MMA State of Maine Training Ship Returns and Updates!

On July 12, the Training Ship STATE OF MAINE successfully arrived at its new berth in Castine, marking an important milestone for Maine Maritime Academy and our maritime training mission. The vessel will remain fully operational through midday on July 16, while cadets from Texas A&M Maritime Academy and Maine Maritime Academy complete their training and disembark.

Throughout this transition period, we are actively working to minimize the impact of vessel operations on our neighbors by reducing ambient light and noise whenever possible. We are also conducting observations at multiple locations around the waterfront to better understand operational effects and identify opportunities for improvement.

Once the cadets have departed, our focus will shift toward implementing additional measures to further reduce lighting and sound impacts while maintaining the safety and security requirements of an active training vessel. Because the ship will continue operating until shore power becomes available in February or March 2027, establishing the appropriate balance between safety, regulatory compliance, and community considerations will require time and careful planning.

We are committed to being a responsible partner in the Castine community and look forward to working collaboratively with town officials, residents, and local businesses to achieve the best possible outcome for everyone while supporting the long-term success of STATE OF MAINE and its educational mission.

Regards, Craig H. Johnson '91
RADM, USMS, President

mainemaritime.edu