The Port of Seattle and Washington Maritime Blue are renewing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on maritime innovation and environmental stewardship.
The MOU establishes a framework for cooperation in areas such as decarbonization, ocean renewable energy, sustainable fishing, and marine conservation. It also outlines several strategic initiatives, including the launch of the Maritime Innovation Center (MInC) at the Port’s Fishermen’s Terminal, which will serve as a hub for emerging maritime companies. The MInC aims to facilitate collaboration and support startups focused on the Blue Economy and ocean-based climate solutions.
Another initiative under this collaboration, Quiet Sound, includes the installation of hydrophones, which will monitor underwater noise levels and support efforts to protect the endangered Southern Resident killer whales. By detecting and recording underwater sounds, these hydrophones will provide critical data to inform mitigation strategies for marine life affected by commercial vessel noise.
“Continuing the collaboration between the Port and Maritime Blue is essential to our work to build a sustainable port for the future,” said Port of Seattle Commission President Hamdi Mohamed. “Maritime Blue’s presence at the Maritime Innovation Center at Fishermen’s Terminal will make it the heart of Seattle’s Maritime innovation economy, where emerging Maritime companies can solve industry problems, find technical and financial support, and grow their ideas into reality.”
Port of Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho, who also serves as an ex officio Board Member for Maritime Blue said the partnership would help launch people in maritime careers. “Through the Port’s maritime career launch program, in collaboration with Maritime Blue, graduates are able to earn key credentials that open doors to full-time employment in entry-level maritime roles. We are excited to continue to grow and expand this partnership and look forward to helping even more participants launch successful careers in the coming years.”
