Members of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy community gathered on Oct. 11 to celebrate the arrival of the national security multi-mission vessel (NSMV) Patriot State, which will serve as its new training ship.
Patriot State is the second of five NSMVs ordered by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) to enter service. The first, Empire State, arrived at the State University of New York Maritime College in late 2023. It completed its first training voyages last summer.
“These vessels are a vital investment in the future of maritime in the U.S. and showcase the potential that arises when we utilize the right expertise and resources for the benefit of our country and future generations,” said Jeff Dixon, president of TOTE Services, which is managing the contract for MarAd.
The third, fourth and fifth NSMVs in the series are destined for Maine Maritime, Texas A&M Maritime Academy and California State University Maritime Academy, respectively. Maine Maritime’s ship should be complete in 2025.
The 525-by-89-foot Patriot State, like the other NSMVs, has a diesel-electric powerplant comprised of four 4,200-kW (5,632 hp) Wabtec engines. The ship is capable of 18 knots in open water and is assisted by Kawasaki bow and stern thrusters during close-quarters maneuvering. Other components include Furuno navigation electronics, winches by Appleton Crane and Fassmer lifeboats.
Each ship has berthing for 760 people during typical training voyages, along with simulator spaces and myriad training opportunities. When employed in emergency response duties, the ship can hold 1,000 people.
Patriot State replaces TS Kennedy, which first entered service in 1967 as a cargo ship before being converted for training purposes for Mass. Maritime students.