Senator Collins Delivers Keynote Address at “State of Maine” Transfer Ceremony in Portland

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PORTLAND, ME – U.S. Senator Susan Collins delivered the keynote address at the formal signing ceremony marking the transfer of the new National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV), the “State of Maine,” to Maine Maritime Academy (MMA). This ceremony officially transferred the operation of the vessel from the U.S. Maritime Administration to MMA.

This $330 million ship will be MMA’s newest training vessel, equipped with two full-sized bridges and engine rooms. In addition to being used to train MMA students, the vessel is designed to help with federal humanitarian efforts. Senator Collins, the godmother of the “State of Maine,” is considered the ship’s guardian and protector, offering blessings for safe journeys ahead.

“This new ship will help provide rigorous instruction and crucial maritime training for MMA students for decades to come,” said Senator Collins during her remarks. “I am proud to serve with former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao as co-sponsor and as godmother of the new ‘State of Maine.’ We have arrived at this glorious day after a long voyage that was not without its treacherous shoals. In 2019, as Chair of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, I worked hard to secure $300 million for this ship. Brokering the agreement between the House and the Senate for that appropriations bill was a challenging task that required months of negotiation and advocacy.”

“It was my goal from the beginning to ensure that Maine Maritime Academy received the exact same kind of ship as Massachusetts Maritime Academy,” she continued. “MMA students and instructors are exceptional, and they deserve full and equal resources to continue to do their jobs effectively. Thanks to Secretary Chao, I was able to secure additional funding to meet that goal.”

“From the urgent need for merchant mariners during World War II to the 21st century challenges of national security, the global economy, science, technology, energy, and the environment, Maine Maritime Academy has always risen to the challenge. The new “State of Maine” we celebrate today carries on that heritage. May all who sail on her always have fair winds and following seas,” Senator Collins concluded.

In 2019, when Senator Collins was Chair of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, she negotiated and authored the Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) Transportation and Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill that included $300 million for the construction and acquisition of this new training vessel for Maine Maritime Academy. Senator Collins strongly opposed the Administration’s proposal earlier that year that requested only $205 million to construct a training vessel smaller than the ship funded the year prior for Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

Earlier this year, Senator Collins also secured $3,970,000 in federal funding for Maine Maritime Academy in the FY26 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill. This funding will support small vessel workforce training programs and the purchase of advanced simulation equipment aboard the “State of Maine.”

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