A keel-laying ceremony was recently held for the Navigator, a new charting and mapping vessel being constructed for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) by Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, LLC, in Houma, Louisiana.
In 2023, NOAA announced plans to expand its fleet with two new vessels, including the Navigator, which is expected to be completed in 2028, and the Surveyor, slated for 2027. These vessels will play a crucial role in ocean mapping and nautical charting, supporting NOAA’s mission to provide essential tools and information for safe navigation.
The Navigator’s name reflects NOAA’s commitment to ensuring the safety of mariners navigating U.S. waters. Once completed, the vessel will be homeported in Newport, Oregon, contributing to the safe transport of approximately $2.3 trillion in cargo passing through the nation’s ports and harbors.
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