NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations is set to mark the formal start of construction for its second new charting and mapping vessel, Navigator, with a keel-laying ceremony on 4 December 2025 at the International WorkBoat Show in New Orleans.

The vessel is being built by Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, LLC., at its facility in Houma, Louisiana. It is the second of two new ships being added to the NOAA fleet to support ocean mapping and nautical charting work.

The keel-laying follows a centuries-old maritime tradition that recognises the beginning of a ship’s construction. As part of the ceremony, the initials of the ship’s sponsor will be welded onto a steel plate that will later form part of the vessel’s structure.

Rear Admiral Chad Cary, who leads the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps and NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations, is scheduled to speak at the event. NOAA has also invited additional speakers for the ceremony.

Media representatives wishing to attend must confirm their participation with NOAA’s Keely Belva by 2 December.

The agency said the two new vessels, Surveyor, expected to be completed in 2027, and Navigator, due in 2028, will play an important role in providing updated ocean-mapping capabilities.

This work supports NOAA’s mission to deliver accurate information and tools that help mariners navigate safely through the nation’s ports and harbours.

NOAA’s current fleet includes 15 research and survey ships, which are operated, managed and maintained by NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations.

The fleet ranges from large oceanographic research vessels able to reach the deepest parts of the ocean to smaller charting ships used in shallow bays and inlets across the United States.

These ships support fisheries surveys, nautical charting and ocean and climate studies, and are operated by NOAA Corps officers and civilian mariners.

Reference: NOAA