TOTE Services, LLC., a contracted company of American Maritime Officers, has been awarded the contract to operate the first three National Security Multi-Mission Vessels for the United States Maritime Administration, providing new job opportunities on the state-of-the-art ships for AMO members.
AMO crews will deliver each vessel from Philly Shipyard to each maritime academy. AMO will also operate the vessels when activated for a national defense, emergency relief or natural disaster mission by MARAD. While each maritime academy will be responsible for staffing the vessels during normal operations, AMO members will be used for cadet training cruises if needed.
“To have so significant a role in the development and operation of this multi-purpose national security fleet under TOTE management is yet another hallmark for AMO as the leading union of U.S. merchant marine officers,” said AMO National President Paul Doell. “Whether it’s defense shipping, hauling humanitarian aid or working closely with maritime academy cadets, AMO is always there for the mission.”
Each NSMV features instructional spaces, a full training bridge and space for up to 600 cadets. In addition, each ship features modern hospital facilities, a helicopter pad and the ability to accommodate up to 1,000 people in times of humanitarian need. The NSMVs can also provide needed roll-on/roll-off and container storage capacity for use during disaster relief missions.
Congress has authorized the construction of five NSMVs to replace the aging steam ships that currently serve as training vessels at the state maritime academies.
The first NSMV, the Empire Stave VII, was christened in June and is expected to be delivered later this summer. The second NSMV, the Patriot State, was launched earlier this month.