site Rote established a new direct route for cargo from Norfolk, Virginia to Algeciras, Spain.
Prior to the availability of the new route, surface cargo from Norfolk was shipped through Ocean Terminal Rotterdam Amsterdam. This route required additional processing for the cargo at the Defense Logistics Agency's (DLA) Theater Consolidation and Shipping Point (TCSP) at Defense Distribution Depot Europe (DDDE) in Germersheim, Germany before delivery to Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota Spain for distribution.

The implementation of this change reduced the total transit time from an average of 60 days to 30 days and is expected to save of more than $192,000 annually by eliminating commercial truck services previously required to transport the cargo from Germany to Spain.

The new process is already positively impacting fleet readiness and operations in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Forward-Deployed Naval Force (FDNF) units homeported at NAVSTA Rota are noticing a significant decline in customer wait time for their surface cargo.

In the 90 days since implementation in July, the new process has is already having a positive impact. DoD installations in the Iberian Peninsula are saving money on transportation costs and receiving their cargo much faster.

Ocean Terminals at NAVSUP FLC Sigonella Sites Rota and Naples are responsible for the port clearing and onward movement of ocean booked cargo for Spain and Southern Italy. Transportation Specialists within NAVSUP FLC Sigonella Ocean Terminals track and trace ocean vessels for DoD booked cargo, validate manifests, and coordinate with port authorities and NAVSUP FLC Sigonella Customs Clearance Officers on the preparation of all necessary documentation for customs clearance and onward movement of DoD traffic.

NAVSUP FLC Sigonella, one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS), provides global logistics, business and support services to fleet, shore and industrial commands of the Navy, Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and allied forces. Services include contracting, regional transportation, fuel, material management, household goods movement support, postal and consolidated mail, warehousing, global logistics and husbanding, hazardous material management, and integrated logistics support.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The organization is made up of more than 6,500 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 105 locations worldwide providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.