The Undaunted/Pere Marquette 41 in Ludington
LANSING — Earlier this week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the Michigan Maritime Strategy, a first-of-its-kind, 10-year-plan designed to unlock economic growth and create good-paying jobs across Michigan’s multi-billion-dollar maritime industry. The strategy provides a clear roadmap for attracting new investments, fostering innovation, and strengthening Michigan’s water-based economy all while protecting the precious natural resources that define the Great Lakes State.
“Michigan is prepared to lead the future of maritime innovation while protecting the waters that define us,” said Whitmer. “The Michigan Maritime Strategy is a long-term plan for us to create good-paying local jobs and attract cutting-edge investments while protecting our Great Lakes, which contain 21% of the world’s fresh surface water. Because of our unique natural resources, we have an incredible opportunity to harness them to grow our economy and an awesome responsibility to safeguard them for future generations of Michiganders. With this new strategy, we will do both, ensuring our waters remain a source of pride and prosperity for generations to come.”
The strategy centers on six goals for decision-making, policymaking, and investment:
- Modernize ports and invest in intermodal infrastructure.
- Grow Michigan’s maritime manufacturing economy.
- Accelerate adoption of low- and zero-emission vessel technologies and fuels.
- Lead the nation in recruitment, training, and retention of the maritime workforce.
- Cultivate a thriving maritime innovation ecosystem.
- Increase sustainability and resilience of recreation harbors and marinas.
The plan could have an impact on Ludington, which has been a strategic port city for over 150 years. It is currently home port to three operating commercial vessels, the SS Badger, the articulated tug/barge Undaunted/Pere Marquette 41 and the articulated tug/barge Spartan/Spartan II. Ships often deliver materials to docks owned by Interlake Maritime Services (contracted to Rieth-Riley Construction) and Occidental Chemical. This past year there have been discussions to bring Great Lakes cruise ships to the Port of Ludington.
“The Michigan Maritime Strategy underscores our commitment to protecting the Great Lakes while driving sustainable economic growth,” said Phil Roos, director of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). “By reducing pollution and harmful emissions and investing in cleaner energy, modern infrastructure, and innovative ports and vessels, we can strengthen Michigan’s maritime sector and create good-paying jobs. Environmental stewardship and economic progress go hand in hand as we chart a course for the future.”
“Our Great Lakes are Michigan’s greatest natural asset,” said Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Scott Bowen. “The Michigan Maritime Strategy supports responsible maritime sector growth while safeguarding coastal habitats, fisheries, and recreational opportunities that sustain our communities, tourism economy, and quality of life.”
Michigan ports support approximately 17,000 jobs and contribute $3.3 billion a year to the state economy. Water-based Michigan tourism supports about 45,000 jobs and generates nearly $12 billion a year.
Through the Michigan Maritime Strategy, the Michigan departments of EGLE, Transportation (MDOT), Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), and Natural Resources (DNR), along with the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) in the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) will align state priorities to support economic development, infrastructure modernization, marine manufacturing, clean energy, innovation, workforce development, and sustainability.
“Michigan’s Maritime Strategy is about preparing people for careers that power our economy, from port operations and marine manufacturing to emerging clean energy technologies,” said Susan Corbin, director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “By aligning workforce training with industry needs, we’re opening pathways to good-paying, future-ready jobs for Michiganders.”
“A strong maritime sector will move Michigan-grown products efficiently and reliably to markets at home and around the world,” said Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Tim Boring. “This strategy strengthens ports and supply chains that support farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities across the state.”
Michigan Department of Transportation Director Bradley Wieferich said the strategy is key to modernizing ports, expanding markets, diversifying cargo, and improving supply chain resilience.
“It will ensure our marine highways remain efficient, reliable, and competitive while supporting economic development and global connectivity,” Wieferich said.
“Michigan is a natural to lead the way in clean energy solutions for the maritime industry,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation Director Quentin Messer. “The strategy charts a clear path toward sustainability and prosperity by advancing clean marine fuels, electrification, and innovative shipbuilding technologies.”
The strategy was developed through a year-long, stakeholder-driven process led by EGLE’s Office of the Great Lakes with support from state agencies and partners. Facilitated by the University of Michigan’s Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, the effort engaged more than 200 participants from government, industry, business, communities, and academia through interviews, site visits, and workshops. The strategy builds on key state initiatives, including Michigan’s clean energy laws, mobility and climate plans, and workforce development efforts.
The announcement opens an opportunity for additional review and comments by interested parties before the Strategy is formally adopted. The draft strategy can be viewed at Michigan.gov/maritime. Comments may be submitted to Simon Belisle at belisles@michigan.gov by Feb. 27.
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