DNV GL Helps Washington State Develop Maritime Strategy

Washington State partnered with DNV GL in late 2017 to develop the “Washington Maritime Blue” strategy for the sustainable development of the state’s $38 billion maritime industry. With that strategy now complete, the State unveils how it plans to achieve the vision of being home to a world-class, thriving, and sustainable maritime industry by 2050.

At an event in Seattle, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee’s Maritime Innovation Advisory Council unveiled the results of their year-long effort to develop a comprehensive strategy for leading the nation in the “blue” economy through clean technology and best practices. The Washington State Department of Commerce partnered with DNV GL, the world's leading classification society and a recognized advisor to the maritime industry, to develop the strategic roadmap that will be used to guide the state toward achieving this vision.

The roadmap and supporting 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. Drawing on these insights, stakeholders identified development pathways, policy recommendations and demonstration projects that will lead to achieving the Washington Maritime Blue vision. 

The strategy roll-out

Anthony DSouza, Executive Vice President DNV GL Maritime Americas, gave a keynote address to attendees at the strategy roll-out event. DSouza spoke about the importance of fostering the growth of a sustainable “blue” economy and the opportunities that it yields, while emphasizing that collaboration between the traditional maritime industry, the tech sector, and stakeholders across the public and private sector through a cluster organization is crucial for success.

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 & development to commercialization in maritime markets, digitalization and IT for maritime entrepreneurship, green gateway and port investments, as well as youth maritime programming, and tribal engagement in blue and rural economic development opportunities.

Positioning for the future

Washington Maritime Blue is the latest large-scale collaboration project for sustainable development that DNV GL has been involved in. The company’s engagements in other similar efforts, including Norway’s Green Coastal Shipping Programme, the Sustainable Development Goals: Exploring Maritime Opportunities, and more, contributed to the global expertise that was shared with WA stakeholders.

“The opportunity to work alongside DNV GL as global leaders in maritime innovation has brought significant expertise to the initiative,” said Joshua Berger, Governor’s Maritime Sector Lead. “Not only their experience with the latest advancements in clean technology, but their ability to facilitate multiple stakeholders and perspectives makes implementing the strategy a sure success. We look forward to continuing our work together creating a world-class, thriving, and sustainable maritime industry here in Washington State and for our oceans and communities around the world.”

“The necessity for sustainability is driving change and innovation in maritime industries faster than ever before. Innovation comes with new opportunities that provide a clear and competitive advantage. The Washington Maritime Blue Strategy demonstrates that the State foresees the economic and social opportunities that exist over and above an already thriving industry and are positioning themselves to achieve advancements and spur technological progress for growth and sustainability,” said Antony DSouza. “DNV GL is a proud partner in the project to develop this Maritime Blue Strategy and will continue to support the State as it positions itself in the competitive national and international market place through the Washington Maritime Blue cluster.”

View Washington State's Strategy for the Blue Economy here.