NSMV State of Maine delivered to Maine Maritime Academy

Photo Credit: Maine Maritime Academy

The National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) State of Maine was formally delivered to Maine Maritime Academy on March 30, marking the transfer of operations from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) to the academy. (Editor’s Note: See video below.)

The vessel arrived earlier in the month, reaching the Port of Portland on March 21, where it was welcomed with a water salute. A formal delivery ceremony was held at Ocean Gateway in Portland, Maine, with representatives from federal and state government, maritime agencies and industry in attendance.

State of Maine is the third of five NSMVs being built to replace aging training ships at U.S. maritime academies. The vessels are designed to support both cadet training and federal response efforts during humanitarian crises.

At Maine Maritime Academy, the vessel will serve as the institution’s next-generation training ship. It is the academy’s first purpose-built training vessel and includes two full mission bridges and two engine rooms, allowing for expanded hands-on instruction. The ship is also the largest and most complex vessel operated by the academy.

The NSMV program is led by MARAD, with vessels constructed by Hanwha Philly Shipyard and delivered with support from TOTE Services as vessel construction manager.

Officials participating in the delivery event included MARAD Administrator Stephen Carmel, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, and Maine Maritime Academy President Rear Adm. Craig Johnson. U.S. Sen. Susan Collins delivered keynote remarks during the ceremony.

The remaining NSMVs are expected to be delivered to other state maritime academies as part of a broader effort to modernize the U.S. maritime training fleet.