The Port of Seattle and Washington Maritime Blue are renewing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), continuing their collaboration on maritime innovation and environmental stewardship.

The port announced in a press release that the MOU builds on years of successful partnership, and it will further support the development and growth of new maritime businesses working to advance approaches to solving pressing problems.

The MOU was authorized by the Port Commission on Nov. 19, 2024, establishing a framework for cooperation in areas such as decarbonization, ocean renewable energy, sustainable fishing and marine conservation.

“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.

“The Port of Seattle and Maritime Blue share a strong commitment to recruiting and training the maritime workforce of tomorrow, and this MOU plays a pivotal role in advancing those efforts,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho, who also serves as an ex-officio board member for Maritime Blue.

“Through the port’s maritime career launch program with Maritime Blue, graduates are able to earn key credentials that open doors to full-time employment in entry-level maritime roles,” added Cho.

“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.”

“This renewed partnership underscores our shared commitment to advancing the Blue Economy,” said Joshua Berger, CEO of Maritime Blue. “By combining our strengths, we can drive innovation that fuels economic growth, safeguards the health of our marine ecosystems and empowers communities.”

The press release highlighted another initiative under this collaboration, Quiet Sound, which includes the installation of hydrophones that will monitor underwater noise levels and support efforts to protect the endangered Southern Resident killer whales.

These hydrophones will provide data to inform mitigation strategies for marine life affected by commercial vessel noise.

The MOU outlines several strategic initiatives, including the Maritime Innovation Center (MInC) launch 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.