May 14, 2025: Washington, D.C. –The Maritime Accelerator for Resilience (MAR) announced today that Senator Mark Kelly and Congressman John Garamendi, two of the sponsors of the SHIPS for America Act, will be delivering keynotes at their event “Revitalizing the U.S. Maritime Industry” on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The event will be held at the ABS’ Offices, located at 80 M St SE in Washington, D.C.
Hard on the heels of the SHIPS Act and the Administration’s Executive Order on Shipbuilding, designed to restore America’s maritime dominance, MAR’s event brings together maritime executives, innovative leaders, and key partners to dissect a new vision for America’s maritime future. This event is a part of National Maritime Week, taking place from May 20th to May 22nd in Washington, D.C.
“The MAR team is committed to expanding America’s international maritime leadership,” stated RADM Jim Watson, USCG (Ret.) and Co-Author of MAR’s book ZERO POINT FOUR – How U.S. Leadership in Maritime Will Secure America’s Future. “This event highlights how the SHIPS for America Act will restore the U.S. maritime industry’s ranking as a global commercial sea power.”
This session will spotlight the SHIPS Act and the efforts to rebuild U.S. maritime capacity, strengthen shipbuilding and industrial infrastructure, and promote a resilient maritime industry. Attendees will hear directly from key voices shaping U.S. maritime policy and strategy, including USCG Rear Admiral Wayne Arguin; Carl Bentzel, President of National Association of Waterfront Employers; Mike Roberts of Hudson Institute; Matt Paxton of Shipbuilders Council of America; David Walker, ABS and Center Maritime Innovation; Tony Huston, Quadrant Nuclear Industries; Jim Patti of MIRAID; Craig Hooper of the California Forever Project; Bob Bowers of the USMMI; George Kochanowski, CEO/CTO STAXXON containers; Carleen Lyden Walker, CEO of SeaTrain Technology and, along with RADM Jim Watson, USCG (Ret), Co-Authors of MAR’s ZERO POINT FOUR – How U.S. Leadership in Maritime Will Secure America’s Future.
The morning will be moderated by Bruce Kimbrell, National Security Affairs and Brent Sadler, Heritage Foundation and will be followed by a working sandwich lunch.
This forum relays the expertise, urgency, and leadership necessary to activate change that will benefit our national security, economic stability, and industrial resilience. Members of the press, policymakers, and industry stakeholders are encouraged to attend.
This event has been made possible through our Gold event sponsor, Navaya Maritime, and MAR.
About Maritime Accelerator for Resilience
The Maritime Accelerator for Resilience (“MAR”) is a U.S.-based maritime organization, operating as a Maritime Policy Accelerator, at the forefront of innovation and industry leadership. Collaborating with influential figures in shipping, ocean policy, and innovation, MAR aims to catalyze transformative change within the United States, and across the world.