The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration recently authorized the construction of two additional National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMV) to be constructed at the Philly Shipyard.
State maritime academies graduate approximately 70 percent of all new officers annually, and the vessels will replace training vessels at the maritime academies in Castine, Maine, and Galveston, Texas.
The NSMV will have space for up to 600 cadets and feature modern medical facilities, a helicopter pad, a full training bridge, and numerous instructional spaces. The vehicles also can accommodate up to 1,000 people in times of humanitarian need.
“I am pleased to see that the Philly Shipyard has been awarded an order for the construction of two additional National Security Multi-Mission Vessels,” U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) said in a statement. “Not only will hundreds of jobs be created, but the shipyard’s workload will be sustained for years to come – a win for the entire region. Philly Shipyard is uniquely qualified to perform this work, and I was proud to support the efforts of the many who made this possible.”
The project will support more than 1,200 shipyard jobs.
Last year, TOTE Services, the vessel construction manager, awarded Philly Shipyard a contract to construct up to five NSMVs.