MARAD Taps ABS to Establish U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has chosen the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) to establish and maintain the U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation as its secretariat.

The decision, made through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process, marks a significant step towards advancing the nation’s maritime industry.

The virtual Center, supported by MARAD’s Office of Environment and Innovation through the Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance (META) program, will focus on promoting the study, research, development, assessment, and deployment of emerging marine technologies and practices related to the maritime transportation system.

“The U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation will serve as a strategic resource for advancing the nation’s maritime industry,” said MARAD Administrator Ann Phillips. “The Center will be critical for engaging industry, academia, government, and other stakeholders in the setting and execution of multi-year research priorities that drive innovation.”

Over the next six months, MARAD and ABS will establish the Center, its working groups, and functions, while determining research priorities and associated projects. This process will involve extensive engagement with maritime industry stakeholders.

Key areas of focus for the Center may include vessel and port emission reductions, development of technologies to minimize aquatic nuisance species, mitigation of vessel-generated underwater noise, and other emergent environmental issues.

The establishment of the Center aligns with the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (NDAA), which directs the Secretary of Transportation to create a United States Center for Maritime Innovation to address emerging environmental challenges faced by the maritime transportation system.

MARAD previously announced the availability of $2,000,000 in funding, with up to $500,000 earmarked for the Center’s establishment and project management expenses.

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up