Global Growth - Clean Maritime Pacific Northwest

Norwegian version: Global Growth – Ren maritim næring i det nordvestlige Stillehavet

Info about market

Fishing: The ageing fishing fleet in the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, and the Aleutian Islands is now 30-40 years old and in desperate need of renewal. The majority of these vessels make Washington State their home port, making this a key area for new technology. Also, the expected construction of newer maritime vessels, which was predicted in 2016, has not been met, which means now is the perfect time to meet with the various yards and owners to introduce your technology. Processing technology, automatic freezers, palletizing systems and traceability and tracking software are upgrades most in demand with these newbuilds.

Ferries: Washington State Ferries (WSF) burns more than 18 million gallons of diesel fuel annually, making the system Washington state’s largest diesel consumer. Right now, Washington State’s Department of Commerce is working alongside Governor Insley to move towards a zero emissions fleet. They will be building new Olympic class hybrid-electric vessels, converting three Jumbo Mark II vessels, as well as developing their terminal charging infrastructure. The first hybrid-electric ferry Olympic-class ferry is planned to be completed by 2025, and the first conversion of the first Jumbo Mark II vessel is also under way to be completed in 2025. These greener ferries will reduce nitric oxide emissions by 146 metric tons per year and carbon dioxide emissions by 16,340 metric tons annually.

Big Opportunities

Due to financial reasons (loans etc) and the looming potential that the US government would change the quotas on each fishing vessel, the fishing fleet has taken much longer than expected to get renewed.  Because of that, this is the perfect time to seize this unique opportunity to meet with the yards and vessel owners to present your technologies and make your pitch.  This particular market is in need of as much new technology as possible in order to make this renewal process more worthwhile. 

Washington State has the nation’s largest ferry fleet, and aims to have their entire fleet emission free by year 2050.  This means the yards will be very busy, and will be looking for the latest in technology for these vessels.  The time is now! 

What You Will Benefit From

Participating companies will benefit from a hands on, feet on the ground, experience with the market.  You will get to meet local yards and shipowners personally, while presenting your technology directly to the market, in person!  You will learn more about the local cultures, their purchasing preferences, as well as get local introductions to relevant industry players.

Who Should Participate

Companies who are hungry to expand their market and ready to get their feet wet by jumping right in!  Companies who are curious to find out IF their product has value to the US market.

Companies who have already been successful in the market, but would like a more in depth introduction to the local network, while joining a reputable program alongside other Norwegian companies.

Timeline and cost

• Application for participation deadline: 1 October 2022
• Kickoff: October
• First visit to market: mid November (aiming for the week before Pacific Marine Expo)
• Planned Activities:Two one week visits and presentations to yards and owners, including local government offices such as the Department of Commerce and Washington Maritime Blue.
• Cost: NOK 60 000 

Contact Information

Ken Methi Huste
Innovation Norway Houston
ken.huste@innovationnorway.no
+1 713 997 9897

Tom-Ivar Bern
Innovation Norway Trondheim
Tom-ivar.bern@innovasjonnorge.no
+47 915 14 999