HOUSTON, TX – July 24, 2025 – SHIPPINGInsight announced Rear Admiral James Watson (ret.) as Chairman of the 2025 Leadership Roundtable, taking place October 16th as part of the premier SHIPPINGInsight 2025 conference in Houston, Texas. This invitation-only event will gather thought leaders from industry, government and academia to identify and implement strategies for accelerating the revitalization of the American maritime industry.
A distinguished maritime leader and retired U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral, Watson brings decades of leadership in maritime safety, regulatory policy, energy oversight, and innovation. His unique blend of public- and private-sector experience will guide this year’s Leadership Roundtable in navigating the strategic transition of U.S. maritime to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
“I’m delighted to chair SHIPPINGInsight’s Leadership Roundtable this year in Houston, TX,” said Watson. “We will be discussing the U.S. maritime’s transition for tomorrow’s challenges. Views from Washington, D.C. and industry leaders will be particularly applicable to advance America’s maritime security.”
Watson holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, dual Master of Science degrees in Naval Architecture and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, and a Master’s in Strategic Studies from the National Defense University.
Watson’s federal leadership roles include Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) at the U.S. Department of the Interior, where he provided regulatory oversight for offshore energy exploration and production. Earlier, as the U.S. Coast Guard’s Director of Prevention Policy for Marine Safety, Security and Stewardship, he led national policy for vessel safety, port and cargo security, and maritime investigations. He also served as the Federal On-Scene Coordinator for the response to the Macondo oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
In the private sector, Watson was Senior Vice President of Global Government Services at the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), overseeing government engagement across divisions and technologies. Before this, he was President and COO of ABS Americas Division, responsible for ABS operations throughout the Western Hemisphere.
Currently he serves as an independent maritime consultant and is a founding member of the Maritime Accelerator for Resilience (MAR). He is also the co-author of Zero Point Four, a collaborative exploration of maritime innovation and resilience.
The SHIPPINGInsight Leadership Roundtable brings together senior executives, policymakers, and top industry leaders to address critical strategic issues facing the maritime sector.
About SHIPPINGInsight
SHIPPINGInsight is the premier technology and business conference for maritime industry professionals, focused on driving innovation, collaboration, and real-world solutions. The annual conference convenes global leaders to discuss challenges, share best practices, and accelerate the deployment of technologies transforming the shipping sector.
For more information, please visit www.shippinginsight.com or contact Rachel McCloskey, r.mccloskey@shippinginsight.com.
