Keel laying held for fifth and final NSMV at Philly Shipyard

Hanwha Philly Shipyard has celebrated the keel laying of the fifth and final vessel in the national security multi-mission vessel (NSMV) program.

Commissioned by the US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD), the NSMV program is designed to provide training for America’s future mariners while also supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions when needed.

Under the "vessel construction manager" (VCM) acquisition model, TOTE Services and Hanwha Philly Shipyard have delivered the first two NSMV’s (Empire State and Patriot State) with the third vessel scheduled for delivery later this year.

Vessels in the series feature training facilities, a fully equipped bridge, and accommodation for up to six hundred cadets and one hundred faculty.

Graduates from the nation’s state maritime academies make up over half of all newly commissioned US merchant marine officers each year.

The five NSMVs are being constructed to replace aging training vessels at SUNY Maritime College, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Maine Maritime Academy, Texas A&M Maritime Academy, and California State University Maritime Academy. The vessels will be owned and operated by MARAD.