The Port of Seattle and Washington Maritime Blue are renewing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) continuing their long-standing collaboration on maritime innovation and environmental stewardship. Building on years of successful partnership, this renewed MOU will further the productive partnership between the Port and Maritime Blue in supporting the development and growth of new maritime businesses working to advance innovative approaches to solving some of the Port and our region’s most pressing problems. This partnership also advances maritime businesses in a global marketplace, creates living wage jobs, and supports an innovative hub to reinforce Washington’s position as a leader in maritime innovation and sustainability.
The MOU was authorized by the Port Commission on November 19, 2024, establishing a framework for cooperation in areas such as decarbonization, ocean renewable energy, sustainable fishing, and marine conservation.
“Continuing the collaboration between the Port and Maritime Blue is essential to our work to build a sustainable port for the future,” said Port of Seattle Commission President Hamdi Mohamed. “Maritime Blue’s presence at the Maritime Innovation Center at Fishermen’s Terminal will make it the heart of Seattle’s Maritime innovation economy, where emerging Maritime companies can solve industry problems, find technical and financial support, and grow their ideas into reality.”
"The Port of Seattle and Maritime Blue share a strong commitment to recruiting and training the maritime workforce of tomorrow, and this MOU plays a pivotal role in advancing those efforts," said Port of Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho, who also serves as an ex officio Board Member for Maritime Blue.* "Through the Port’s maritime career launch program, in collaboration with Maritime Blue, graduates are able to earn key credentials that open doors to full-time employment in entry-level maritime roles. We are excited to continue to grow and expand this partnership and look forward to helping even more participants launch successful careers in the coming years."
“This renewed partnership underscores our shared commitment to advancing the Blue Economy,” said Joshua Berger, CEO of Maritime Blue. “By combining our strengths, we can drive innovation that fuels economic growth, safeguards the health of our marine ecosystems, and empowers communities.”
Another initiative under this collaboration, Quiet Sound, includes the installation of hydrophones, which will monitor underwater noise levels and support efforts to protect the endangered Southern Resident killer whales. By detecting and recording underwater sounds, these hydrophones will provide critical data to inform mitigation strategies for marine life affected by commercial vessel noise.
The MOU outlines several strategic initiatives, including the launch of the Maritime Innovation Center (MInC) at the Port’s Fishermen's Terminal, which will serve as a hub for emerging maritime companies. The MInC aims to facilitate collaboration and support startups focused on the Blue Economy and ocean-based climate solutions.
The partnership also highlights the importance of community engagement and the role of diverse stakeholders in driving positive change. Through joint efforts, including the Youth Maritime Career Launch Program, Maritime Blue and the Port will work to cultivate a thriving maritime ecosystem that emphasizes justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
**Editorial Note: Due to Commissioner Sam Cho’s ex officio role with Maritime Blue, he did not participate in Commission discussion or votes related to this MOU.**
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Port of Seattle Media Contact
Chris Guizlo | Media Officer
[email protected]
Maritime Blue Media Contact
Hannah Shore | Shore Strategic Solutions Founder and Principal Consultant
[email protected]
About Maritime Blue
Maritime Blue is a strategic alliance propelling the Pacific Northwest toward global leadership in ocean-based innovation. We foster collaboration among industry, government, academia, communities, and investors to create sustainable maritime and ocean industries. We empower our region to thrive in the Blue Economy by accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship, centering equity, addressing climate change, restoring marine ecosystems, and building a diverse workforce. Strategic focus areas include maritime decarbonization, renewable ocean energy, sustainable fisheries and seafood, healthy ocean ecosystems, and digital solutions.
