First-Ever Michigan Maritime Strategy aims to Protect Great Lakes, Create Jobs, Attract Investment

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor 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 Governor 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 Michigan Maritime Strategy underscores our commitment to protecting the Great Lakes while driving sustainable economic growth,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “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 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’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 LEO Director Susan Corbin. “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 MDARD Director Tim Boring. “This strategy strengthens ports and supply chains that support farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities across the state.” 

“The new strategy is key to modernizing ports, expanding markets, diversifying cargo, and improving supply chain resilience,” said MDOT Director Bradley Wieferich. “It will ensure our marine highways remain efficient, reliable, and competitive while supporting economic development and global connectivity.” 

“Michigan is a natural to lead the way in clean energy solutions for the maritime industry,” said MEDC Director Quentin Messer. “The strategy charts a clear path toward sustainability and prosperity by advancing clean marine fuels, electrification, and innovative shipbuilding technologies.” 

"With input from over 200 participants across the state, we’ve developed a strategy grounded in the needs and opportunities identified by those most closely connected to Michigan's maritime future," said Thomas McKenney, a U-M professor of practice of naval architecture and marine engineering who led development of the strategy in collaboration with state departments. "We took a holistic approach to maritime development beyond just shipping freight, which brought together groups that wouldn't normally engage. We worked hard to align all of the state agencies involved, and we're proud of this unified vision for Michigan's maritime future." 

Michigan Maritime Strategy 

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 Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (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. 

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.

This 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. 

Today’s 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.