As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. In another sign that ammonia-fueled ships are getting closer to on-water reality, Alfa Laval has signed its first contract for its ammonia fuel supply system, FCM Ammonia, reinforcing its position as a front-runner in developing solutions for decarbonizing the maritime industry. The ammonia fuel supply system will be installed onboard seven ammonia dual-fuel LPG/ammonia carriers for Tianjin Southwest Maritime. With international shipping projected to more than double by 2050, the adoption of low-carbon fuels is crucial in the maritime industry’s pursuit of net zero emissions. Ammonia, recognized as a promising low-carbon fuel, is experiencing significant advances and increasing demand.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. PUYALLUP RESERVATION, Tacoma, Wash. — In a historic first, the Puyallup Tribe and The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) have joined forces to expand the region’s shipping capacity through construction of a new berth on the East Blair Waterway. The move expands current berth (pier) capacity for the world’s largest shipping lines, positioning the Seattle/Tacoma gateway to gain market share and increase economic activity across the region. Under the terms of a memorandum of understanding (MOU), the Tribe and the NWSA intend to construct a new pier adjacent to one on the East Blair Waterway and to jointly market and operate both facilities. The NWSA is a marine cargo operating partnership of the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma and is the seventh-largest gateway in North America. The new pier has the working name “Puyallup Tribal Terminal.”

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Kongsberg Maritime has signed at contract for the design of two UT7623 SEV design multipurpose subsea vessels for Fosnavåg, Norway-headquartered Olympic Group. The “SEV” in the designation stands for “Sustainable Energy Vessel” and they will be methanol-ready and feature battery hybrid technology. The first references for Kongsberg Maritime’s latest subsea construction vessel designs, they will feature a fully integrated package of Kongsberg technology. The vessels will be constructed at the CMHI shipyard in Shenzhen, China, with delivery scheduled for the summer of 2027. They will operate in both the renewable energy and oil and gas sectors, featuring advanced technologies that significantly exceed the requirements of the Paris Agreement.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. A hearing into U.S. shipbuilding held by the House Armed Services Committee’s Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee likely gave some insights into issues that will be top of mind for the White House office of shipbuilding planned by President Trump. “U.S. shipbuilders continue to produce the highest quality, safest and most advanced warships on the planet, said the first witness, Dr. Brett A. Seidle, deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development, and acquisition. “We have the finest Navy ever assembled in the history of the world,” Seidle said. “They’re coming to a theater near you, bringing their A game.” However, at a time when adversaries around the globe challenge the maritime commons, the U.S. shipbuilding industry is challenged to produce the quantity of ships at the rate required, he said.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. A program to convert up to three Washington State Ferries (WSF) vessels to hybrid-electric propulsion will be put on hold in a move aimed at prioritizing the state ferry system's return to full service, Gov. Bob Ferguson announced on Thursday. The move will ensure that by this summer, 18 ferries will be operating — the highest number since 2019 — bringing the system closer to full service, which requires 21 vessels with 18 operational at any given time. The governor's decision pauses a $100 million program awarded to Vigor, LLC, Portland Ore., in 2023 for the conversion of Jumbo Mark II-class ferries Wenatchee and the Tacoma, to plug-in hybrid-electric propulsion. The deal included a $50 million option for the conversion of a third ferry, the Puyallup.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. All American Marine (AAM), Bellingham, Wash., has successfully delivered a 78'x26.7' semi-displacement aluminum catamaran to Cal Poly Humboldt, Arcata, Calif. The new boat will serve as a state-of-the-art scientific exploration platform and support faculty research along the Northern California and Oregon coasts. Designed by Nic de Waal of Teknicraft Design, the RV North Wind builds on the proven success of similar research vessels, including the R/V Shackleford and the University of Hawaii’s R/V Imua. Built to U.S. Coast Guard Subchapter T standards, it is optimized for near-coastal and offshore operations, supporting Cal Poly Humboldt’s research initiatives in oceanography, marine ecosystems, and the emerging offshore wind industry.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. President Donald Trump vowed to bring shipbuilding “home to America, where it belongs,” while promising tax incentives and a brand-new office in the executive branch to reinvigorate the industry in his joint address to Congress on Tuesday.  “To boost our defense industrial base, we are also going to resurrect the American shipbuilding industry, including commercial ship building and military shipbuilding,” Trump said during his nearly two-hour speech. “I'm announcing tonight that we will create a new office of shipbuilding in the White House and offer special tax incentives to bring this industry home to America, where it belongs. We used to make so many ships. We don't make them anymore very much, but we're going to make them very fast, very soon. It will have a huge impact.”

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Researchers in France and Cyprus have debuted an autonomous drone sub system that is designed to reside on reefs and monitor environmental conditions on long timescales, without human intervention for recharging or maintenance. The "EONIOS" project, a joint effort between French AUV builder Arkeocean, the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI), Cypriot tech firm SignalGeneriX and consultancy Lanego, unveiled a micro-USV "swarm" system on Monday at a press conference in the resort town of Ayia Napa. France's ambassador to Cyprus, Clélia Chevrier Kola?ko, was the guest of honor and keynote speaker.  The AUVs are paired with a docking system for recharging, and will provide 24/7 monitoring.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Flanked by two oceans, the United States has always been a maritime nation. Our dominance over the oceans was a key factor in establishing the U.S. as the most powerful nation on Earth. My family has lived this. Both of my grandfathers were seafarers during World War II. One sailed on a Liberty ship in the Atlantic and the other one with the Navy in the Pacific. Their example was an inspiration to me that led me to attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and join the Navy. But America’s maritime leadership has been dangerously declining over that time, allowing China not only to catch up, but get ahead. Today, there are 80 U.S.-flagged vessels in international commerce; China has 5,500.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. The TOTE Group is to fund a $90,000, three-year scholarship program at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. The program was announced when MMA’s new training vessel, Patriot State, made its first port of call on its inaugural Sea Term in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on January 25th. An open house event hosted by TOTE and MMA welcomed nearly 200 students from across the island, along with leaders from across industries, non-profits, and government. Guests toured the ship and its training spaces and learned more about its humanitarian response capabilities and cutting-edge technology. The Patriot State is the second of five vessels developed as part of the U.S. Maritime Administration’s National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) program. NSMV vessels are commissioned by MARAD with TOTE Services as the VCM and built by Hanwha Philly Shipyard.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Panama City, Fla.-based Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. (ESG) this week welcomed (Acting) Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition (ASN RDA) Dr. Brett Seidle, Rear Admiral Tom Anderson, Program Executive Officer for Ships (PEO Ships), and other key Department of Defense (DOD) officials to its shipyard.

ESG says that, as a leader in America’s maritime industry, it remains committed to supporting the nation’s defense initiatives and strengthening the U.S. shipbuilding sector. The visit underscored the renewed focus on advancing domestic shipbuilding capabilities, ensuring a robust and resilient fleet for the future. “We are proud to play a vital role in sustaining and expanding America’s shipbuilding capacity,” said Joey D’Isernia, CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group. “This visit reaffirms the importance of investment in U.S. shipbuilding, and we stand ready to meet the nation’s needs.”

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Elkhart, Indiana, is the center of the RV manufacturing universe. It’s also home to marine manufacturers and boatbuilders. Temperatures hovered around 8-below on the drive south to Elkhart, Ind., from Chicago. The landscape looked much like what I imagine as nuclear winter: buildings freeze-blasted with snow, Lake Michigan frozen a crusty gray, and factory stacks billowing ominous pillows of white steam. I was there to visit the non-geographic center of the Indiana manufacturing belt, where approximately 80% of all recreational vehicles are built. This end of the state is also home to several boatbuilders, including Smoker Craft, Bennington and Godfrey, along with components and accessories manufacturing giants such as Lippert and Patrick Industries, which supply both the RV and recreational boating industries.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Wind propulsion system provider Norsepower and climate tech startup Syroco have deployed wind propulsion with digital technologies on board Socatra’s tanker Alcyone. Syroco’s digital solution combines weather and sea data with advanced naval architecture principles and IoT data collected from onboard systems to create a digital twin of each vessel. The virtual representation of the ship accounts for key characteristics such as hull design, windage, appendages, propulsion systems and the most accurate models of the Norsepower Rotor Sails. This digital twin enables vessel operators to optimize routes in real time, considering wind propulsion, waves, swell, currents, arrival times, safety constraints and cargo-specific parameters.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. A vessel-autonomy company led by a management team of Navy, Tesla and SpaceX veterans plans to start its own U.S. shipyard with $600 million in venture-capital financing - and it has the cash in hand. Austin-based Saronic is planning the most ambitious infrastructure venture in autonomous navigation in the West, and it hopes to bypass shipyard labor constraints through advanced automation.  Saronic's primary client is the U.S. Navy, and to date, Saronic's vessel classes have been at the small end. It has models measuring up to 24 feet in length, and produces them in-house. Small unmanned vessels have inherent limitations with range and weather, but have proven their battlefield value with Ukrainian forces in the Black Sea.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. I had the pleasure of attending the seventh National Working Waterfront Network (NWWN) conference in San Diego, Calif. This conference focused on the importance of collaboration and community in addressing every aspect of the working waterfront. Each time the conference is held in a different region, it reminds the community of the diversity of working waterfronts across the country, from sprawling commercial harbors to small-town docks and boat ramps. One of the most significant talking points was the need for commercial, recreational, and waterfront fisheries, ports, and businesses to come together and address climate change impacts. Other key points included the collapse of fisheries and the need for increased awareness and communication between scientists and the fishing industry. 

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. A partnership of companies from Norway has ordered a pioneering short-sea cargo ship that will advance the industry’s ability to provide zero-emissions operations. The cargo ship, which will be 7,800 dwt, is designed to transport timber from Norway to Europe and will be the first to operate on ammonia and electricity. The order was placed by Skarv Shipping, a joint venture between Pear Group and Greig Edge, which was launched to initiate and develop sustainable short-sea shipping in northern Europe. The ship will be built by China’s Huanghai Shipbuilding and is expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2027.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Belfast, Northern Ireland-based Artemis Technologies has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Seattle super yacht builder Delta Marine Industries to manufacture eFoiler foiling ferries specifically for Washington’s Puget Sound. Artemis Technologies says that it will work alongside Delta Marine to meet the growing demand for zero-emission ferries, including smaller vessels ideal for high-speed, short-haul routes. Washington State, with more ferries than any other region in the U.S., is under increasing pressure to transition to cleaner, more efficient models as public interest in sustainable transportation rises.

At Sea Potential, we’ve designed and facilitated a variety of youth programs for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) ages 12-18, but the summer of 2024 marked a meaningful first: our inaugural culturally relevant sailing program! Partnering with the Center for Wooden Boats (CWB), we approached this opportunity as more than a chance to teach technical sailing skills—it became a way to align with our drive to empower BIPOC youth by designing heart-based programming that celebrates identity, representation, and connection to the water.

This blog reflects on the why behind culturally relevant programming, how we built this initiative, its impact on the youth and community, and the challenges and lessons we encountered along the way.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Everett Ship Repair has acquired the retired Washington State Ferries (WSF) vessel, Elwha, for $100,000, with plans to repurpose it into a floating office and warehouse space at its shipyard in Everett, Wash. The decommissioned ferry was towed from Bainbridge Island by the Western Towboat Co. tug Mariner on Jan. 30. Built in the mid-1960s as one of four Super-class ferries, WSF said the 144-car Elwha was a longtime fixture on the Anacortes/Friday Harbor/Sidney, British Columbia route before being retired on April 8, 2020. The vessel, which served millions of passengers over its operational lifetime, is now being repurposed.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. BRIX Marine recently launched a new 41’ rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) to commercial tour operator Hawaii Nautical, Kaneohe, Hawaii. A BRIX press release noted that the vessel, named Olohana, is designed to meet the demands of Hawaii’s marine environment with a focus on stability, speed, and operational efficiency.