Preserving the marine environment by promoting sustainable maritime industry
best practices & educating the public to Save Our Seas.
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Back in December, when I coined the name for our Houston Marine Operations seminar - “Operations in a Period of Disruption”, I certainly didn’t anticipate the extent of the upheaval brought by the new Administration! I expected we would have some sedate comments on the transition, look at some of the risks attached to the increase in digitalization, examine the landscape for alternative fuels, and more!
Just in the past month alone, the world has turned upside down! We are looking forward to next week’s meeting to help make sense of it all! The opportunity of enlightening us as to the impacts of the new Administration fall to Blank Rome’s Keith LeTourneau, who will endeavor to summarize the implications of the myriad of changes facing maritime. ABS’ Director of Cybersecurity, Angeliki Zisimatou will guide us as we negotiate the challenges posed by digitalization, automation, cyber security and risk mitigation. Following that we will dive into the world of Alternative Fuels and their challenges plus infrastructure requirements, led by Jan Hagen Andersen of DNV.
After a short break, I will be joined by one of my co-authors of ZERO POINT FOUR, RDML James Watson (USCG Ret.), to discuss strategies to revitalize US maritime industry, followed by Molly Dushay’s panel on workforce development in the Houston area, ending with “Houston Happenings”.
And if that isn’t enough, we will be hosted by Port Houston on board the M/V Sam Houston for our Regions event, addressing key issues of opportunity for Houston. PLUS the rodeo is in town!
We hope to see you next week in Houston!
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Carleen Lyden Walker
Co-Founder & CEO
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Marine Operations Seminar 2025 | |
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NAMEPA is heading back to Houston for its annual Marine Operations Conference to be held on March 5th, 2025, at the headquarters of the Houston Pilots in Houston from 1200 to 1630 hrs. The theme for this year’s groundbreaking conference, entitled “Operations in a Period of Disruption”, invites maritime companies and industry leaders to examine the challenges and disruptions currently shaping the industry.
Attendees will explore pressing issues through keynote presentations from United States Coast Guard leadership and a review of rhetoric versus reality in the new administration, panel discussions, and collaborative sessions, covering operational resilience, alternative fuels, national and maritime security, and workforce development. Key discussions on navigating disruption in cybersecurity, digitalization, automation, and risk management in maritime operations will be held, as well as overcoming challenges in adoption and infrastructure concerning alternative fuels.
These are the conversations you will not want to miss!
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After a successful launch in 2024, NAMEPA is excited to return to Houston to continue advancing the NAMEPA Regions initiative, a national effort to foster collaboration by stakeholders across key maritime markets. This year, NAMEPA will focus on expanding existing projects, addressing emerging opportunities, and driving forward discussions that enhance community engagement, workforce development, and the value proposition of the maritime industry.
Houston’s significance as a global maritime hub and the centerpiece of maritime innovation in the United States continues to grow, making it a natural location for NAMEPA’s ongoing efforts. The Regions initiative aims to unite stakeholders across Houston’s maritime sector, including port authorities, environmental organizations, operators, charterers, educational institutions, and service providers, to identify and support sustainable solutions that enhance the industry’s future.
Following the momentum from last year’s launch in Houston, the March 2025 Regional Gathering will explore critical topics building on current projects, addressing emerging opportunities, and engaging in discussions on how we can continue strengthening Houston’s maritime community. Discussions will focus on workforce initiatives, the development of the next generation of mariners, and fostering economic growth while maintaining sustainable practices in maritime operations.
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Calling all NAMEPA Members! | |
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Join us for "NAMEPA Blue Horizons," an exclusive NAMEPA member-only speed networking event designed for maritime professionals! Happening on February 27th, featuring a member highlight from Cargill. This is your chance to engage in focused conversations with peers and industry experts. Topics for discussion include: Changes in Sustainability in Maritime Operations, Technology, Innovation and Regulations, Collaboration and Partnerships in Marine Operations.
Expect rapid small group networking sessions, themed breakout discussions on key topics and a quickfire member spotlight to share expertise. Expand your network and explore collaboration opportunities!
This event is for members only! Not sure if you are a member? Reach out to our team and we would be happy to confirm your status. Anyone within a member organization is allow to participate! Don't miss out!
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Port of the Future Conference April 1st-3rd 2025 | |
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The 2025 Port of the Future ConferenceTM is focused on creating and revitalizing our Nation’s seaports, infrastructure, and processes – across maritime, air, land, and cyber domains. This symposium addresses the urgent and emerging issues facing ports of entry, regulators, and associated industries.
This year’s Conference brings together the leaders of more than 60 seaports from the United States and Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Central and South America to Houston – offering their vast accumulated knowledge and experiences to address the port and maritime industries’ most pressing challenges, formulate viable solutions, highlight innovations, and identify best practices.
The Conference offers free registration to its speakers and to one representative from each participating port. The 2025 Port of the Future ConferenceTM is shaped by new concepts, research and innovation, advances in technology, increased dependence on automation, enhancements in data security and information sharing, and heightened environmental compliance – all impacting the ability to move cargo and people rapidly and securely across international borders.
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Welcome to the NAMEPA Community! | | |
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Please join us in welcoming MITAGS to our NAMEPA community!
MITAGS is a non-profit vocational training center dedicated to preparing individuals for careers in the maritime industry and helping professional mariners advance their skills. With a strong commitment to high-quality education, MITAGS utilizes cutting-edge technology and innovative teaching techniques to equip students with the knowledge and expertise needed to succeed in today’s merchant marine.
We’re thrilled to have MITAGS as part of our network and look forward to their contributions to the maritime industry and environmental stewardship.
Welcome aboard MITAGS!
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Education & Outreach News | | |
Meet our Intern: Erin Donlan | |
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Hi everyone! My name is Erin Donlan, and I’m currently a student at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, set to graduate in 2026. I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Marine Science, Safety, and Environmental Protection, with a concentration in Shipboard Environment, Health, and Safety Officer. My goal is to become an Environmental Officer in the cruise line or shipping industry.
My passion for this career began with my experiences on cruise vacations—I fell in love with being on a ship and knew I wanted to make it a part of my future. At MMA, I am actively involved in the regiment as a Deck Squad Leader in 4th Company. I also participate in extracurricular activities, including volleyball and softball. I have played softball since I was young and picked up volleyball in high school at Kent School. During my college breaks, I work at USA Elite, a softball training facility.
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CMA Foundation Maritime Careers Day | |
On Thursday February 13th, NAMEPA's Education and Outreach Manager Meghan Reilly and NAMEPA Intern Erin Donlan, Massachusetts Maritime Academy Junior, participated in the CMA Foundation Maritime Careers Day at Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk. They spent the morning talking with the students about maritime and marine science careers, how they got started in the maritime industry and answering any questions they had. NAMEPA was able to distribute our educational materials and discussion the importance of the marine environment and the maritime industry. | |
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Calling all educators! Join the race and be a part of The 6th Annual Recycle Regatta! Apply the engineering method and become environmental stewards as you repurpose recyclables into seaworthy vessels! Master buoyancy, engineering, and physics obstacles to race your boat creations to victory.
The Recycle Regatta is a free, fun, hands-on competition for students anywhere and runs from Februaru 10th - April 30th! Build a model sailboat from recycled and repurposed materials and race to victory while discovering engineering, mathematics, sailing, buoyancy, and stewardship.
Classrooms, boating centers, and community organizations are also invited to host their own “Regatta” and submit entries.
The Recycle Regatta is aligned to:
– Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
– Ocean Literacy Principles (OLP)
– Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
While also gaining an appreciation for recycling and stewardship, participating students will walk away from the Recycle Regatta with an increased knowledge of:
– Engineering
– Environmental Conservation
– Mathematics
– SEL skills (Teamwork, Confidence, and Perseverance)
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NAMEPA's Annual K-12 Art Contest | |
"Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity" | |
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Students in grades K–12 are invited to participate in the annual calendar art contest sponsored by the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Inter-American Committee on Ports of the Organization of American States (CIP-OAS). The theme for this year’s contest is “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity” reflecting the ocean’s vital role in the world economy, with more than 80% of global trade transported by sea. The theme reflects the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2025 World Maritime Day Theme, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity” Submissions will be accepted from students across the Americas (North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean). Students living outside the Americas are welcome to apply, provided they have one or more parents on active duty with the U. S. Coast Guard. Submissions will be accepted from January 20th–April 6th, 2025 at 11:59 PM.
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Partner with NAMEPA on a Beach Cleanup! | |
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NAMEPA is committed to preserving the marine environment and invites you to join us in our efforts to reduce marine debris through organized beach cleanups. These events provide a valuable opportunity for individuals, community groups, and organizations to actively contribute to the health of our coastlines and oceans.
If you are interested in organizing a beach cleanup or would like to learn more about how you can get involved, we encourage you to reach out. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the reduction of marine waste and promote a cleaner, more sustainable environment for future generations.
For more information or to schedule a cleanup, please get in touch with Meghan Reilly, Education and Outreach Manager at m.reilly@namepa.net.
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NAMEPA's Adopt A Ship Program has been making waves in the Greater Houston Community. Through Port Houston's Community Grants Program, NAMEPA is connecting elementary and middle school students with seafarers across the world. The Adopt A Ship Program is an engaging, sustainable, and well-developed educational tool that educates students about the importance of shipping and its global impact on our daily lives by connecting classrooms with mariners. Like a pen-pal system, students email a senior officer aboard a ship, facilitated through their teacher, to ask questions and gain insights about life at sea, marine navigation, and the importance of our waterways. Classes that are participating in the program are provided with a world map to track their vessel around the world during their travels!
You can find out more about the Adopt A Ship Program here!
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Your tax-deductible donation will help us promote sustainable marine industry best practices, preserve the marine environment, and educate the public to Save Our Seas. | |
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Thank you to our Annual Sponsors! | |
Contact Us
(203) 255-4686
contact@namepa.net
www.namepa.net
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