Houston TX – March 10th, 2025 — The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) hosted its annual Marine Operations Seminar: Operations in a Period of Disruption at the Houston Pilots offices on March 5th. This event brought together maritime professionals, students, and industry leaders to address critical challenges shaping the industry’s future. Conference discussions focused on geopolitical instability, cybersecurity, alternative fuels, maritime security, and workforce development, with subject matter experts offering insights into how industry can navigate through these turbulent times. Industry leaders also shared updates local to Houston, highlighting opportunities for engagement and collaboration within the maritime sector.
Joe Hughes, Chairman of the Managers of The American Club and Chairman of NAMEPA, set the stage with an acknowledgment of the industry’s rapidly evolving landscape. Keith Letourneau, Partner at Blank Rome, delivered the keynote address, “Between the Rhetoric and Reality in Trump’s Administration,” addressing U.S. maritime policies and the broader geopolitical impact on global shipping. He examined the implications of new tariffs, shipbuilding, and the challenges posed by China’s dominance in ship owning and manufacturing. “Over 51% of merchant ships are currently Chinese built,” Letourneau noted, emphasizing the urgent need for the U.S. to bolster its shipbuilding capabilities. He also highlighted the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) proposal which recommends steep fees for Chinese-built and/or owned vessels calling at U.S. ports.
The seminar then shifted to cybersecurity and digital risks in maritime operations, led by moderator Angeliki Zisimatou, Director of Cybersecurity at ABS. Max Bobys of HudsonCyber outlined the growing cyber threats posed by nation-states, organized crime, and the rapid integration of AI. “The biggest threat is financial crime—defrauding companies through compromised supply chains,” he warned. Mauricio Garrido, President of T&T Salvage, and Joe Hughes expanded on risk management strategies, stressing the importance of enhancing digital literacy and implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect maritime operations.
As the focus on alternative fuels expands, panelists discussed the feasibility of hydrogen, electric, and LNG solutions in the session “Alternative Fuels: Overcoming Challenges in Adoption and Infrastructure,” moderated by Jan Hagen Andersen of DNV. David Cummins, President & CEO of Blue Sky Maritime Coalition, outlined key steps for alternative fuel implementation, while Andy Morgans of Port Houston shared insights on the Port’s ongoing initiatives. Donnie Brown from CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) addressed the increasing integration of battery and LNG technologies in newbuilds, stating, “15% of newbuilds over the next five years will incorporate battery and fuel alternatives.” Mario Haldenwang of SMIT Salvage Americas reinforced the need for industry-wide training, highlighting the evolving challenges in alternative fuel spill response. “In salvage, we always have to adapt,” he said. “We tend to say this is a problem for the future, but the future is already here. We must act now.”
A compelling discussion on “Maritime Security = National Security” featured insights from Rear Admiral Jim Watson (USCG Ret.) and NAMEPA Co-Founder and CEO Carleen Lyden Walker, two of the authors who penned ZERO POINT FOUR: How US Leadership in Maritime will Secure America’s Future. The session addressed the critical need for revitalizing the U.S. maritime industry through the SHIPS Act and investment in US flag international shipping. The conversation highlighted how strengthening U.S. maritime directly supports national security, ensuring the nation’s economic and defense resilience. Walker also underscored the importance of addressing the mariner shortfall, which is already at a critical low.
The Port Houston Partnerships in Maritime Education (PHPME) panel highlighted the importance of workforce development in building a strong maritime industry. This initiative serves as a model for creating a structured pipeline that integrates industry engagement, ensuring the next generation of mariners is well-equipped for success. Moderated by Molly Dushay, Executive Director of NAMEPA, the panel featured Jacquie Young-Hall of Port Houston, John Stauffer of San Jacinto College, Capt. Nate Swerdlin of Texas City ISD, and Robert Bruce of Chevron. In a time of uncertainty, the panel stressed the need for clear workforce development strategies with collaborative approaches to strengthen both the talent pipeline and the industry’s long-term security.
To round out the conference, the Houston Happenings panel featured insights, progress and current efforts to advance maritime activities in Houston. Captain Clint Winegar of the Houston Pilots shared updates on regional maritime initiatives, including the progress on Project 11, which aims to modify and widen the Houston Ship Channel. Brian Cosgrove, Interim Director for the Houston Maritime Center & Museum, presented plans for the opening of their new building in June, complete with exhibit spaces. Meghan Reilly, Education and Outreach Manager of NAMEPA, highlighted the successful deployment of NAMEPA’s Adopt A Ship Program in the Houston market, generously sponsored by Port Houston’s Community Investments Program, and the call for more vessels to participate.
Joe Hughes concluded the seminar, reinforcing the importance of industry-wide cooperation to navigate the challenges ahead. As NAMEPA continues to lead discussions on maritime sustainability, security, and innovation, this seminar served as a crucial platform for shaping the future of maritime operations.
About NAMEPA
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.