About NSMV *Long Post*

"Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com" (exage03040) 08/07/2020 at 18:30 • Filed to: shippost, shippositelock, #SHIPLOPNIK, Ships

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Texas A&M University’s maritime academy is one step closer to getting a full-fledged training ship with the U.S. House’s passing of its 2021 appropriations bill.

Texas’ delegation in Congress successfully included $389 million in the U.S. House of Representatives’ appropriations bill to pay for the ship, the academy announced. The bill passed the House vote on Friday, and now makes its way to the U.S. Senate.

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National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) is a next-generation multi-role vessel being developed for the US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD).

MARAD selected TOTE Services as the construction manager for the development of five NSMV vessels in May 2019. The NSMVs will join the National Defense Reserve Fleet.

NSMV is intended to offer the best training platform, which ensures the US will continue to set the world standard in maritime training. The vessels will also support national security and the US Department of Defence’s humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions during emergencies.

The estimated cost of building five !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! is approximately $1.5bn, while the initial contract of two vessels is valued at $630m.

The first two vessels are expected to be delivered in 2023 and the remaining three vessels will be delivered between 2024 and 2026.

The environment-friendly NSMVs will comply with the US and international safety regulations.

The five NSMVs will be berthed at different maritime training academies. NSMV-1 will be stationed at State University of New York (SUNY), NSMV-2 at Massachusetts Maritime Academy and NSMV-3 at the Maine Maritime Academy. NSMV-4 and NSMV-5 will be stationed at Texas A&M Galveston and California Maritime Academy respectively.

The ship will have the capacity to accommodate 1,000 people, recovery workers and crew during emergencies [for 2 weeks] and will offer space to train up to 600 cadets at sea. Food will be stored for up to 60 days for a maximum of 700 people.

The !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! will feature modern hospital facilities and a helipad. It will also be equipped with roll-on / roll-off ramp and cargo cranes to support vehicle and container stowage.

The multi-mission vessel will accommodate classrooms, workshops and lab areas for cadets, training bridge and navigation lab, as well as a large multi-purpose space to train the mariners.

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Philly Shipyard 2100 Kitty Hawk Avenue Philadelphia, PA

Philly Shipyard, Inc., the sole operating subsidiary of Philly Shipyard ASA (Oslo: PHLY), has been awarded a contract by TOTE Services, LLC for the construction of up to five National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMV). TOTE was selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) as the vessel construction manager for the NSMV program in May 2019. TOTE placed an initial order with Philly Shipyard for the first two vessels (NSMVs 1 and 2), with deliveries in Spring and Winter 2023, and retains options for the next three vessels (NSMVs 3, 4 and 5).

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Length 159.85 m (524’-5”)

Beam 27.0 m (88’-7”)

Depth 16.8 m (55’-1.5”)

Design Draft 6.5 m (21’-4”)

Deadweight 8,487t

Total Main Generator Power 16,800kW (22,500bhp)

Emergency Generator Power 900kW (1200bhp)

Maximum Speed 18kts

Operational Speed 12kts

Service Range 17,700kmi at 12kts

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16V250 General Electric Stationary Generator Set

As of now the only confirmed equipment I have found are the main engines for the gensets. It’s looking as though vessels will utilize American manufactures for the vessel systems and equipment when applicable. I had a look through Wärtsilä and MaK [Caterpillar] to see if they were using a 300-400mm bore 6-8cyl inline engine based on the video renderings but couldn’t find a 4,200kW power match, until I stumbled on GE and worked backwards in finding the Wabtec announcement:

Released last month was the confirmation yard order of the first 2 NSMV vessel main generator engines. Each vessel will have 4 X General Electric 16V250MDC provided by Wabtec in 2 engine rooms. Using low sulphur MDO, each produces 4,200bkW (5,632bhp) with the 900rpm rating. They are US EPA Tier 4 and IMO Tier III compliant with Exhaust Gas Recirculation to reduce NOx emmisions instead of Selective Catalytic Reduction and Urea Injection. This allows the vessel to operate in US Emission Control Areas that have been implemented up and down the coasts without having to constantly maintain SCR or Scrubber systems and switch between MDO fuel sulphur concentrations.

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This multi engine diesel electric layout is similar to what is normally found on (but not limited to) passenger vessels like ferries and cruise-ships, where as direct drive propulsion systems are still used for cargo vessels in both fixed or variable pitch drives.

The system allows for a different amount of engines to supply power based on the power demand of the vessel. Marine diesel engine fuel efficiency is maximized at higher engine loading and also allows engines to standby to reduce running hours and thus wear maintenance.

The NSMV is designed to cruise at a service speed of 12kts with hotel load on 2 engines, with a maximum speed on all 4 engines at 18kts. Range is stated as ~17,700mi at 12kts consuming 26 tonnes of fuel per day and ~12,000mi at 18kts consuming 60 tonnes/d.

The engine room layout of 2 pair makes sense for training. Communicating to a bunch of people with an engine or 2 screaming away producing 5000hp inside a metal box has it’s own challenges (ask me how I know..). So having 2 on standby in one of the engine rooms makes sense at a training level.

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Propulsion and manoeuvring holds some slightly interesting choices. At the front we have a bow thruster that doubles as a small drop down azimuth thruster for a 6kts “Take-Home” mode in case something happens with the main propulsion. The rear has a fixed stern thruster to operate in conjunction with a electrically driven/reversible fixed pitch propeller and flap type high angle manoeuvring rudder.

NSMV Propeller and Rudder

I say it’s interesting as many coastal vessels that require manoeuvring without tug assist are dropping this type of electric driven shaft propulsion with a rudder in favour of 360 degree rotation azimuth main drives as the technology matures. Essentially a propeller rudder that would eliminate the shafting and the need for the stern thruster. It may be the pod(s) with the propulsive power necessary would have to be sourced from a non-US company. It also does still provide training for fixed prop manoeuvring characteristics and maintaining shaft driven vessels.

Azipod M

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Overall I really like this approach to having a training ship that is in a multi-role capability especially in regards to the disaster relief capabilities that will be spread around various parts of US waters. The vessel is a good size as not to require a significant amount of space for mooring and is self sufficient not requiring tugs to berth and derricks or cranes to load/unload cargo should assistance be required in areas where ports are damaged. Such as the current event; Explosion in Beirut.

The vessel has hull size is has significantly less displacement than for example the Mercy-Class Hospital ships which require docking in ports capable of larger vessels, particularly with regards to those vessels length and draft. The NSMV won’t have such a specific medical capability nor capacity but it are likely able to assist with quicker initial aid, especially in areas with smaller ports, should all 5 vessels be built and spread across the coasts.

Thank you for reading!

ranwhenparked > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com 08/07/2020 at 18:41

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Philly Shipyard has been on the brink of closure for a few years now, I guess this gives them a lifeline fore a few years, anyway. A lot of money was spent on that place 20 years ago.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com 08/07/2020 at 18:41

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I thought about going to Cal Maritime years ago, before it was a state school. They have a ship, it was expensive and my parents said no.

jminer > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com 08/07/2020 at 18:48

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This was a good read - thank you!

Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com > jminer 08/07/2020 at 18:58

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Thank you for reading! Appreciate the comment :)

Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com > ranwhenparked 08/07/2020 at 19:08

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From what I quickly saw on the site they’ve been doing cargo vessels every year or so for the past 15 years.

US and Canadian shipyards have seriously been in a rut. It’s just always cheaper to run to Europe or Asia for class builds but the vessels. T hen they comeback with such sourced equipment and you run into logistic and procurement issues.

There’s been a little bit of new build flow and it’s primarily been government contracts. In a way I wish the yards could be competitive but when they’ve been out of the loop for a long time you loose that net of build experience.

I’m really happy you guys are making these vessels as domestic as possible.

Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 08/07/2020 at 19:15

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Yes, I looked at t uition SUNY in NY and it was significantly more expensive than the program I took here in Canada. However we don’t have our own training vessels so we do trial by fire and apprentice on working vessels. For engineering i t leads to a significant dropout rate through the course as cadets sometimes can’t handle vessel life, only learning this after spending 12mo doing mostly class work.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com 08/07/2020 at 19:19

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I’m from Hawaii, I know a guy that just checks refrigeration units and goes all over the world. Not a good job if you want to be home though. 

wafflesnfalafel > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com 08/07/2020 at 19:19

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super interesting - I had no idea this class of vessel even existed

ranwhenparked > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com 08/07/2020 at 19:21

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They had a pretty active run for awhile, but they haven’t delivered a new ship since March of last year, and had nothing on the order books.   They had been trying to shift focus to ship repair and maintenance to make up the difference.

The Jones Act is the only reason the yard still exists, without it, the US shipbuilding industry would be entirely military contracts instead of just almost entirely military contracts . Philly Shipyard’s problem is that the flurry of new construction in the past 15 years, and the relatively small size of the Jones Act shipping market, means the fleet has been mostly renewed and there won’t be a lot of demand for more US-built hulls for awhile. 

ClassicDatsunDebate > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com 08/07/2020 at 19:25

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I get a call from a shipyard..

“Hey CDD, I need a part for this pump on a vessel we have in for re-fit. Its a Zbasazabo 400.

“Oh yeah, Mr. Shipyard? Well, that pump is made in Azerbaijan and parts are 34 weeks.”

“This ship is scheduled to sail in 2 weeks.” :/

I shrug.

Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 08/07/2020 at 19:45

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There’s many service positions like that from major OEMs. Even though we have much greater connectivity the vast majority of merchant sailors want to go local based positions younger and younger.

It’s hard enough dealing trying to have a solid family working a regular job these days, being away is almost divorce sentence.

Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com > ClassicDatsunDebate 08/07/2020 at 19:57

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I know this pain, very very well. Something breaks? European shipping eta 3 weeks for anything. Same if you send it out.

It even gets down to: S imple galley faucet to replace... It’s METRIC ?!?! RONA is seriously confused! Contact random hole in the wall shop for 10,000 metric-imperial hose adapters because all the sinks will eventually NOT be metric.

ClassicDatsunDebate > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com 08/07/2020 at 20:00

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We do a lot of repairs of these unique pieces of equipment out of our repair shop in Port K ells.  Sometimes we have to get...um...creative.

Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com > wafflesnfalafel 08/07/2020 at 20:03

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It’s an interesting mix of passenger, general cargo and ro-ro. Especially given the size. Thank you for reading :)

TheRealBicycleBuck > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com 08/07/2020 at 20:12

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Do you have ties to TAMUG?

Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com > TheRealBicycleBuck 08/07/2020 at 20:35

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Negative,

Canadian Merchant. This is me going down the rabbit hole because I found the vessels extremely  very interesting and thought I’d share the dive.

TheRealBicycleBuck > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com 08/07/2020 at 20:40

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Ah. I have been aboard both the original Texas Clipper and the Texas Clipper II.

Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com > TheRealBicycleBuck 08/07/2020 at 21:04

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Ohhhhh, for like an open-house or sailing?

I’ve never visited any dedicated training vessel myself. I think they’re quite beneficial in many areas reflecting how training went with my school . We started with 16 and had 6 original completed end of year 4 ... Some failed and had to wait a year and many dropped.

TheRealBicycleBuck > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com 08/07/2020 at 21:08

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Open house both times. I had an opportunity to sail on the Clipper, but chose to spend my summer elsewhere.

Wacko > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com 08/07/2020 at 23:06

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Very interesting, and very well written. I learned  a lot from it.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > ClassicDatsunDebate 08/07/2020 at 23:08

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This is literally the use case for metal 3D printing and/or 5-axis CNC.

shop-teacher > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com 08/07/2020 at 23:53

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Neato! I know jack  squat about this kind of stuff, but those seem like very handy vessels to have around.

Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com > Wacko 08/08/2020 at 01:14

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Glad to read, thanks for the feedback. It’s more helpful than you know! :)

Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com > shop-teacher 08/08/2020 at 01:21

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I’m kind of jealous you guys are building these. I’m usually more in favour of dedicated platforms. However this is a very smart design in terms of capability and usage.