Chancellor King and the SUNY Board of Trustees Welcome the SUNY Maritime Ship, Empire State VII, to Albany
July 9, 2026
State-of-the-Art Training Ship Makes Stop in Albany During 2026 SUNY Maritime Summer Sea Term
Training Program Provides Cadets with Hands-On Experience Working On, Sailing, and Powering a Marine Vessel
Albany, NY — State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. and the SUNY Board of Trustees welcomed the SUNY Maritime state-of-the-art, ocean-going training ship, Empire State VII, to Albany. The Empire State VII travelled up the Hudson River following the successful SUNY Maritime 2026 Summer Sea Term. The ship, together with SUNY Maritime leadership, faculty, and students, is docked at the Port of Albany, and will be available today between 1:00 and 3:00 PM for Capital Region residents to tour and learn more about the opportunities available through an education at SUNY Maritime.
"SUNY Maritime is an extraordinary example of SUNY’s affordable excellence, preparing students for high-demand, well-paying careers in a dynamic field. SUNY Maritime’s state-of-the-art training ship, the Empire State VII, is a fantastic tool that provides our students with a world-class education, and opens the doors to upward mobility," said SUNY Chancellor King. "I thank President Okon and the SUNY Maritime team for their service to our students and for providing this opportunity to tour the Empire State VII ship and learn about SUNY Maritime’s history and excellent, affordable educational programs."
The SUNY Board of Trustees said, "Through training opportunities like the Summer Sea Term, held on board the Empire State VII, SUNY Maritime provides vital opportunities to New Yorkers seeking to pursue careers in the maritime industry. We are grateful for Governor Hochul, the State Legislature, and private partners for their strong support and investment in the Pay It Forward Fund so more SUNY Maritime students can take advantage of the Empire State VII during Summer Sea Terms and achieve upward mobility within the maritime industry."
SUNY Maritime President Rear Admiral John Okon said, "The Summer Sea Term is the heart and soul of the Maritime College experience. Aboard Empire State VII, our cadets participate in the ultimate internship experience, receiving an unparalleled education through hands-on experiential learning and practical leadership development that simply cannot be replicated in a traditional classroom. They stand watch, navigate, maintain engineering systems, and work together as a crew, developing the technical expertise, leadership, discipline, and character that define the next generation of maritime professionals upon whom our state and nation depend. We are honored to bring Empire State VII to Albany and are grateful to Chancellor King, the SUNY Board of Trustees, Governor Hochul, and our state leaders for their unwavering support of SUNY Maritime and our students. Maritime College is more than an institution, it is the Peninsula of Opportunity and engine of upward mobility, and the #1 return on investment among SUNY colleges. I know that firsthand because both my wife, Valerie, and I are proud graduates of Maritime. We have experienced the life-changing opportunities this institution provides. We invite all New Yorkers to come aboard, tour this remarkable ship, meet our cadets, and see firsthand how SUNY Maritime is preparing the leaders who will strengthen our nation's maritime workforce and power our maritime future."
Delivered in 2023, Empire State VII is the nation's first purpose-built maritime training ship and a state-of-the-art National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV). As the first vessel in a new class of training ships designed specifically for America's state maritime academies, Empire State VII has established a new global standard for maritime education and training. Purpose-built to provide cadets with hands-on instruction using the latest maritime technologies, the vessel is widely recognized as one of the most advanced maritime training platforms in the world.
In addition to its educational mission, Empire State VII is designed to support federal disaster response and humanitarian assistance operations when called upon. Continuing a proud tradition of national service, the previous training ship, Empire State VI, along with other state maritime academy training vessels, supported relief efforts following Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, Harvey, Irma, and Maria.
The ship departed from Fort Schuyler in May, and has made stops in Charleston, South Carolina, Malaga, Spain, Southampton, England, and New York City. While docked in Albany, the ship is open for public tours today from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. The Empire State VII docked in Albany as part of SUNY Maritime's 2026 Summer Sea Term. Over 500 student cadets are participating in this year's Summer Sea Term, an 8-week training program that provides SUNY Maritime students with hands-on experience working on, sailing, and powering a marine vessel.
The Business Council of New York State President & CEO Heather Mulligan said, "I applaud SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr., the SUNY Board of Trustees, and SUNY Maritime for bringing the Empire State VII to the Port of Albany. This state-of-the-art training vessel demonstrates how targeted, hands-on education directly builds our skilled workforce and powers New York’s economy. SUNY Maritime delivers affordable, high-quality training that prepares students for high-demand careers, creating pathways to opportunity and a stronger future for New Yorkers across the state."
U.S. Congressman Paul D. Tonko said, "I’m thrilled to join Chancellor King and the SUNY Board of Trustees in welcoming SUNY Maritime’s Empire State VII to Albany and to our Capital Region. SUNY Maritime’s Summer Sea Term is a proud and unique tradition allowing students to gain hands-on experience in every aspect of operating a marine vessel, and I’m proud that this year’s journey will conclude with 64 SUNY Maritime students traveling up the Hudson River to the Port of Albany. This milestone presents an unprecedented opportunity for residents and visitors alike to learn more about all the opportunities offered by SUNY Maritime, and I’m proud to be part of today’s ceremony to welcome these students and their faculty to our region."
State Senator Jake Ashby said, "SUNY Maritime's graduates secure great jobs and keep the world's economy moving. They also contribute to our national security and respond to emergencies when we need them most. I encourage everyone, particularly prospective students, to check out the Empire State VII while it's docked on our shores."
State Senator Patricia Fahy said, "SUNY Maritime is the oldest maritime school in the country, preparing future generations in marine transportation and engineering. SUNY Maritime's premier training ship, the Empire State VII, affords students the opportunity to gain real, hands-on experience and is a testament to New York's rich maritime history. Its presence at the Port of Albany today is a poignant reminder that New York's maritime industry continues to move goods, people, and power our state and regional economies up and down our waterways."
State Senator Nathalia Fernandez said, "This is a full circle moment. What began as conversations in Albany about expanding access to maritime education has sailed abroad and returned to the Port of Albany for the first time, with SUNY Maritime cadets gaining hands-on experience aboard one of the most advanced training vessels in the nation. I’m proud to have advocated for the Pay It Forward Fund, and I congratulate the cadets and SUNY Maritime community on a successful voyage."
State Assemblymember Michael Benedetto said, "SUNY Maritime is a jewel in my district and across the SUNY system, preparing the next generation of maritime leaders. The arrival of the Empire State VII in Albany is a proud milestone, and I’m grateful that the Pay It Forward Fund is helping more students access this hands-on training and pursue careers vital to our economy and national security."
State Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh, said, "Welcoming the Empire State VII to Albany is an exciting opportunity to showcase the incredible education and workforce training offered at SUNY Maritime. This vessel is a reminder of the vital role New York plays in supporting commerce, national security, and emergency response. I encourage Capital Region residents to take advantage of this unique opportunity to tour the ship, learn about SUNY Maritime, and see firsthand the outstanding career opportunities available to students."
State Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero said, "The arrival of the Empire State VII at the Port of Albany showcases the incredible opportunities SUNY Maritime provides to prepare the next generation of maritime professionals. This state-of-the-art training vessel gives cadets the hands-on experience required to earn their U.S. Coast Guard licenses while preparing them for rewarding careers in a critical industry. I am especially encouraged by the SUNY Maritime Pay It Forward Fund, which helps ease the financial burden of the Summer Sea Term for students. By expanding access to these opportunities this program is ensuring that talented students can succeed regardless of their financial circumstances."
State Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara said, "The arrival of the Empire State VII in Albany highlights the important role SUNY Maritime plays in preparing the next generation of leaders in the maritime industry, national security, and emergency response. As an engineer and someone who served in the U.S. Army Reserve, I know firsthand the value of hands-on training and the importance of developing a highly skilled workforce. This remarkable vessel gives students the opportunity to gain real-world experience while strengthening New York’s leadership in maritime education and helping meet our nation’s future workforce and security needs."
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, "The Port of Albany has long been a gateway for commerce and opportunity, so it's fitting that it now welcomes the next generation of maritime leaders aboard the Empire State VII. Having this remarkable training vessel here gives Capital Region residents a chance to see firsthand the incredible education and career opportunities available through SUNY Maritime. We're proud to host these cadets in Albany County and celebrate the vital role they will play in strengthening our nation's maritime workforce and economic future."
Rensselaer Mayor John DeFrancesco said, "I was proud to welcome the Empire State VII to the Port of Albany. The arrival of the ship will provide our community with an amazing opportunity to learn more about an education at SUNY Maritime, and the amazing careers available in the maritime industry. We are honored to welcome the ship, and its cadets, to the Port of Albany."
This year, 64 SUNY Maritime students are participating in the 2026 Summer Sea Term through the support of the SUNY Maritime Pay it Forward Fund. The initiative, a partnership with the national nonprofit Social Finance, provides financial assistance and supportive services for students participating in the Summer Sea Term. The training is a requirement for U.S. Coast Guard licenses, but can cost close to $45,000 per student over three summers, which can be a major recruitment challenge for the school and a significant financial challenge for many students from low-income backgrounds. The Pay It Forward Fund is part of SUNY's efforts to fill maritime workforce gaps, increase access to economic mobility, and help Pell-eligible New York State resident students pay the costs of the Summer Sea Term.
The SUNY Maritime Pay It Forward Fund was launched for the 2025 Summer Sea Term, with an initial group of 18 students benefiting from the program. To date, 82 students have been served by the initiative. Through the strong support of Governor Hochul, and area representatives State Senator Nathalia Fernandez and State Assemblymember Michael Bendetto, the fund was established to benefit at least 200 students over four or more years by providing students with 0% interest, $0 origination fee outcomes-based loans, with loan repayments from students or employers recycling to support future students.
About SUNY Maritime
The State University of New York Maritime College has a rich history dating back to 1874 and is the oldest State Maritime Academy. Established as the New York Nautical School, it was the first institution in the United States to offer commercial nautical instruction. The school's creation was driven by a need for trained maritime professionals, especially after the Civil War. Initially, the school operated aboard the USS St. Mary's, a sloop-of-war acquired from the U.S. Navy. Over time, the curriculum evolved to include advanced subjects in navigation, engineering, and marine sciences. In 1907, the training vessel was replaced by the USS Newport, a sail-steam hybrid. Facing financial challenges, the State of New York assumed control of the institution in 1913, renaming it the New York State Nautical School. The school continued to grow, and in 1929, it became the New York State Merchant Marine Academy. A significant milestone occurred in 1938, when the academy relocated to the historic Fort Schuyler in the Bronx, NY, providing a permanent shore-based training facility. In 1949, the academy joined the State University of New York (SUNY) System, adopting its current name.
Maritime College is more than just an institution—it's the Peninsula of Opportunity and an engine of upward mobility. Maritime College offers a unique opportunity to Chart Your Course—a personalized experience where you select the path that aligns with your aspirations. Whether you choose to thrive in the structured, leadership-focused environment of the Regiment or enjoy the flexibility of the traditional student lifestyle, Maritime empowers you to shape your future both academically and professionally. On board Training Ship Empire State VII, and with more than a dozen undergraduate majors—including four ABET-accredited engineering programs, two master's degree options, and a renowned U.S. Coast Guard license program—Maritime College arms you with the skills to navigate, power, and operate the world's maritime industry. Beyond the classroom, Maritime fosters hands-on learning and leadership development with over 50 student clubs and organizations, 13 NCAA Division III teams, independent collegiate sports, and various programs, including the only Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program in New York City. The college's global alumni network offers unparalleled career connections and support. As higher education continues to evolve, Maritime College remains steadfast in its mission to develop the next generation of leaders who will navigate the future with integrity and vision. Our legacy, rooted in loyalty, valor, and leadership, will continue to guide us into the next 150 years. New York Maritime – First and Foremost.
About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state's only college of optometry, 12 Educational Opportunity Centers, over 30 ATTAIN digital literacy labs, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.7 million students across its portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2025, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and annually one in three New Yorkers who earn a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit suny.edu.
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