SHIPPINGInsight Brings Top Maritime Leaders to Washington for National Maritime Week 2026 in Partnership with American Maritime Industrial Coalition: Powerhouse Speakers, Critical Policy Conversations, and Industry Action to Shape the Future of U.S. Maritime Might

Washington, D.C. – April 2026 – As the United States moves to strengthen its maritime industrial base, rebuild shipbuilding capacity, secure supply chains, and compete more effectively on the global stage, SHIPPINGInsight, in partnership with American Maritime Industrial Coalition (AMIC), will host a premier leadership forum during National Maritime Week focused on one urgent question: how does America turn maritime ambition into maritime execution?

Taking place on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 in Washington, D.C., this morning program, Revitalizing the U.S. Maritime Industry, will gather influential voices from government, industry, education, and innovation to address the priorities shaping America’s maritime future.

The event will open at 09:00 with welcome remarks from Carleen Lyden Walker, CEO of SHIPPINGInsight and Co-Founder of AMIC, whose leadership has long helped unite maritime stakeholders around innovation and forward-thinking solutions, and has invested heavily in the revitalizing of the US maritime sector.

At 0905, attendees will hear an opening keynote from Maritime Administrator Stephen Carmel, offering insight into the national vision for maritime growth, resilience, and competitiveness. Senator Todd Young (R-IN), a co-sponsor of the SHIPS for America Act, has also been invited to deliver keynote remarks, underscoring the growing bipartisan attention on maritime policy, industrial readiness, and strategic trade.

Beginning at 0930, a high-level panel discussion will examine MARAD’s Pillars for Maritime Innovation, moderated by RADM James Watson. This timely session will feature experts leading critical sectors of maritime revitalization.

On Cargo Generation and Maritime Prosperity Zones, Andrew Farquharson, Department of U.S. Commerce is invited to discuss how trade growth, regional opportunity, and economic development can drive sustained maritime momentum.

Addressing Building a Resilient Logistics Architecture, Dr. Beatriz Canamary, Co-Founder of AMIC, will explore how coordinated national planning, industrial alignment, and strategic partnerships can strengthen America’s supply chain resilience.

On the critical topic of Delivering a Revitalized Maritime Workforce, Elspeth McMahon will examine education pipelines, workforce development, and the talent required to power the next generation of maritime industry.

Speaking on Creating a Modernized Shipyard and Ship Repair Capacity, Garrett Huffman, Vice President of Motiva will share perspectives on infrastructure, industrial capability, and the investments needed to rebuild domestic capacity.

For Developing an Innovation Ecosystem Capable of Driving the Next Generation of Maritime Technology, David Walker, Vice President of ABS’ Global Government Services and Executive Director of the Secretariat operating the US Center for Maritime Innovation, will highlight the role of research, technology, and cross-sector collaboration in shaping maritime’s future.

Following a networking coffee break at 1015, attendees will reconvene at 1030 for an exclusive Leadership Roundtable, where senior participants will engage in practical discussion on priorities, partnerships, and implementation strategies. The program will conclude with a summary and closing remarks.

“National Maritime Week is the ideal time for all the stakeholders in this space to convene and map the future of our industry ‘stated Ms. Walker. “Our voices need to be unified, strategic, and strong if we hope to break the logjam and get our industry back to a global leadership position. This is about how our industry impacts national security, economic, energy, climate and workforce security. This is our moment to make a difference and take action.”

With maritime now central to national security, economic resilience, energy logistics, and global competitiveness, this National Maritime Week gathering is expected to attract senior executives, policymakers, investors, shipyard leaders, ports, technology firms, educators, and maritime professionals from across the country.

Space is limited. Those serious about the future of U.S. maritime leadership are encouraged to attend. Register now and view the full agenda: SHIPPINGInsight National Maritime Week 2026.