In 2019 the United States Congress voted to approve funding for the Federal Maritime Administration (MARAD) to commission a new class of five National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMV) to be stationed at State Maritime Academies throughout the United States. In early 2025 Maine Maritime Academy is poised to receive the third NSMV Training Ship State of Maine V being built in the Philadelphia Shipyard and administered by TOTE Services.

Maine Maritime is proud to be welcoming a new training vessel to its waterfront. Training Ship State of Maine V will elevate the academic and cadet experience at the Academy and will continue the town’s rich maritime heritage, as Castine has been the home of large vessels for centuries both in construction and shipping.

The design of each vessel is dictated by MARAD and is uniform apart from some internal outfitting at the discretion of individual SMA leadership. Training Ship State of Maine V will serve as state-of-the-art cadet training vessel. Vessels will also be equipped to support major federal relief efforts medical capabilities and berthing for first responders and recovery workers and facilitate container storage and critical support equipment to areas impacted by natural disasters.

To accommodate berthing requirements outlined by MARAD, the Maine Maritime waterfront will undergo renovations beginning in the fall of 2023. Since 2022, The Academy, together with a team of maritime engineers have been working with officials from Federal, State and municipal offices on permitting and design needs.

Please visit this page for construction notices and the most recent information on waterfront development.

Please email nsmv@mma.edu with inquiries. Maine Maritime will respond to these inquiries in monthly meetings held to update the Castine community.