Executive Summary
Vessel activity dipped last week across Washington ports — a concerning trend given the ongoing cruise season. Overall arrivals dropped from 52 to 49, continuing a downward trajectory when our seasonal average should be topping 60.
Notable Changes:
- Tanker arrivals rose +29% (from 7 to 9)
- General cargo fell to 0 (from 2)
- Container ships dipped slightly (–6%)
- Passenger traffic held steady at 13 vessels
Operations & Technology
- New Data Access Tool: We’ve signed a contract to build an API for real-time watch floor data. Once live, members will be able to integrate live traffic insights into their own operational platforms.
- AIS Network Status: All 7 receiver towers are fully operational with 100% uptime this week.
Policy & Legislative Update
New maritime laws take effect on July 27, 2025, with implications for ferry staffing, paid leave, and youth maritime training:
- HB 1167 – Expands maritime education
- SB 5191 – Enacts paid family leave coverage for dockworkers
- HB 1511 – Ferry captain salary updates
- SB 5794 – Big win for Washington Maritime because we successfully pursued WA legislation: Tax rollback goes into effect Jan 1, 2026
- SB 5281 – A pro-tourism vessel permit, easing nonresident vessel rule (effective Sept 1, 2025)
Spotlight: Global Trade Fog, Local Impact
The Trump-era spike to 145% tariffs on Chinese imports—now eased to a much hyped yet still-punishing 55% total average (without clear or transparent agreements established yet) —has contributed to perpetual market confusion that we’ve yet to fully work out. It’s very hard to say what the long-term trend is for us in PacNW, but overall it’s not looking good for the remaining 2025 and early 2026 ship count.
Ships are still arriving in the US but with less cargo onboard, yet ocean carrier bookings are at near full capacity. What a paradox of the market (!), right? yet it sort of makes sense in that we still need to move cargo that meets economic muster, so there’s got to be an expense ratio that is still profitable.
Scholarship Success – Thank You!
What a day! Our first annual John Veentjer Youth Maritime Scholarship Fundraiser Cruise aboard the Virginia V was a huge success — raising nearly $10,000 to support young people pursuing maritime careers.
It was an incredible day on the water, with sunshine, good company, and powerful stories. Chloe, a graduate of the inaugural Maritime High school class and future mariner, shared her journey and plans to attend Cal Maritime this fall. Many attendees shared memories of the Virginia V — and for many like us, it was their first time taking her out on a cruise.
If you were not able to make it, there’s still time to support the fund. We’ll continue fundraising through the year, with scholarships awarded in May 2026 in partnership with YMTA. Donate here to help us keep the momentum going and support the next generation of maritime professionals.
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