MARAD selects ABS to lead U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation

Eda Zenic -

The U.S. Maritime Administration has recently chosen the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) to serve as the secretariat for the U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation.

This selection followed a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process. The Center, which is supported by MARAD’s Office of Environment and Innovation through the Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance (META) program, is tasked with advancing emerging marine technologies and practices related to the maritime transportation system.

The Center’s mission is to foster research, development, and deployment of new maritime technologies.

MARAD Administrator Ann Phillips said, “The U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation will serve as a strategic resource for advancing the nation’s maritime industry. The Center will be critical for engaging industry, academia, government, and other stakeholders in the setting and execution of multi-year research priorities that drive innovation.”

Over the next six months, MARAD and ABS will establish the Center, form working groups, and set research priorities, all while engaging with key maritime industry stakeholders.