As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. The U.S. Coast Guard is quashing the latest rumor on tankers looking to reposition to the Atlantic and Pacific trades instead of staying in the Middle East. Early on Thursday, in some tanker circles, there was chatter of tanker owners looking to register with the Coast Guard to be eligible to trade in the U.S. “The Coast Guard is aware of this public reporting,” said a Coast Guard spokesperson. “However, we cannot verify this is happening.”

No registrations have been filed.

In order for foreign tankers to have the ability to transfer cargo in the U.S. they are subject to U.S. jurisdiction and have to meet administrative U.S. requirements. “Tankers must hold a valid tank vessel response plan and certificate of financial responsibility; and a physical Certificate of Compliance exam to verify compliance with relevant U.S and international safety and security standards,” added the Coast Guard spokesperson. “Timelines to complete these requirements vary on a case-by-case basis.”

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. The Norwegian Maritime Authority has announced the strictest step yet made by any government agency or industry association to address the risk of Iranian attack in the Strait of Hormuz: an inbound transit ban. Effective Thursday, no Norgwegian-flagged ships are permitted to enter the Arabian Gulf, regardless of the shipowner's own risk assessments.  "We do not believe any shipping companies are planning to sail into this area in the near future, but as the situation has now developed, it is important for us to emphasize that we are now moving from a strong recommendation related to ship traffic in the area to a ban on entering the Strait of Hormuz," said Maritime Director Alf Tore Sørheim. 

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. As digital solutions multiply across shipping, a notable gap is emerging. We talk about platforms, data, and transformation, yet many organizations still struggle with a more fundamental question: what does it actually mean to buy, integrate, and grow with software? Too often, maritime software is approached like a charter party. We negotiate the terms, sign the contract, and hope it works. But software isn’t a static transaction, it’s a living system that only creates value when it is actively adopted, connected, and evolved. Treating it otherwise is one of the quiet reasons so many digital initiatives underdeliver. This is why the future of shipping will not be shaped by whoever claims to offer “the most comprehensive platform.” It will be shaped by our collective ability to build smarter digital ecosystems.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Commercial divers have begun 2026 with an exciting new system for certification. While many of the requirements remain the same, the real upgrade is in digital verification and approval time, which can now be measured in days. This approach is a light speed advancement in efficiency from the previous system in which the credentials of a diver were manually verified, sometimes taking up to 60 days. To keep this all in perspective, the USCG recommends that mariners start their license renewal process at least 90 days prior to their expiration, though the prudent professional mariner begins the process at least 1 year from expiration. Many mariners still may experience a lapse in their license, especially when one considers the constant looming possibility of a government shutdown, or the constant back and forth of emails requiring additional documentation for sea service letters or medical forms. The commercial diving industry is not regulated in the same way as mariners; flag states do not issue a credential or license for divers. These come from trade associations, the International Maritime Contractors Association (IMCA) and the Association of Diving Contractors International Inc. (ADCI) being the two most prominent.

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., held a keel-laying ceremony for the first of two 400-passenger battery-electric ferries under construction for San Francisco Bay Ferry. The 142'1"x34'9" Subchapter K aluminum catamarans are being constructed under the agency’s Rapid Electric Emission Free (REEF) Ferry Program, which aims to transition the fleet to zero-emission propulsion technology. The ferries will operate at 25 knots on central Bay routes, connecting Oakland and Alameda with San Francisco. The series' first vessel is scheduled to be delivered in 2028.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Corvus Energy will supply battery energy storage systems (ESS) for two new hybrid-electric ferries being built for Washington State Ferries (WSF), under a contract with ABB’s Marine & Ports division. The agreement includes an option for a third vessel. WSF operates the largest ferry system in the United States, with 21 auto-passenger ferries serving 19 terminals across 10 routes. The two new 1,500-passenger, 160-vehicle ferries are the first of up to 16 vessels planned under the agency’s $3.98 billion Ferry System Electrification program. The initiative represents the largest ferry electrification effort in the U.S. to date. The hybrid vessels will be equipped with battery energy storage systems and diesel generators.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Bellingham, Wash.-based All American Marine (AAM) reports that it is currently constructing a sister ship to the tour vessel Chugach Express that it delivered to Alaska-based Phillips Cruises & Tours in April 2024.

Building on experience with the Chugach Express, the new high-speed, long-range eco-tour vessel will operate daily in Prince William Sound and be homeported in Whittier, Alaska.

Developed by Nic de Waal of Teknicraft Design, the 84.5 x 30.7 foot aluminum passenger vessel features a next-generation semi-displacement catamaran hull with proven, real-world performance.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. The Washington House of Representatives has passed legislation that would allow local governments, ports, tribes, and private operators to run passenger ferry service across Puget Sound. House Bill 1923, known as the Mosquito Fleet Act, passed by a vote of 84 to 11 on Feb. 16. The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Under current Washington state law, most local governments, ports, tribes, and private operators are prohibited from running foot ferry service, with limited exceptions including Kitsap Transit's fast ferry operation. "It's time to allow passenger ferries to connect communities once again," said Rep. Greg Nance, D-Kitsap, who sponsored the legislation. "They're the fastest and most cost-effective way to get boats on the water and restore reliable ferry service — while creating good-paying jobs right here in Washington."

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Hard on the heels of being selected to support a key DARPA program, Austin, Texas-headquartered autonomous vessel pioneer Saronic Technologies reports that it is looking to integrate physical AI for welding robotics across its shipyard operations. As part of this effort, Saronic has launched a collaboration with Columbus, Ohio-based Path Robotics to integrate advanced welding robotics technology into its Franklin, La., shipyard, the former Gulf Craft facility. The initial rollout will focus on intelligent welding cells, combining Path’s proven welding models with Saronic’s team of welders to deliver significant advancements in production efficiency, quality, and repeatability.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. The Trump administration announced its plans Friday for expanding the nation’s commercial shipbuilding and maritime capabilities, a three-pronged approach that calls for bolstering U.S. shipbuilding, increasing the mariner workforce and regulating the industry to encourage use of U.S.-built and flagged vessels. America’s Maritime Action Plan, published Feb. 13, provides a blueprint for the government, shipbuilders and the maritime industry to meet the requirements of an executive order signed last April by President Donald Trump that called for an overhaul of the U.S. shipping industry, including civilian and military shipbuilding capabilities, mariner training and credentialing and the U.S. port system.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Humanoid robots that can get into the same spaces that humans can are increasingly seen as part of the solution to shipyard labor and skills shortages. In the not too distant future, those robots could be at work in Fincantieri shipyards. The company has launched an industrial partnership with Generative Bionics, an Italian company focused on the development of autonomous humanoid robots. The aim is to develop a humanoid welding robot designed to operate alongside humans in Fincantieri’s shipyards.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Saltchuk Resources, which continues to build a diversified holding in marine services, freight transport, and energy distribution, has agreed to buy Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Corporation, the largest provider of dredging services in the United States. The deal, which has a total value of $1.5 billion, is an all-cash offer for the public company, which will become a standalone business within the private, family-owned Saltchuk group. A 136-year-old business, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock reports it has a fleet of approximately 200 specialized vessels, which it calls the largest and most diverse fleet in the U.S. dredging industry.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. The Small Shipyard Grant Coalition says that the FY26 federal funding package recently signed by President Trump includes $35 million for the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Small Shipyard Grant Program. The funding triggers a statutory timeline for the grant program. By law, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) must publish its notice of funding opportunity within 15 days of enactment, expected around February 18. Applications will be due approximately 60 days later, placing the deadline around April 4.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. French private equity firm Antin Infrastructure Partners, Paris, has agreed to acquire shipbuilding and repair company Vigor Marine Group, Portland, Ore., from an affiliate of Lone Star Funds, Dallas. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in 2026. Financial terms were not disclosed. Vigor Marine Group operates shipyard and fabrication facilities in Seattle; Portland; Vancouver, Wash.; San Diego; and Norfolk, Va. The company has six drydocks and 29 berths serving government and commercial customers. It generated nearly $1 billion in revenue in 2024 and employs about 2,700 workers.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. In November 2025, a Statistical Surveys report found the Marine industry recorded a -12.36% year-over-year (YoY) decline, a sharper drop than the -6.53% drop in November 2024, signaling a softer market through the end of the boating season. 

Category Performance - Outperforming the marine market were Aluminum Fishing Boats, 8-24 feet (-5.19%), Aluminum Fishing Boat, 16-24 feet (-4.14%), Saltwater Outboards, 13-55 feet (-5.46%) and Bass (-6.69%), according to the report. Performing in line with the marine market is Aluminum Fishing Boats, 8-15 feet (-9.82%). However, the report found that underperforming in the marine market were Pontoons (-18.12%) and PWCs (-23.64%).

Regional Performance - While overall sales declined, the report found that certain markets are notably outperforming the national average, presenting opportunities for dealers. At the same time, other regions are experiencing sharper declines, highlighting potential challenges to watch.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. The Small Shipyard Grant Coalition (SSGC) announced Feb. 4 that the federal Small Shipyard Grant Program will receive $35 million in fiscal year 2026 funding following the signing of the latest federal appropriations package. The total represents a notable increase compared with the previous two years. In a press release, SSGC said the funding, administered by the U.S. Maritime Administration (Marad), continues a multiyear trend of congressional support aimed at strengthening small and mid-sized U.S. shipyards through capital improvements and workforce training. Under statutory requirements, Marad must publish its Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) within 15 days of enactment. The notice is expected by Feb. 18, with applications anticipated to be due by April 4. Awards are typically announced in early June.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Momentum appears to be building within some corners of the Trump administration to offshore U.S. Navy warship production to yards in U.S. allied nations, where well-developed shipbuilding industries with available capacity can be found. It would require changing U.S. law and longstanding practice, but this has not deterred proponents: South Korea's "Big Three" have openly sought the administration's support for building American warships in Korea, and U.S. officials have recently met with Turkish counterparts to discuss component and frigate construction in Turkey, insiders told Mideast Eye. 

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. The American Boat & Yacht Council today named Matthew Mardesich its 2025 Educator of the Year. The recognition honors marine service technology instructors teaching in a high school, post-secondary school or within the industry. According to a statement, Mardesich is co-department chair and an instructor in engines and mechanical systems at Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon, Wash., a Marine Trades Accreditation Program school.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Eastern Washington is often described in simple terms. People picture dry ground, wide horizons, irrigation pivots turning in slow circles, and long stretches of highway cutting through open land. That image has some truth to it, but it leaves out a defining part of how the region actually operates. Eastern Washington is shaped just as much by water as it is by land, and the maritime industry plays a far larger role here than most people realize. The reason is the Columbia River. Although the Pacific Ocean sits far to the west, the Columbia and its connected waterways form an inland maritime system that quietly drives the region’s economy.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Inspection reports across much of the commercial fleet paint a reassuring picture. Fire detection systems are operational, fixed firefighting systems are in good working order, equipment is serviced on time and instructions are correctly posted. On paper, vessels are doing what is required of them.

The problem is that paper compliance is increasingly being mistaken for operational readiness.