MARAD will activate the vessel Empire State for temporary federal service beginning approximately September 1, 2026, according to a statement from Rear Admiral John A. Okon, President of the Maritime College, who said he received the decision memorandum from Maritime Administrator Stephen M. Carmel.

MARAD has told the college it anticipates a notional mission duration of approximately 170 days.

The read here is that a 170-day notional window is a substantial commitment of the vessel, though the facts do not specify what operational role Empire State will fill or where it will operate during that period.