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. Advanced small modular reactors (SMRs) could serve as a catalyst for U.S. shipbuilding, according to American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki. Wiernicki emphasized the need for a marinized SMR demonstrator as the next step in developing the technology for commercial use. An statement recently released by ABS deemed the new nuclear reactor technology "a once in a generation opportunity for U.S. industrial policy." In the statement, Wiernicki noted SMR technology could change vessel economics, operations, and design while also contributing to national energy and economic security.

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.

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.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. MARAD’s program to build the first modern training ships for the U.S. merchant marine marked another milestone with the floating of the fourth vessel of the class. The future Lone Star State which has been assigned to Texas A&M Maritime College took to the water for the first time on Friday, January 24, and was towed to the outfitting berth.

“This is an exciting milestone because the vessel moves from production on land to water, and it is one of the last major moves before heading out for sea trials,” said Hanwha Philly Shipyard posting a video of the repositioning.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Huntington Ingalls Industries has completed the purchase of W International's fabrication facility in South Carolina, opening up new workforce options for the U.S. Navy's biggest shipbuilder. 

The W International plant in Goose Creek, South Carolina is an example of the Navy's challenge in scaling up the submarine industrial base for a once-in-a-generation demand surge. As part of a program to boost capacity, the Navy helped a previously unknown company, W International, to set up a fabrication facility in South Carolina to build modules for HII Newport News - starting with components for the Ford-class aircraft carrier program.

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, Bellingham, Wash., has launched a new research vessel built for the California Polytechnical Institute at Humboldt. The R/V North Wind will now undergo sea trials ahead of its delivery and entry into service later this year. The new vessel is a 78’ x 26.7’ semi-displacement aluminum catamaran developed by Nic de Waal of Teknicraft Design, Auckland, New Zealand. Inspected as a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Subchapter T vessel, the newbuild will operate as a multipurpose research vessel in the near-coastal waters of northern California and Oregon and on offshore and ocean routes.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators and Representatives on Dec. 19 introduced introduced the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act, comprehensive legislation to revitalize the United States shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries.

The SHIPS for America Act was introduced by Sens. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) and Todd Young (R-Indiana) and Reps. John Garamendi (D-California) and Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi). After decades of neglect, the United States has a weakened shipbuilding capacity, a declining commercial shipping fleet dwarfed by China and a diminished ability to supply the U.S. military during wartime, the lawmakers said.