Houston, TX – After a successful launch in 2024, NAMEPA (The North American Marine Environment Protection Association) is excited to return to Houston to continue advancing the NAMEPA Regions initiative, a national effort to foster collaboration by stakeholders across key maritime markets. This year, NAMEPA will focus on expanding existing projects, addressing emerging opportunities, and driving forward discussions that enhance community engagement, workforce development, and the value proposition of the maritime industry.
You can register now for Thursday, March 6 at Port Houston now!
Houston’s significance as a global maritime hub and the centerpiece of maritime innovation in the United States continues to grow, making it a natural location for NAMEPA’s ongoing efforts. The Regions initiative aims to unite stakeholders across Houston’s maritime sector, including port authorities, environmental organizations, operators, charterers, educational institutions, and service providers, to identify and support sustainable solutions that enhance the industry’s future.
Following the momentum from last year’s launch in Houston, the March 2025 Regional Gathering will explore critical topics building on current projects, addressing emerging opportunities, and engaging in discussions on how we can continue strengthening Houston’s maritime community. Discussions will focus on workforce initiatives, the development of the next generation of mariners, and fostering economic growth while maintaining sustainable practices in maritime operations.
“We’re excited to be back in Houston to continue the important work that began last year,” said Carleen Lyden Walker, Co-Founder and CEO of NAMEPA. “The conversations we’ve had so far have been instrumental in shaping a path forward, and we’re eager to build on that momentum in 2025. Houston’s maritime community is a key player in driving change, and we’re here to continue supporting those efforts and facilitating meaningful collaboration.”
The event will feature a regional panel discussion on topics including sustainable growth, workforce development, Houston’s future as a global maritime center, and community engagement. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in interactive workshop sessions to discuss maritime stewardship, economic value, and workforce development initiatives.
Developing Agenda:
- Building on Momentum: NAMEPA’s Regions Initiative
- Panel Discussion:
- Port Perspectives: Driving Sustainable Growth and Innovation
- Engaging the Community
- Charting the Course: Empowering the Next Generation of Mariners
- Workshop Session:
- Maritime Stewardship and Economic Value
- Workforce Development & Community Engagement
This event is open to all maritime industry stakeholders, including those who have not previously participated in NAMEPA’s initiatives. By fostering open dialogue and collaboration, NAMEPA continues to advance its mission of promoting a sustainable and resilient maritime industry.
Contact: Molly Dushay, Executive Director, North American Marine Environment Protection Association (m.dushay@namepa.net)
About North American Marine Environment Protection Association
The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is a maritime industry-led organization of environmental stewards preserving the marine environment by promoting sustainable marine industry best practices and educating seafarers, students and the public about the need and strategies for protecting global ocean, lake and river resources. For more information visit www.namepa.net.
