A Bold Leap in Maritime Training
Today marks a significant jump in the U.S. merchant marine training program, as the first out of five dedicated training vessels gets seemingly handed over to America’s state maritime academies. The christened Empire State, crafted by Philly Shipyard and supervised by TOTE Services for MARAD, was ceremoniously passed on to the U.S. Maritime Administration under the U.S. Department of Transportation. This occasion underscores the ship’s assignment to the State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College.
This development, although long-awaited, is the first of its kind in the U.S., replacing the traditional training mode on outdated ships with specially designed, state-of-the-art training vessels.
Setting Sail in a New Empire State
The newly built Empire State has come to replace its namesake predecessor, a C4 breakbulk cargo ship inducted into service way back in 1962. She was later designated as the college’s training vessel from 1989 onward. This former Empire State culminated her years of service with a final instructional voyage on May 27th. This 75-day sea term had 442 cadets on board, accompanied by 81 faculty members, staff, and crew.
Equipped for Tomorrow’s Mariners and Beyond
Identified as National Security Multi-Mission Vessels, these innovative ships are designed not only to cater to top-notch maritime education but also to serve in aiding humanitarian efforts and disaster relief when required. Each of these vessels is equipped with myriad instructional spaces, and a comprehensive training bridge, and can house up to 600 cadets. The ships also feature a Ro-Ro ramp, a cargo crane, and containers, enhancing the multi-purpose concept of these vessels.
Apart from their role as a versatile educational platform, these ships encompass modern hospital facilities, a helicopter pad, and the ability to host up to 1,000 individuals in times of humanitarian crises.
Future Prospects and Ongoing Projects
The NSMV initiative kick-started in 2019, with contracts for the first vessels being awarded in 2020. The program also distinguishes itself as the inaugural government-backed shipbuilding effort to adopt the Vessel Construction Manager model. This approach entrusts the selection and administration of the shipyard to a government contractor, in this case, TOTE Services, which uses commercial best practices.
The second training vessel under this initiative christened the “Patriot State,” is now under construction for the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, with its delivery scheduled for 2024. Keel laying for the third and fourth vessels for Maine and Texas A&M Maritime Academies respectively has recently been completed, and the final ship for California Maritime Academy is due to start construction later this year. The plan is to have all ships delivered by 2026.
A Next-Generation Fleet for an Evolving Maritime Industry
The MARAD, in collaboration with the maritime industry, envisions this cutting-edge training fleet as an ideal solution to address the prevailing shortage of skilled officers needed to operate government and commercial-owned sealift ships. More than half of new officers each year are graduates from state maritime academies. This milestone, as featured in the recent issue of The Maritime Executive, is set to revolutionize maritime training, taking it to new horizons.
