Keel laid for final US national security multi-mission vessel

March 6, 2025, by Aida Čučuk

TOTE Services, an affiliate of the TOTE Group, and Hanwha Philly Shipyard have celebrated a shipbuilding milestone with the keel laying of the fifth and final vessel in the U.S. National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) program.

Commissioned by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD), the NSMV program is said to be designed to provide “world-class” training for America’s future mariners while also supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions when needed.

Under the Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) acquisition model, TOTE Services and Hanwha Philly Shipyard delivered the first two NSMVs, with the third vessel scheduled for delivery later in 2025.

As disclosed, the NSMVs feature advanced training facilities, a fully equipped bridge and accommodation for up to 600 cadets and 100 faculty. The units will be owned and operated by MARAD. The fifth NSMV is commissioned for California State University Maritime Academy.

David Kim, Hanwha Philly Shipyard’s CEO, commented: “We are proud to celebrate the keel laying of NSMV V, marking another key milestone in this groundbreaking shipbuilding program. 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.”

Jeff Dixon, President of TOTE Services, stated: “As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to MARAD and the future of U.S. maritime education and shipbuilding. The VCM model executed by TOTE Services has demonstrated its ability to reduce costs, accelerate delivery timelines, and provide state-of-the-art vessels that will serve our country for decades to come.”

Michael J. Dumont, Interim President of Cal Maritime, remarked: “California State University Maritime Academy is honored to be part of a distinguished fleet of purpose-built training ships, each designed to meet the evolving needs of America’s maritime education while also providing the U.S. with ships that can support disaster response and other critical national needs. This vessel stands as a testament to innovation, resilience, and the nation’s unwavering commitment to preparing the next generation of mariners. It will be proudly operated by the crew, cadets, and faculty of the only state maritime academy on the West Coast.”

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