This is the first installment of photos following the NSMV I keel laying ceremony, which occurred on December 10, 2021. The keel laying is a traditional shipbuilding milestone which marks the first time that part of the vessel is loaded into the building dock. For context, SUNY Maritime College — the recipient of NSMV I — has created a video with highlights and interviews from the keel laying ceremony.
Grand block 120, looking from the stern forward, undergoing outfitting before it goes to the Paint Hall (NSMV I).
Grand block 120 undergoing outfitting before it goes to the Paint Hall (NSMV I).
View of the dry dock showing unit 14U in the foreground and unit 140 beyond. Unit 140 houses Engine Room #2.
Grand Block 210 which contains the Auxiliary Engine Room.
View into the dry dock of grand blocks 12A, 13A and 140.
View of the first three units dock. Looking from the stern forward is the stern thruster tunnel, the foundations for propulsion motors and leading into Engine Room #2.
Grand Block 210 which contains the Auxiliary Engine Room.
Grand Block 210 which contains the Auxiliary Engine Room.
Various pipes and ducting in process of install.
Grand block 210 in the process of having smaller units landed and joined.
Units in construction on the Curved Panel Line. The units sit atop adjustable pins that form a cradle to hold the shapely pieces.
Welder at work.
Welder at work.
Grand Block 930 undergoing final steel structure and outfitting before it is moved to the paint hall (NSMV I).
Tank top modules being installed to deck (NSMV I).
Block movement in Grand Block Shop (NSMV I).
Block movement in Grand Block Shop (NSMV I).
Grand block 110 in the upside down position. This block contains the rudder trunk (NSMV I).
Block 11A which is comprised of stern boss casting and stern tube (NSMV I).
Grand block 130 in the dry dock. Currently, both insulation and cable are being installed in this unit.
For more information on the NSMV program, please visit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) dedicated NSMV web page here.
