The Port of Seattle Commission on August 11 approved another 2 years of funding for Washington Maritime Blue - a non-profit strategic alliance "formed to foster maritime innovation and sustainability in support of an inclusive blue economy."
Port's support is expected to help advance economic recovery via offering a maritime accelerator initiative, hosting maritime blue forums, as well as developing a prioritized strategic plan and budget for 2021-2022. The contract will be for 2 years at a rate of USD 150,000 annually.
Fred Felleman (Port of Seattle Commission Vice President and Maritime Blue Board member) said Port Seattle was "committed to investing in ways to advance innovation and sustainability in the maritime industry through partnerships with organizations like Washington Maritime Blue." He added it was more important than ever as they looked to jumpstart their economy that they drew "from the maritime expertise, entrepreneurial spirit and environmental ethic inherent in the Northwest to help assure that the economic recovery of our region floats the boats of those who need it most."
Port Seattle has partnered with Maritime Blue in 2019 in order to advance maritime innovation initiatives. The company piloted a successful business accelerator program, identified access to capital issues facing the maritime industry, and worked with Port Seattle on greenhouse gas reduction strategies. Maritime Blue "helps introduce youth from a diversity of backgrounds to job opportunities through the management of the Youth Maritime Collaborative with additional support from the Port of Seattle and the City of Seattle."
Investing in the partnership supports the Century Agenda objectives of the Port to be the greenest and most energy-efficient in North America and to responsibly invest in the region's economic growth.