Maine Maritime Academy welcomes new NSMV training ship to revamped pier
Written by Marine Log Staff
Photo: GZA
The new NSMV training ship State of Maine arrived at Maine Maritime Academy’s Castine, Me., campus for the first time this past Sunday. And while most of our coverage of the NSMV program has been on the ships and their design and construction, preparing the state maritime academies to accommodate them has also been an important element of the story.
In the case of the State of Maine, the new NSM’s arrival followed four years of work by the academy, GZA GeoEnvironmental Inc. and other partners that began with a condition assessment of the existing pier and facility. Work progressed through the design of the specialized new pier and mooring dolphin to address the wide tidal range, resilience to coastal storms, and the specific ship characteristics and mooring requirement for the new training vessel; design of other new water dependent structures; and permitting and construction.
“It’s an exciting milestone to see our client MMA welcome this innovative vessel that promises to bring MMA cadets an even stronger educational and training experience and to serve our country in times of great need, said Patrick Sheehan, president and CEO of GZA GeoEnvironmental “On behalf of all her colleagues, I want to congratulate Associate Principal Cheryl Coviello and her team for their diligent work so far that led to this historic day.”
In Phases 2 and 3 of the construction project, scheduled to be completed in mid-2027, the existing timber pier will be demolished and reconstructed to include a new bulkhead, concrete block retaining wall, and new floating docks and floating breakwater. New mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components will be installed. The existing mooring and breasting platforms and other existing structures will be modified and maintained. Maintenance dredging of the existing inner boat basin will also be conducted.
Other partners working alongside GZA on the MMA pier project include GZA’s team members Haley Ward, Inc., and RMF Engineering, the owner’s representative; Colliers Project Leaders; and general contractor Reed & Reed, Inc., of Woolrich, Maine.
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