Maritime
We have deep draft ports with a few local krakens.
One of the most vibrant maritime hubs in the U.S.
Greater Seattle’s maritime industry is one of the nation’s most dynamic maritime centers, where innovation meets tradition. Our maritime industry is a cornerstone of the region’s economy, supporting over 23,359 jobs and contributing $4.5 billion annually to the gross regional product. The strategic advantage of our deep-water ports—Everett, Seattle, and Tacoma—places us two days closer to Asia than California ports, facilitating more than $80 billion in trade each year. Greater Seattle is leading the way in building a sustainable maritime future, prioritizing decarbonization, cutting-edge innovation, and robust workforce development.
Strength in Numbers
Billion
Gross Regional Product
Billion
Revenue in 2023
Direct Jobs
Shipyards
Fishing & Seafood Operators
Where Boats are Built as Tough as the Sea Itself
The Greater Seattle region excels in marine transportation, logistics, and shipbuilding, with robust port operations that drive international trade. From seafood processing to pioneering environmental practices, the companies here are leading the charge in sustainable maritime solutions. The Greater Seattle area is a global leader in shaping the future of the blue economy, with a commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Map of Leading Maritime Companies Located in Greater Seattle
Anchored in Innovation
Maritime companies based in Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties have specialty and focus areas that create a diverse yet synergistic ecosystem.
Environmental and Sustainable Maritime Practices
Companies in this sector focus on green technology, environmental monitoring, and developing sustainable maritime solutions, including decarbonization efforts.
Maritime Blue is a strategic alliance propelling the Pacific Northwest toward global leadership in ocean-based innovation. We foster collaboration among industry, government, academia, communities, and investors to create sustainable maritime and ocean industries. We empower our region to thrive in the Blue Economy by accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship, centering equity, addressing climate change, restoring marine ecosystems, and building a diverse workforce.
DuoMojo – Located in King County, this company is involved in developing sustainable and innovative solutions for the maritime sector, including the electrification of fleets and other cleantech advancements.
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency – This agency works across the region to implement sustainability initiatives in the maritime sector, such as reducing emissions from port operations and transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
Maritime Manufacturing and Innovation
The region is also home to companies specializing in maritime technology, including navigation systems, ship design software, and autonomous vessel technology. Organizations like Ship Operations Cooperative Program, opentug, Innov8 marine group, Pacific Boats, Elliott Bay Design Group, Seabird Scientific, Sound Propeller Systems, Case Marine and Industrial, Silverback Marine, OneTank and Gybe contributing to the innovation ecosystem within the maritime industry. Many of these organizations are alumni of Maritime Blue Ventures programs.
Tug and Barge Operations
Foss Maritime, headquartered in Seattle, is known for its tug and barge services, providing transportation and logistics support for heavy and oversized cargo, as well as ship assists in harbors and terminals. Ranger Tugs designs and builds high-quality cruising tugboats, handcrafted in the USA for comfort and ease of use.
Marine Transportation and Logistics
Companies like Tote Maritime, Alaska, Lynden Transport, Washington United Terminals, Saltchuk focus on providing marine transportation services, including freight and cargo shipping, connecting the Pacific Northwest with Alaska and other destinations.
Fishing and Seafood Processing
Several companies in the region are involved in commercial fishing and seafood processing, particularly in the Port of Seattle’s Fishermen’s Terminal. This includes companies like Trident Seafoods, which manage large fleets and process seafood for global distribution. Peter Pan Seafood specializes in processing and distributing sustainable wild Alaskan seafood. OBI seafood is a leading producer of fresh, frozen, and canned wild Alaska seafood.
Port and Terminal Operations
The ports of Seattle, Tacoma, and Everett are central to the region’s maritime activities, with companies specializing in terminal operations, cargo handling, and intermodal logistics, supporting both domestic and international trade.
We deliver by taking
the road less traveled.
Building the Nation’s Greenest Maritime Hub
The Greater Seattle region is developing the most sustainable maritime industry in the nation through efforts in decarbonization, innovation and workforce development. Green Marine, a voluntary environmental certification program for the maritime industry, reports that participation among Washington state companies and organizations has increased ten-fold over the last decade.
- The Port of Tacoma and the Port of Seattle, through the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), are focusing on decarbonization, emission reductions, and environmental stewardship. Their initiatives include the Clean Truck Program, expanded shore power, and investments in sustainable infrastructure and alternative fuels. NWSA is 6th busiest cargo port in the U.S. by container volume.
- The Port of Everett is deeply committed to sustainability, with efforts in electrification, stormwater management, habitat restoration, and green building practices.
- Maritime Blue is a strategic alliance propelling the Pacific Northwest toward global leadership in ocean-based innovation. One of their initiatives is called the Quiet Sound – a voluntary program aimed at minimizing noise pollution from large commercial vessels to protect Southern Resident Killer Whales, alongside efforts to electrify the Washington State Ferries for cleaner, quieter maritime transportation.
- Tacoma’s Center for Urban Waters is advancing research and innovation to protect the Puget Sound, fostering economic development through new technologies and job creation.
- A Seattle-based Net Your Problem startup focused on collecting and recycling end-of-life fishing gear, such as nets and lines, to prevent them from becoming ocean waste. They work primarily along the West Coast and Alaska, engaging with local communities to tackle the issue of marine debris.
- Green Corridors initiatives such as the Pacific Northwest to Alaska (PNW2AK) and Pacific Northwest to Republic of Korea (ROK) green corridors are driving partnerships to create low and zero-carbon maritime routes.
From industry associations to incubators, these organizations support our thriving maritime economy: Washington Technology Industry Association, CleanTech Alliance, Northwest Innovation Resource Center, Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program, Startup253, and VertueLab, among others.
Where students dive deep into their academic pursuits.
The Greater Seattle region, encompassing Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties, is a hub for maritime talent and industry, playing a crucial role in Washington state’s economic landscape. Home to major ports in Everett, Seattle, and Tacoma the region supports a diverse array of maritime operations, from logistics and shipping to shipbuilding and seafood processing. In 2022, Washington’s maritime industry directly employed 61,900 individuals, with workers earning an average salary of $112,000. Notably, those in support services, maritime logistics, and shipbuilding sectors earned the highest wages, reflecting the vital role these skilled professionals play in maintaining the industry’s vitality. As the region continues to grow, its strong educational infrastructure ensures that the next generation of maritime talent is well-prepared to lead and innovate in this critical sector.
Latest News
A New Initiative at the Port of Tacoma Showcases the Potential of 5G Technology
This new initiative at the Port of Tacoma leverages 5G technology to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability, demonstrating the transformative potential of 5G in industrial settings.
Maritime Incentives
No personal state income tax.
No corporate income tax.
Seafood products manufacturing and selling B&O tax exemptions.
Tax exemption for batteries in electric vessel and marine propulsion systems.
Maritime Blue Innovation Accelerator.
Sales and use tax exemptions for vessel construction, repair, and maintenance.
Property tax exemptions for vessels in interstate or foreign commerce.
Grants and funding for workforce development initiatives.
Clean Energy and Sustainability Grants.
Business Expansion and Retention Programs.
Public-Private Partnerships for maritime projects.
Greater Seattle Partners Export Accelerator.
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