According to NOAA, the agency is set to commence the construction of its second charting and mapping vessel, named Navigator. The keel-laying ceremony will take place on December 4, 2025, during the International WorkBoat Show in New Orleans.
This new vessel is being constructed by Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors at their facility located in Houma, Louisiana. Navigator is part of a two-vessel initiative aimed at enhancing NOAA’s capabilities in ocean mapping and nautical charting.
The keel-laying event marks a significant maritime tradition that symbolizes the official start of a ship’s construction. During this ceremony, the initials of the ship’s sponsor will be permanently affixed to a steel plate that will become an integral part of Navigator’s structure.
Rear Admiral Chad Cary, who oversees both NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations as well as the Commissioned Officer Corps, is expected to address attendees at this important event. Additional speakers from various sectors have also been invited to share insights during the ceremony.
Media representatives interested in covering this milestone must confirm their attendance with Keely Belva from NOAA by December 2nd.
The agency has highlighted that these two new vessels-Surveyor and Navigator-are crucial for advancing updated ocean-mapping technologies. Surveyor is anticipated for completion in 2027 while Navigator is scheduled for delivery in 2028.
This initiative aligns with NOAA’s mission to provide precise information and tools essential for safe navigation through U.S. ports and harbors.
Currently, NOAA operates a fleet comprising 15 research and survey vessels managed by its Marine and Aviation Operations division. This diverse fleet includes large oceanographic research ships capable of exploring deep-sea environments as well as smaller vessels designed for shallow waters across various U.S. coastal regions.
The ships play vital roles in fisheries assessments, nautical charting efforts, along with studies related to oceanography and climate change-all operated by skilled NOAA Corps officers alongside civilian mariners.
