Maine Maritime Academy officially accepted its new training ship, the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) State of Maine, in a formal ceremony on March 31, which was well attended by American Maritime Officers.
The vessel arrived in Portland Harbor under the direction of an AMO-led crew on March 21, where it was greeted by a ceremonial water salute marking its first entry into port.
The State of Maine is the third of five purpose-built NSMVs developed to modernize the training capabilities of state maritime academies. The vessel will serve as Maine Maritime Academy’s primary training ship, preparing cadets for careers in the U.S. Merchant Marine and supporting federal humanitarian and disaster response missions, addressing a critical shortage of qualified officers necessary to crew government and commercial owned sealift ships.
“This new ship will help provide rigorous instruction and crucial maritime training for MMA students for decades to come,” said Senator Susan Collins. “I am proud to serve with former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao as co-sponsor and as godmother of the new ‘State of Maine.’ We have arrived at this glorious day after a long voyage that was not without its treacherous shoals. In 2019, as Chair of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, I worked hard to secure $300 million for this ship. Brokering the agreement between the House and the Senate for that appropriations bill was a challenging task that required months of negotiation and advocacy.”
AMO will take over the vessel in all licensed positions when the NSMV is operated for national emergency missions or when activated by the government for humanitarian missions.
“A strong merchant marine means a strong America. By equipping Maine Maritime Academy with a state-of-the-art vessel to train future merchant mariners, we are fulfilling President Trump’s promise to restore America’s maritime dominance,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “Today we aren’t just delivering a vessel – we are charting a course toward a more resilient and successful America.”
Maritime Administrator Stephen Carmel echoed those sentiments as MARAD continues to encourage modernization of the U.S.-flag fleet.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with Maine Maritime Academy to deliver the State of Maine,” Carmel said. “Together, MARAD and MMA are transforming maritime education and ensuring our nation remains ready and resilient.”
State maritime academies train over half of all new officers essential to the economy and national security. Beyond training, the new NSMVs feature modern medical facilities, a helipad, and capacity for 1,000 people, providing critical sealift and storage for disaster relief and humanitarian missions.
“As our first purpose-built training ship, the State of Maine will provide world-class learning experiences for cadets pursuing unlimited tonnage licenses. It’s a game-changer for our mission and a powerful reflection of what’s possible through strong partnerships and shared vision,” said Maine Maritime Academy President Craig Johnson.
“We are proud to deliver the State of Maine for the Maine Maritime Academy, continuing TOTE Services’ long-standing commitment to innovation, excellence, and the U.S. maritime community,” said President of TOTE Services Jeff Dixon.
The Honorable Elaine L. Chao, 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation and 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor, was the ship co-sponsor for the State of Maine.
“The delivery of the new State of Maine marks a significant milestone in strengthening America’s maritime future. This state-of-the-art training vessel will provide cadets at Maine Maritime Academy with hands-on, real-world experience essential to developing the next generation of U.S. merchant mariners,” Chao said.
“The State of Maine will enhance our nation’s readiness to respond to humanitarian crises and disaster relief operations, representing a critical investment in those who will carry forward the proud tradition of the U.S. Merchant Marine.”