A new training vessel, the Empire State VII, arrived at USA’s Olivet Pier, SUNY Maritime College, on Monday accompanied by a parade of ships.
Built in the U.S. and designated for each of America’s state maritime academies, the Empire State is the first of five National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMV).
The new vessel is a world-class training ship and instructional platform designed to serve a dual purpose: supporting merchant mariner education and assisting with humanitarian/disaster relief during times of national emergency.
The ship’s arrival is a milestone event for the United States, maritime industry, New York, and SUNY Maritime College.
Fabrication of the Empire State VII began with steel-cutting in 2021 followed by the laying of the ship’s keel in 2022.
The new training ship features numerous instructional spaces, a full training bridge, and accommodations for up to 600 cadets to train in a first-rate maritime academic environment at sea.
In addition to being a state-of -the-art training and educational platform, the Empire State VII features a modern hospital facility, a helicopter pad, and the ability to accommodate up to 1,000 people in times of humanitarian need.
Adding to its capability, the ship will provide needed roll-on/roll-off and container storage capacity for use during disaster relief missions.
“This is an exciting day for Maritime College as we welcome the Empire State VII to its home port,” said SUNY Maritime College president RADM Michael Alfultis.
Michael Alfultis added that “this state-of-the-art training ship will provide our cadets the most advanced technology in the shipping and maritime industry, and ensure they are prepared to operate and maintain vessels as licensed deck officers and engineers. We appreciate the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel Program’s bipartisan support of the state maritime academies. We also appreciate the support of New York Governor Kathy Hochul and SUNY Chancellor John B. King.”
