On Aug. 26, the U.S. Maritime Administration celebrated the christening of the State of Maine, the third of five cutting-edge national security multi-mission vessels, at Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia. Built for Maine Maritime Academy, the State of Maine will serve as a next generation training ship, supporting both the academic development of cadets and America’s humanitarian relief.
Spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Maritime Administration, this program is revitalizing America’s maritime training infrastructure—a cornerstone of President Donald Trump’s executive order on restoring maritime dominance. The program supported nearly 1,500 skilled jobs in Philadelphia and boosts American competitiveness at sea and ashore.
“The State of Maine is more than a ship. It’s a strategic investment in the people and infrastructure that keep America’s maritime economy strong,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “Our cadets deserve cutting-edge tools and training to become the industry leaders who will keep our nation strong and ready when it matters most,” he said.
“This vessel marks a new era for American maritime power,” said Sang Yi, acting administrator of the Maritime Administration. “Our mission to modernize sealift and empower the merchant marine hinges on relentless innovation and partnership.”
Maine Maritime Academy is internationally recognized as a leader in maritime education, noted MMA President Craig Johnson, “and this vessel represents a major step forward in our mission to train the world’s finest mariners. It’s a game-changer for our mission and a powerful reflection of what’s possible through strong partnerships and shared vision.”
The Maritime Administration is replacing aging training vessels from the National Defense Reserve Fleet with new, purpose-built ships designed to meet modern academy needs—and to provide critical capabilities for disaster response and national emergencies.
At 525 feet long, the State of Maine can accommodate 600 cadets and up to 1,000 people in times of humanitarian need. The vessel includes eight classrooms, labs, a training bridge, auditorium, helicopter pad, advanced medical facilities, and roll-on/roll-off and container capacity, ensuring cadets get unmatched hands-on training.
State of Maine joins Empire State and Patriot State already in service, with two more under construction at Hanwha Philly Shipyard, destined for Texas and California maritime academies.
The State of Maine is designed for a 21-foot, 4-inch draft, with a beam of 88-feet, 7-inches, a speed of 18 knots, and a deadweight of 8,487 metric tons.
