NSMV Program Nears Completion as White House Prioritizes Restoring American Shipbuilding Might

As the White House moves to bolster American shipbuilding, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) marked a major milestone today with the keel laying of the fifth and final National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV).

The event at Hanwha Philly Shipyard marks the beginning of the end of a historic program that is helping to reshape the nation’s maritime training and emergency response capabilities.

Commissioned by MARAD and managed under the Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) model by TOTE Services, the NSMV program has so far delivered two state-of-the-art training vessels, with a third set for delivery later this year. The ships will serve as training platforms for future mariners while also doubling as disaster relief assets.

All five NSMV keels have been laid over the past 39 months, showcasing the effectiveness of the VCM model in streamlining ship construction. The vessels will replace aging training ships at the five state maritime academies—SUNY Maritime College, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Maine Maritime Academy, Texas A&M Maritime Academy, and California State University Maritime Academy.

“This program is a testament to the strength of the U.S. maritime industry, and we are honored to work alongside TOTE Services and MARAD in delivering these advanced training vessels that will benefit generations of cadets to come,” said David Kim, CEO of Hanwha Philly Shipyard.

Graduates from state maritime academies supply over half of newly commissioned U.S. merchant marine officers annually, making these ships essential to the nation’s commercial and defense readiness. The NSMVs feature advanced training facilities, modern bridge equipment, and accommodations for 600 cadets and 100 faculty members, offering a world-class educational experience at sea.

The keel laying coincides with President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new White House Office of Shipbuilding and reports of an upcoming executive order aimed at boosting the sector.