College of Marine Sciences & Maritime Studies

Anchored In Excellence: Texas A&M University At Galveston Celebrates World Maritime Day

The world’s economy sails on the strength of maritime trade and the dedication of the seafarers who keep it moving. This World Maritime Day, Texas A&M University at Galveston is making waves, celebrating its role in shaping the future of the maritime industry while preparing for the arrival of its new state-of-the-art training vessel, TS Lone Star State.

Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity

With over 70% of the Earth’s surface covered by ocean, this year’s theme, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” underscores the global responsibility to protect marine environments. It’s a mission deeply embedded in the interdisciplinary programs offered through the College of Marine Sciences and Maritime Studies, which include marine engineering and transportation, business, science, humanities and health.

“The College of Marine Sciences and Maritime Studies graduates leaders and champions of the sustainable Blue Economy,” said Dr. Debbie Thomas, founding dean of the College of Marine Sciences and Maritime Studies and chief academic officer of the Galveston campus. “Our unique and comprehensive collection of coastal, marine and maritime disciplines beautifully positions us to contribute to the education, innovation, discovery and service in support of this year’s inspiring World Maritime Day theme. ‘Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity’ really is at the core of our degree programs and research impact.”

With 90% of consumer goods transported by sea, the $1.5 trillion blue economy is essential to daily life, as well as the nation’s economic strength, security and environmental stewardship. The College of Marine Sciences and Maritime Studies prepares the next generation of leaders to navigate and shape this vital sector. 

Farewell TS Kennedy, Howdy TS Lone Star State

On Sept. 16, cadets bid farewell to TS Kennedy, which has served the academy since 2023. In its place, TS Lone Star State, a purpose-built, state-of-the-art training ship, is set to arrive in late 2026. The new ship will provide modern training spaces and capacity to train up to 600 cadets at sea during the academy’s annual summer sea term, where cadets live and work alongside each other, receiving hands-on, at-sea training and instruction. 

Funded with a $325 million investment from Congress, the ship is a National Security Multi-Mission Vessel, or NSMV, and the fourth in a series of five. The NSMVs were originated to replace the aging fleet of training ships currently used by state maritime academies in the United States. The 524-foot ship will serve not only as a training platform but also as a resource for disaster response. TS Lone Star State is currently in an outfitting dock at Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Pennsylvania while the remaining work is completed. The ship will then undergo sea trials before its delivery to Galveston.

Building for the Future

Before TS Lone Star State arrives, the campus will build a new dock to accommodate the ship’s shoreside needs with an upgraded facility. This exciting infrastructure project will kick off on Oct. 15 with a groundbreaking ceremony. 

“This is a huge achievement for our maritime academy and campus as a whole,” said Capt. Allan Post, assistant vice president and deputy superintendent of Texas A&M Maritime Academy. “The groundbreaking is yet another milestone before we receive TS Lone Star State, which will revolutionize our cadet training capacity and educational experience.” 

“We currently anticipate that the new ship will be at our dock late next summer,” Post said. “Until then, we’ll join Maine Maritime Academy on Summer Sea Term 2026 while we prepare for the delivery of TS Lone Star State.”