#TrainingShip – The veteran US training ship T.S. Empire State (1962/14,557grt) arrived into Dublin Bay yesterday having crossed the Atlantic Ocean, she is however not due to dock in Dublin Port until tomorrow, writes Jehan Ashmore.
Operated by the SUNY Maritime College, University of New York, the 565-foot Empire State provides an essential component of the maritime experience for trainee cadets during the annual Summer Sea Term.
Cadets travel across the world learning about the hands-on operations of the ship which complements classroom studies while gaining exposure to international cultures.
This year's Summer Sea Term calls to ports in the U.S Gulf Coast, Canada, Ireland, Italy and Malta.
The cadets at SUNY Maritime enroll for four-years at the college which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. As well as the summer training-ship cruises, there are 20 varsity athletic teams, five ROTC options, US Coast Guard license and intern programs.
Empire State was laid down originally as the general cargos ship SS Oregon at Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Virginia and launched in 1961. Her career began with States Steamship Company for service in the Pacific trades.
Note the vessel's design of a different era as expressed through her classic hull form, fitting of cargo derricks and large superstructure compared to her modern container counterparts. For further details of the ships interim career prior to her current role in which she has served since 1990 click this Link.
