NSMV | Massachusetts Maritime Academy

National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV)

The NSMV will help to sustain world-class, U.S. maritime training operations at the state maritime academies by equipping young American mariners with the most modern and adaptable training platform. The NSMV will feature numerous instructional spaces and a full training bridge and have space for up to 600 cadets to train in a first-rate maritime academic environment at sea.
Along with serving as an educational and training platform, the NSMV will also be available to uniquely support federal government efforts in response to national and international disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes. In this role as a National Defense Reserve Fleet vessel, the NSMV will incorporate medical capabilities, a command-and-control platform, and berthing for up to 1,000 first responders and recovery workers. The vessel’s roll-on/roll-off ramp and crane to facilitate container storage capabilities will enable it to provide critical support equipment and supplies to those in need.

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Building the NSMV

The NSMV (National Security Multi-Mission Vessel) program involves the construction of five specialized ships for maritime academies and disaster relief efforts, with TOTE Services acting as the Vessel Construction Manager and Philly Shipyard handling the actual construction. The program aims to modernize maritime training, enhance disaster preparedness, and utilize commercial best practices in shipbuilding.

By The Numbers

1,252

Mariners Trained

5,256

Nautical Miles Sailed

627

Jobs Created

18

Tons of Steel

FORMULATE

Congressional support begins to coalesce for a common schoolship design for all maritime academies under the US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD). Discussions are held with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regarding funding for this initiative. US Senators and governors from those states with a maritime academy become involved in the process and offer their support. All six state maritime academy presidents write to the OMB director and DOT secretary. The Omnibus Bill is signed into law and appropriates $5M in the FY 2016 federal budget for the design of NSMV.

DESIGN

Led by Herbert Engineering Corporation, a team of experts began the design process for the NSNV vessels. The design team included naval architects, engineers and IT consultants and the State Maritime Academies provided input to the design. The Phase 3 design was completed in 2017 and was sufficient for shipyards to prepare bids to build the NSMV ships.

APPROVE

The National Defense Authorization Act authorizes the NSMV program.

FUND

The first Trump administration approves funding for NSMV I and 2 in the FY 2019 federal budget.

SELECT

The US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) selects TOTE Services, Inc. as the Vessel Construction Manager for up to 5 NSMV ships. The Philly Shipyard was selected to construct the NSMV vessels.

BUILD

The build process for NSMV I starts at the Philly Shipyard. There is a steel cutting ceremony at the shipyard where the first steel is cut for NSMV I. The build schedule has each ship being completed with 9 months between each delivery.