The American Great Lakes Ports Association (AGLPA) and the Great Lakes Alliance of Shipyards (GLAS) have entered into a new agreement to enhance shipbuilding, port infrastructure, and maritime trade in the Great Lakes region.
This memorandum of understanding, announced on Wednesday, establishes the first formal collaboration between U.S. ports and shipyards in the area. The agreement was signed on July 31 at AGLPA's annual conference held in Chicago.
Under this agreement, both organizations will work together on various aspects such as domestic shipbuilding, vessel repairs, modernization, fleet renewal, cargo expansion, workforce development, and federal maritime policies.
The partnership comes as the federal government aims to rebuild the U.S. maritime industry and boost domestic shipbuilding. Great Lakes ports and shipyards believe this is a chance for their region to take on a bigger role in the national effort.
“The Great Lakes have always been one of America’s most important maritime gateways, and their ongoing success relies on the strength of the industries that support them,” stated Capt. Paul LaMarre III, president of AGLPA.
LaMarre emphasized that uniting ports and shipyards would help grow American shipbuilding, create skilled jobs, and strengthen the Great Lakes as a vital part of the country's transportation and industrial framework.
Patrick Kelly, CEO of Fraser Industries, represented GLAS during the signing of the agreement.
“By collaborating, shipyards and ports can boost domestic vessel construction, enhance supply-chain resilience, invest in skilled labor, and ensure this area remains a leading center for maritime commerce and industrial capabilities,” Kelly remarked.
This agreement also aims for better coordination on new cargo and export opportunities, along with investments in port and shipyard infrastructure and the recruitment and training of maritime workers.
John A. Witte Jr., president and CEO of Donjon Marine, noted that closer cooperation could reveal new prospects for vessel construction, repair, and modernization while aiding the commercial activities essential for the Great Lakes maritime economy.
“The Great Lakes have the industrial capacity, skilled workforce, and technical expertise to take a leading role in the renewal of American shipbuilding,” added Jan Allman, CEO of Fincantieri Marinette Marine.
The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway system creates a direct maritime route between the U.S. industrial heartland and global markets. Both groups believe that enhancing the region's shipyards and ports could broaden this role and support national efforts to boost U.S. maritime capacity.
While the MOU is voluntary and non-binding, it sets a structure for the two organizations to collaborate on common goals and federal policies.
AGLPA Executive Director Brian Oszakiewski mentioned that they anticipate the coalition will expand.
“This initiative is about more than just signing a document. We are creating a lasting partnership between two industries whose futures are closely linked,” Oszakiewski said.
Other shipyards and maritime organizations may join the partnership in the future, pending approval from the original signatories.