Philly Shipyard, the sole operating subsidiary of Philly Shipyard ASA, recently delivered the first of five modern training vessels for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) maritime academies.
State maritime academies graduate merchant mariners.
“We are beyond proud to deliver the Empire State today, our first government new build in the history of Philly Shipyard.” Steinar Nerbovik, Philly Shipyard president and CEO, said. “We are honored to be trusted with this important project, and on behalf of all of our skilled workers, we are confident that the Empire State will provide a safe, reliable and state-of-the-art training platform for generations of future mariners.”
National Security Multi-Mission Vessels, MARAD new vessel program, will train future mariners and support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
Vessels built for the program will feature accommodations for up to 600 cadets, a full training bridge, and numerous instructional spaces
The Empire State will serve SUNY Maritime College.
Three other vessels, all unnamed, are under construction. The second vessel will be delivered in 2024 for Massachusetts Maritime Academy. The third vessel, for the Maine Maritime Academy, is having its keel laid. Steel cutting for the fourth vessel, for Texas A&M Maritime Academy, recently was completed.