Metal Trades Workers at Philly Shipyard Cut First Steel on NSMV
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Metal Trades Workers at Philly Shipyard Cut First Steel on NSMV
NSMV I Start of Fabrication Ceremony – December 15, 2020
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TOTE Services and Philly Shipyard achieved the first construction milestone moving toward a new era in maritime education with the cutting of steel for the new National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) at Philly Shipyard. Includes remarks by Jeff Dixon, President, TOTE Services; Rear Admiral Mark H. Buzby, Administrator, U.S. DOT MARAD; and Steinar Nerbovik President & CEO, Philly Shipyard.
On December 15, 2020 Metal Trades Workers at the Philly Shipyard began construction of the new National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV). The NSMV will be used as a training facility for America’s future mariners and, as needed, to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
“This new state-of-the-art modern school training ship will be a tremendous addition to the U.S. Flag fleet, be available to respond to disaster relief efforts, and support about 1,200 jobs in Philly Shipyard,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao.
“Philadelphia Metal Trades Council President Lou Agre and I spent the better part of a year working to get this ship built at the Philly Shipyard by Metal Trades Workers — the best damn shipbuilders in the world,” said Metal Trades Department President Jimmy Hart. “It is a great day seeing the first piece of steel cut.”
In April, TOTE Services, LLC, was contracted to be the Vessel Construction Manager for the NSMV program. TOTE then contracted Philly Shipyard, Inc. to construct up to five NSMVs.
“TOTE Services is proud to have been awarded a contract by MARAD to be the vessel construction manager for this new, state-of-the-art training ship that will help provide qualified officers to support the domestic maritime industry,” said TOTE Services President Jeff Dixon. “Each of us at TOTE Services is thrilled to be part of this historic investment in the U.S. maritime industry, and are working closely with MARAD and Philly Shipyard to advance this new class of vessel built by union labor in a U.S. shipyard with U.S.-made steel and U.S.-made engines.”
Steinar Nerbovik, Philly Shipyard President and CEO said: “This is a tremendous honor and recognition of our history of building high quality ships over the last 17 years. This project begins a new chapter in our history, a new customer and the first in series, which is a challenge we are eager to meet. I am confident that our workforce will deliver ships that the state academy cadets will be proud to sail for many years to come.”
The NSMV program is an important investment in the U.S. shipbuilding industry, which supports nearly 400,000 American jobs.
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