DNV GL Washington Maritime Roadmap

DNV GL Helps State Develop Maritime Roadmap

The international maritime classification society and technical adviser DNV GL has been partnering with Washington state since late 2017 to develop the “Washington Maritime Blue” strategy for the sustainable development of the state’s $38 billion maritime industry, including the Columbia-Snake river system.

With that strategy now complete, the state unveiled the plan January 9 at an event in Seattle. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s Maritime Innovation Advisory Council unveiled the results of the year-long effort to develop a comprehensive strategy for leading the nation in the “blue” economy through clean technology and best practices.

The roadmap and strategy framework was driven by the Maritime Blue Task Force, comprised of hundreds of industry leaders and stakeholders from across public and private sectors. DNV GL and the Washington State Department of Commerce facilitated the stakeholder process and examined how other leading international maritime clusters have pursued similar sustainability and innovation-centric agendas.

Members of the Maritime Blue Task Force provided an overview on several of the key demonstration projects identified in the strategy. Those include the state’s plan for decarbonization, electrification of Washington state ferries, driving research and development to commercialization in maritime markets, digitalization and IT for maritime entrepreneurship, green gateway and port investments, as well as youth maritime programming, tribal engagement and rural economic development opportunities.