The US Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) has authorised the construction of two additional national security multi-mission vessels (NSMV), which will replace aging training vessels at Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine, and Texas A&M Maritime Academy in Galveston, Texas.
MARAD previously authorised the construction of the first two NSMVs, destined for SUNY Maritime College in Bronx, New York, and Massachusetts Maritime Academy, in Bourne, Massachusetts, on April 8, 2020.
Each NSMV will feature numerous instructional spaces, a full training bridge, and space for up to 600 cadets. It will also include modern medical facilities, a helicopter pad, the ability to accommodate up to 1,000 people in times of humanitarian need, and roll-on/roll-off and container storage capacity for use during disaster relief missions.
Construction will take place at Philly Shipyard in Pennsylvania.
