TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s marine tech research vessel will get new engines and sonar equipment, thanks to state grants.
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity awarded NMC more than $630,000, part of more than $3 million given to institutions across the state.
On Monday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the investments “to strengthen Michigan’s maritime sector, workforce training capacity and port infrastructure” which were highlighted in the state’s first, 10-year Michigan Maritime Strategy released earlier this year.
“These investments are strengthening the state’s competitiveness from end to end,” Whitmer said. “By expanding training programs in advanced manufacturing and maritime fields, we’re preparing workers to meet growing national demand while creating meaningful, good‑paying career pathways here at home.”
NMC was one of five community colleges across the state to receive grant funding to expand training capacity for “high‑demand” maritime and shipbuilding occupations. Other schools included Gogebic Community College, North Central Michigan College, Schoolcraft College and Washtenaw Community College.
NMC intends to invest the money into upgrades to the school’s research vessel, the RV Northwestern, with new engines and upgraded sonar equipment for the marine technology program.
“It allows the students to have a more reliable vessel to do the training on and, obviously, a brand new state-of-the-art multibeam system that we’re going to integrate right into the program from Day 1,” Great Lakes Water Studies Institute Director John Lutchko said. “So we’re really excited.”
The boat is 57 years old – and so are the propulsion and power systems. NMC intends to replace those systems, including new engines and generators.
Lutchko said it’s getting harder to find replacement parts for the vessel and the grant will allow them to avoid the “worst-case scenario” of an equipment failure.
“That’s scary, because that means we could potentially lose a whole field season,” he said. “So it is extremely exciting.”
The updates will extend the life of the ship “indefinitely,” Lutchko said, because the hull is in near-perfect condition.
The multibeam sonar system will strengthen the marine technology program and student experience, he added. The purchase is a change from the current setup, which relies on industry partners for equipment loans.
Lutchko said it has been “wonderful” to have that support, “but it’s going to be nice to be more independent as far as how we can do our training when we have this new piece of equipment.”
A major factor for the current arrangement is cost, he noted. “We do well. We’re a community college and have a lot of fantastic assets, but these systems are extremely expensive.”
Over the winter, the Northwestern will be in the shipyard getting the new parts installed.
The multibeam sonar system is expected to go out to bid in the next few months, Lutchko said. If everything goes according to plan, the Northwestern will be upgraded before the next field season begins in late April or early May.
The grants are part of a statewide strategy to respond to the U.S. Navy’s stated need for more than 140,000 skilled maritime and advanced manufacturing workers over the next decade, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
Workforce Development Director Krista Johnson, with the state’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, said the grants will help ensure students and instructors have access to modern tools, industry‑aligned technology and high‑quality instruction.
And the state is doing more to move the industry forward: Applications are being accepted through Dec. 23 for one-time infrastructure funding through the Michigan Maritime and Port Facility Assistance Grant Program, with $5 million available for commercial port improvement projects.
“New port infrastructure grants support critical upgrades that enhance capacity, improve safety, and attract business,” Whitmer said. “Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient maritime economy and giving Michigan workers the tools they need to thrive.”