Washington, D.C. – April 2026 – As the United States moves to strengthen its maritime industrial base, rebuild shipbuilding capacity, secure supply chains, and compete more effectively on the global stage, SHIPPINGInsight, in partnership with American Maritime Industrial Coalition (AMIC), will host a premier leadership forum during National Maritime Week focused on one urgent question: how does America turn maritime ambition into maritime execution?
Taking place on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 in Washington, D.C., this morning program, Revitalizing the U.S. Maritime Industry, will gather influential voices from government, industry, education, and innovation to address the priorities shaping America’s maritime future.
The event will open at 09:00 with welcome remarks from Carleen Lyden Walker, CEO of SHIPPINGInsight and Co-Founder of AMIC, whose leadership has long helped unite maritime stakeholders around innovation and forward-thinking solutions, and has invested heavily in the revitalizing of the US maritime sector.
At 0905, attendees will hear an opening keynote from Maritime Administrator Stephen Carmel, offering insight into the national vision for maritime growth, resilience, and competitiveness. Senator Todd Young (R-IN), a co-sponsor of the SHIPS for America Act, has also been invited to deliver keynote remarks, underscoring the growing bipartisan attention on maritime policy, industrial readiness, and strategic trade.
Beginning at 0930, a high-level panel discussion will examine MARAD’s Pillars for Maritime Innovation, moderated by RADM James Watson. This timely session will feature experts leading critical sectors of maritime revitalization.
On Cargo Generation and Maritime Prosperity Zones, Andrew Farquharson, Department of U.S. Commerce is invited to discuss how trade growth, regional opportunity, and economic development can drive sustained maritime momentum.
Addressing Building a Resilient Logistics Architecture, Dr. Beatriz Canamary, Co-Founder of AMIC, will explore how coordinated national planning, industrial alignment, and strategic partnerships can strengthen America’s supply chain resilience.
On the critical topic of Delivering a Revitalized Maritime Workforce, Elspeth McMahon will examine education pipelines, workforce development, and the talent required to power the next generation of maritime industry.
Speaking on Creating a Modernized Shipyard and Ship Repair Capacity, Garrett Huffman, Vice President of Motiva will share perspectives on infrastructure, industrial capability, and the investments needed to rebuild domestic capacity.
For Developing an Innovation Ecosystem Capable of Driving the Next Generation of Maritime Technology, David Walker, Vice President of ABS’ Global Government Services and Executive Director of the Secretariat operating the US Center for Maritime Innovation, will highlight the role of research, technology, and cross-sector collaboration in shaping maritime’s future.
Following a networking coffee break at 1015, attendees will reconvene at 1030 for an exclusive Leadership Roundtable, where senior participants will engage in practical discussion on priorities, partnerships, and implementation strategies. The program will conclude with a summary and closing remarks.
“National Maritime Week is the ideal time for all the stakeholders in this space to convene and map the future of our industry ‘stated Ms. Walker. “Our voices need to be unified, strategic, and strong if we hope to break the logjam and get our industry back to a global leadership position. This is about how our industry impacts national security, economic, energy, climate and workforce security. This is our moment to make a difference and take action.”
With maritime now central to national security, economic resilience, energy logistics, and global competitiveness, this National Maritime Week gathering is expected to attract senior executives, policymakers, investors, shipyard leaders, ports, technology firms, educators, and maritime professionals from across the country.
Space is limited. Those serious about the future of U.S. maritime leadership are encouraged to attend. Register now and view the full agenda: SHIPPINGInsight National Maritime Week 2026 .
May 18th – May 22nd, 2026:
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.
Wednesday, May 20th:
SHIPPINGInsight, in partnership with American Maritime Industrial Coalition (AMIC), will host a premier leadership forum during National Maritime Week focused on one urgent question: how does America turn maritime ambition into maritime execution?
Interested in attending? View the agenda here!
Industry News
US Navy Wants to Spend $2B on FOreign Shipbuilding “Study and Procurement”- The U.S. Navy’s next annual budget is going to contain an unheard-of line item: a pair of multibillion-dollar studies of foreign shipbuilding options, USNI reports. The budgets for these “study and procurement efforts” are priced so high that they could easily pay for design, long-lead-time materials and initial construction contract awards, if the Navy were… Read more here.
ABS, Marinteknik, Seatech, and VINSSEN Launch Hydrogen Fuel Cell Harbor Craft Pilot Study in Singapore- In an important step to lowering emissions in one of the world’s busiest ports, ABS, Marinteknik Shipbuilders (S) Pte. Ltd., SeaTech Solutions International (S) Pte. Ltd., and VINSSEN Co., Ltd., signed a research collaboration agreement to advance the development of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered harbor craft in Singapore…Read more here.
FMC Chair Joins U.S. Opposition to IMO Carbon Plan with Warning– The chair of the Federal Maritime Commission has joined the U.S. delegation to high-stakes climate talks at the UN’s International Maritime Organization, accompanied by an explicit warning that could signal a more confrontational U.S. posture toward the proposed global shipping carbon pricing regime… Find out the rest here.
LR, Seaspan, and Technolog develop vessel with multiple fuel alternatives- The design has received Approval in Principle and is part of a joint development effort aimed at creating a more flexible, future-ready solution for regional container shipping. It offers a range of about 9,000 nautical miles on LNG and roughly 5,000 nautical miles on marine gas oil or ammonia, while accommodating 480 refrigerated containers….Find out more here.
Less Support in U.S. for Solar, Wind Energy; More for Nuclear- Majorities of Americans continue to prefer that the U.S. put more emphasis on solar and wind power for domestic energy production, but fewer now hold that view than in any of five measurements over the past 13 years. At the same time, support for greater emphasis on nuclear power has risen to its highest point to date, at 46%. Levels of support for increased use of fossil fuels like oil, coal and natural gas remain well below their highs...Read the rest here.
DNV Maritime: Energy Efficiency Remains a Top Priority for Shipowners- He notes that energy efficiency measures have long played a crucial role in reducing fuel consumption and emissions, delivering significant improvements over the past decades. Today, these measures are attracting even greater interest, as they represent the most scalable emissions-reduction levers currently available. Stefanatos also highlights that, at this early stage of the decarbonization journey, it is essential to..Read the rest here.
Tainted Bunkers in Asia Add to Shipowners’ Woes Amid Price and Supply Pressures – Compounding existing concerns over price and limited availability, shipowners seeking bunkers in Asia face another issue: tainted fuel. Marine insurer Skuld has issued an advisory warning members of a pattern of on-spec but potentially problematic fuel being bunkered across Asia, particularly in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia…Read the rest here.
Will New Fusion Reactors Beat SMRS to Market? – Back in the last century, smart alecks said that commercial fusion would always be 50 years in the future. Now, energy consultant Wood Mackenzie has taken to discussing developments in nuclear fusion as if they might not be far off. A big change in view, considering that even recently, experts figured that harnessing nuclear fusion for commercial purposes was at least fifteen years away…Read the rest here.
Supporting Organizations Spotlight
SHIPPINGInsight would like to recognize the Supporting Organizations of National Maritime Week!
National Maritime Week is made possible through the collaboration and commitment of our Supporting Organizations – the leaders across industry, government, and academia who share a common mission to strengthen and advance the U.S. maritime sector. Their partnership helps drive meaningful dialogue, foster innovation, and elevate critical issues shaping the future of maritime. Together, these organizations play a vital role in building momentum, expanding engagement, and ensuring the continued success and impact of National Maritime Week.
