I had the pleasure of meeting Captain Christine Klimkowski (she/her) last year while working together on mariner training. Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing her about her most recent assignment on a research vessel and her journey to becoming a pilot in Southeast Alaska. I hope you find our discussion enjoyable!

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB), Freeland, Wash., has been awarded a contract by San Francisco Bay Ferry to design and construct two 400-passenger battery-electric ferries under the agency’s Rapid Electric Emission Free (REEF) Ferry Program. The 142'1"x34'9" Subchapter K catamarans will operate at 25 knots on central Bay routes, connecting Oakland and Alameda with San Francisco, an NBBB press release said.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. A new initiative facilitated by Washington Maritime Blue and with leadership from Port of Seattle, Northwest Seaport Alliance, Port of Tacoma, Washington Department of Commerce and the Consortium for Hydrogen and Renewably Generated E-fuels (CHARGE)—called the Sustainable Maritime Fuels Collaborative (SMF Collaborative), officially launched today.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. The world’s first commercial-use ammonia-fueled vessel, Sakigake, completed a three-month demonstration voyage. Engaged in tugboat operations in Tokyo Bay, NYK which owns the vessel reports it achieved a GHG-emission reduction of up to approximately 95 percent. They believe it illustrates the potential of ammonia as a maritime fuel. The 272-ton tug Sakigake, which was built in 2015 as Japan’s first LNG-fueled tug, was selected for the pioneering project. When it was introduced a decade ago, the tug which is 122 feet (37 meters) in length was viewed as a proof of concept for alternative fuel operations in the class. It is again taking that role for ammonia-fueled propulsion.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. It is time to get serious about hacking  — and engaging the hacker community — as a pathway to a stronger maritime environment. All of us in the maritime industry appreciate our respective nation's reliance upon the maritime transportation system (MTS) for our very way of life. We all know the numbers: In the U.S., the MTS reportedly makes a $5.4 trillion contribution to the economy, representing about 25% of the U.S. gross domestic product and supporting 30 million jobs. Nearly 80% of global trade and nearly two-thirds of the world's total petroleum and other liquid energy supply is carried by ship. Overall, approximately 90% of any nation's imports/exports move by sea. Most global supply chains are existentially dependent upon maritime shipping.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division in Pascagoula, Miss.., has successfully launched future USS Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), the third Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer to be built at the shipyard. DDG 129 is named for former U.S. Sen. Jeremiah Denton Jr., a Vietnam War veteran who was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism as a prisoner of war. Following his Navy career, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, representing his home state of Alabama, in 1980.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Bollinger Shipyards on Tuesday announced it has received a $951.6 million contract to proceed with building the United States’ first new heavy polar icebreaker in nearly 50 years. The Lockport, La.-based shipbuilding group said the contract modification advances the detail design and construction phase of the U.S. Coast Guard polar security cutter (PSC) program, paving way for the series’ first vessel, the 460'x88' USCGC Polar Sentinel (WMSP-21), to be completed by 2030.

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.