On October 9, 2024, the US Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced the selection of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) to serve as the secretariat for the U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation.
The Center, funded by MARAD’s Office of Environment and Innovation through the Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance (META) program, aims to facilitate the study and deployment of emerging marine technologies and practices within the maritime transportation system.
MARAD Administrator Ann Phillips emphasized the Center’s strategic role in advancing the maritime industry, stating it will engage industry, academia, government, and other stakeholders to define and execute long-term research priorities that foster innovation.
Over the next six months, MARAD and ABS will work together to establish the Center, including its working groups and functions, while setting research priorities and initiating associated projects. This initiative will involve extensive engagement with maritime industry stakeholders.
