The Maine Maritime Academy has a new training ship, State of Maine, en route to Portland after departing Philadelphia, with arrival expected this weekend.

The vessel christened in Philadelphia replaces the previous State of Maine, which completed 27 years of service and departed Castine in 2024.

A formal transfer ceremony for the new ship is planned for March 30, 2026, at the Port of Portland after arrival.

The academy is undertaking a multi-year waterfront project valued at over $100 million, including a new steel piling pier to accommodate the longer ship and to extend dock space.

Delivery of the ship ran several months later than planned due to testing issues, delaying its Castine arrival.

The ship is the $330 million National Security Multi-Mission Vessel built at Hanwha Philly Shipyard, replacing the old vessel of the same class and doubling onboard student capacity.

The U.S. Maritime Administration will officially transfer operations to the academy during the transfer ceremony.

The ship will be docked at the Portland Ocean Terminal for public viewing, with the handover ceremony scheduled for March 30 at the terminal.

State of Maine marks Maine Maritime Academy’s first purpose-built training ship and its largest and most sophisticated to date, featuring two full-sized bridges and engine rooms to support training and federal humanitarian relief missions.