Each year, the United States celebrates National Maritime Day on May 22, commemorating the maiden transatlantic voyage of the SS Savannah in 1819. This day recognizes the vital role of the American maritime industry in supporting the nation’s economy and security while honoring those dedicated to the sector. Recognizing that a single day is not enough to reflect the industry’s vast impact, National Maritime Week was launched in 2024 to foster unity and progress across the maritime community. By bringing together leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders, the initiative promotes collaboration and innovation to strengthen the industry’s future.
Take a look at the week’s agenda!
Tuesday, May 19th:
Day of Innovation
- 0830-1200: Blue Sky Maritime Coalition Working Session*: Navigating Today’s Challenges to Ensure Future Success
Join Blue Sky Maritime Coalition for a morning focused on knowledge sharing and collaboration
Identify solution-oriented actions that we can all take to ensure the maritime industry can thrive for decades to come
This event will aim to generate a shared sense across all maritime subsectors that through collaboration and cohesive approaches, US maritime companies can not only survive the current economic and geopolitical situation, but continue to build toward a more sustainable industry.
Hear from industry leaders
How the world has changed since Blue Sky’s 2025 and 2024 gatherings in Washington, DC
How these changes are impacting their various business lines
Steps they are taking to safeguard their competitive edge and secure a sustainable future
Contribute to the conversation
Discuss your challenges and the work-arounds you’ve implemented
Identify collaborators and tangible actions that can support the future you want to see
Space is limited. Registration is required.
1300-1600: U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation Cafe*:
- Identify emerging concepts, technologies and capabilities for the commercial maritime use of SMRs.
- Understand the economics of innovative maritime SMR technologies and capabilities
1845 – 2245: Blue Sky Maritime Coalition in partnership with National Maritime Week’s Networking: Nationals vs Mets Game
Relax after the day’s events and expand your professional network while enjoying America’s favorite pastime!
Blue Sky Maritime Coalition is pleased to facilitate this event and has secured preferred pricing for Blue Sky members and National Maritime Week attendees. All are welcome to attend.
First Pitch: 6:45pm
Nationals Park: 1500 South Capitol St. S
Wednesday, May 20th:
0830-1230: SHIPPINGInsight in Partnership with AMIC: Identifying the Ecosystem for Revitalizing the U.S. Maritime Industry
- 0800 – Registration and networking
- 0900 – Welcome and Introduction- Carleen Lyden Walker, Chief Evolution Officer, SHIPPINGInsight
- 0915 – Opening Keynote: Stephen Carmel, Maritime Administrator
- Opening Keynote: Senator Todd Young, Sponsor of the SHIPS Act for America, Invited
- 0930 – Panel Discussions on MARAD’s Pillars for Maritime Innovation:
- Moderated by RADM James Watson, USCG (ret.)
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- Cargo Generation and Maritime Prosperity Zones – Deputy Asst Secretary Andrew Farquharson, U.S. Department of Commerce
- Building a Resilient Logistics Architecture – Dr. Beatriz Canamary, Co-Founder, AMIC
- Delivering a Revitalized Maritime Workforce – Elspeth McMahon, PHD, Associate Vice President for Maritime Initiatives, Old Dominion University
- Creating a Modernized Shipyard and Ship Repair Capacity – Garrett Huffman, Vice President, Motiva
- Developing an Innovation Ecosystem Capable of Driving the Next Generation of Maritime Technology – David Walker, Executive Director for the Secretariat Operating the U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation; Vice President, ABS
1015 – Coffee Break
1030 – Leadership Roundtable
1145- Summary and Close
1200 – Luncheon
1330-1530: NAMEPA’s Washington D.C. Regional Gathering & Workshop: Workforce Development*: The U.S. Maritime Action Plan (MAP) emphasizes enhancing maritime workforce education and training. This session will showcase collaboration among industry, education, and training organizations to strengthen the maritime workforce pipeline, highlighting contributions from NAMEPA and others aligned with MAP’s national priorities.
Speakers include:
- Opening Keynote: Dr. Robert “Navy Bob” Roncska, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Leading With Love
- Molly Dushay, Executive Director, NAMEPA
- Melissa Hebert, President & CEO, Marimed Foundation
- Jacquie Young, Workforce Development Program Manager, Port Houston
- Military Sealift Command (MSC)
1730 – 1930: The National Association of Waterfront Employees (NAWE) is hosting an event at 2167 Rayburn House Office Building in celebration of National Maritime Day.
Thursday, May 21st:
Fueling the Future of Shipping: Bioenergy at Sea with ABMI: Join American maritime biofuel stakeholders for a focused forum on the policies and practicalities shaping the sector’s future. The event will explore federal and international regulatory developments, address barriers to entry and safety considerations for alternative fuels, assess pathways to scalability and commercial adoption, and review economic considerations for bioenergy-based fuels. The session is designed to foster actionable dialogue and cross-sector alignment to accelerate progress across the marine biofuels value chain.
NAMEPA Safety at Sea Seminar and AMVER & Benkert Awards: NAMEPA’s Safety at Sea Seminar is a cornerstone event highlighting critical maritime safety discussions. This gathering will feature the presentation of the USCG’s AMVER Awards, recognizing the exceptional commitment of the shipping community to safety and rescue at sea. The United States Coast Guard will also be presenting the Benkert Award, given to those who excel in marine environment protection.
Propeller Club Port of Washington D.C.’s Maritime Day Reception: Each year, on or around National Maritime Day, The Propeller Club makes a special effort to thank the people of the maritime industry for their dedication in promoting commerce and protecting our freedoms. As well we highlight the importance of our industry and our maritime heritage. And every year on or right around that date, The Propeller Club of Washington, D.C. hosts a National Maritime Day event. This year, the event will be held at the Hart Senate Office Building beginning at 5:30 PM.
Friday, May 22nd
MARAD’s National Maritime Day Celebration: On the morning of National Maritime Day, MARAD will kick off the day in celebration.
Supporting Organizations
Supporting Media Organizations
If you are interested in National Maritime Week 2026 and how you can become a Supporting Organization, contact Carleen Lyden Walker, CEO@NAMEPA.net.
Contact NAMEPA
(203) 255-4686
contact@namepa.net
21 Davis Hill Road
Weston, CT 06883
United States
North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
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