NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations is set to begin the construction of 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
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