By: Jim Walsh

A federal agency has authorized a $600 million shipbuilding contract expected to support about 1,200 jobs in the South Jersey-Philadelphia area, authorities say.

The contract calls for two training vessels to be built at a Philadelphia shipyard for delivery to maritime academies in Maine and Texas, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The ships, known as National Security Multi-Mission Vessels, also are intended for use in disaster-relief missions.

The agency previously approved construction of two similar vessels, also at Philly Shipyard Inc., for maritime academies in New York and Massachusetts.

Rep. Donald Norcross, D-Camden, on Friday called the contract “a great win for South Jersey and the Philadelphia region.”

"This contract will generate jobs during this economic and public health crisis," he noted.

The vessels, with space for up to 600 cadets, will feature instructional areas and a full training bridge, the agency said. Each will also have medical facilities and helipads, among other features.

The DOT said the vessels will help prepare “the merchant mariners who help keep cargoes and our economy moving.”

A federal contractor, TOTE Services LLC, in April 2020 awarded Philly Shipyard a contact to build up to five training vessels.

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