WASHINGTON — TOTE Services has selected Philly Shipyard Inc. of Philadelphia to build the newest class of training ship, the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV), the Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced April 8.
The shipyard will construct up to five new ships to provide maritime training for America’s future mariners and to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in times of need.
“This new world-class vessel, constructed at an American shipyard, is part of our much-needed program to replace the aging training vessels currently operated by state maritime academies,” Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said.
Last May, TOTE contracted with MARAD as the vessel construction manager to deliver one to five NSMVs. This occurred after Congress required that the NSMVs be procured using commercial design and build practices.
Following construction and delivery of the ships to TOTE, the vessels will be transferred to MARAD for their mission of training future licensed mariners at state maritime academies and responding to humanitarian and natural disasters.
“Investing in maritime education creates more American jobs,” Maritime Administrator Mark H. Buzby said.
The NSMV will feature numerous instructional spaces and a full training bridge and have space for up to 600 cadets to train in an at-sea academic environment.
In its role as a National Defense Reserve Fleet vessel, the NSMV will incorporate medical capabilities, a command-and-control platform and berthing for up to 1,000 first responders and recovery workers. The vessel’s roll-on/roll-off ramp and crane to facilitate container storage capabilities will enable it to provide critical support equipment and supplies to those in need during a disaster.
