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TOTE Services Adds State of Maine to NSMV Fleet

[ August 29, 2025   //   Gary Burrows ]

TOTE Services, Hanwha Philly Shipyard, Maine Maritime Academy and the U.S. Maritime Administration christened the third of five National Security Multi-Mission vessels (NSMVs), State of Maine, on Aug. 27.

Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and Labor Elaine Chao, served as the ship’s sponsor, which is a special designation that bestows the official name of the vessel and smashes a ceremonial bottle of champagne as the ‘Godmother’ of the vessel.

The State of Maine, which will be delivered to the Maine Marine Academy in September,will train hundreds of young sailors each year who will then go to serve in the U.S. Merchant Marine.

“As our first purpose-built training ship, the State of Maine will provide world-class learning experiences for cadets pursuing unlimited tonnage licenses,” said Craig Johnson, Maine Marine Academy president. “It’s a game-changer for our mission and a powerful reflection of what’s possible through strong partnerships and shared vision.”

The NSMV program begins a new era in vessel construction in the U.S. These next generation ships are the result of a strategic public-private partnership that leverages the design, construction and management of the private sector with the dynamic needs of the U.S. government. TOTE served as the vessel construction manager for the delivery of five vessels within seven years of the contract award.

U.S.-based TOTE Services, which provides ship management, vessel construction management and technical consulting services.

The U.S. Transportation Department Maritime Administration’s NSMV program is designed to provide a purpose-built, modern training platform for state maritime academies in New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Texas, and California.

The 8,487-tonne vessel is 160 meters long, 27 meters wide, with an operating speed of 18 knots and it berths up to 760 people.

Tags: Maine Maritime Academy, TOTE Services, US Maritime Administration