CHERRY HILL, NJ – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) released the following statement today after the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced it is authorizing the construction of two additional National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMV) at the Philly Shipyard:

“This additional shipbuilding contract is a great win for South Jersey and the Philadelphia region, and it is truly welcome news for all of us who have supported the effort for years,” said Congressman Norcross. “This contract will generate jobs during this economic and public health crisis, and I’ll continue to work closely with the Maritime Administration, Philly Shipyard officials and our partners in labor to grow our workforce and bring new opportunities to the region.”

This contract, valued at approximately $600 million, follows the initial $630 million contract that was awarded to Philly Shipyard in April 2020. The MARAD shipbuilding contracts, which are estimated to bring 1,200 jobs to the region, support non-recurring engineering and detail design of the NSMV, as well as procurement of equipment and materials and construction.

Norcross advocated for the project in 2019, working closely with the leadership of the U.S. Department of Transportation and Maritime Administration along with fellow members of Congress from the tri-state area.

The vessels will serve critical national security interests and other important roles, including missions in support of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief throughout the world. To meet this requirement, the vessels will also have roll/on-roll/off and container storage capacity, as well as a helicopter landing pad.

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Contact: Carrie Healey, Communications Director
carrie.healey@mail.house.gov