Critical Supply Chain Challenges: Cargo Theft, IMO’s Net-Zero Framework, and Infrastructure Breakdowns

 
 

 

The supply chain landscape continues to face mounting challenges on multiple fronts. From surging cargo theft threatening billions in losses to international shipping’s climate regulation revolt, and critical infrastructure projects spiraling out of control, supply chain managers must navigate an increasingly complex environment. Here’s what you need to know about three critical issues shaping the Washington maritime industry today.

1. DOT Takes Action on America’s $35 Billion Cargo Theft Crisis

The Department of Transportation has issued a critical call to action, opening a public comment period through October 20, 2025, seeking industry input on the escalating cargo theft crisis (DOT-OST-2025-1326-0001). This initiative couldn’t come at a more crucial time.

Cargo theft is costing the U.S. transportation system billions annually, involving both opportunistic “straight thefts” of trailers, containers, and loads at truck stops or multimodal distribution hubs and highly coordinated operations conducted by organized criminal networks. The impact extends far beyond financial losses—these crimes disrupt supply chains and in some cases fund broader illicit activities such as narcotics trafficking, counterfeiting, and human smuggling.

The Scale of the Problem

Industry data paints a disturbing picture of the crisis’s magnitude. An estimated 65,000 thefts occurred in 2024, representing about a 40% increase over the prior year. Looking ahead, industry leaders estimate cargo theft will rise 25% in 2025. This represents real disruptions to businesses and consumers alike and is essentially a tax built into the system.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve paid enough.

How You Can Help

The DOT is actively seeking input from:

  • State, metropolitan, and local agencies
  • Law enforcement
  • Carriers, shippers, and drivers
  • Warehouse operators (including at airports)
  • Insurers
  • The general public

Action Required: Submit your comments via Regulations.gov at the docket number DOT-OST-2025-1326 before the October 20, 2025 deadline. Your insights will help shape federal strategies to combat this growing threat.

2. Major Shipowners Revolt Against IMO’s Net-Zero Framework

In an unprecedented move that could reshape global shipping regulations, 15 major shipowners representing more than 1,200 ships and 150 million deadweight tons have issued a joint statement expressing “grave concerns” with the International Maritime Organization’s Net-Zero Framework. The signatories include industry giants like Frontline, GasLog, Bahri, and the Angelicoussis Group.

The Framework at a Glance

Approved at MEPC 83 in April 2025, the IMO Net-Zero Framework is the first in the world to combine mandatory emissions limits and GHG pricing across an entire industry sector. Starting in 2027, large ships will need to meet a new global fuel standard limiting greenhouse gas emissions per unit of fuel used, with goals to reduce fuel intensity by 43% by 2035 compared to 2008 levels.

Why the Revolt Matters

The shipowners’ concerns are both practical and economic:

  1. Unrealistic fuel requirements: The statement noted that shipping today consumes about 3% of global energy, but to meet 2040 targets under current proposals, the industry would require about 50% of expected global production of low-carbon hydrogen intended to serve all industries.
  2. Financial burden: The proposals would raise $20-30 billion annually by 2030 but could “quickly” accumulate more than $300 billion by 2035 if the global fleet lags targets “by as little as 10%.”
  3. Implementation impossibility: The owners argue that “these fundamental issues cannot be resolved by emerging guidelines post-adoption.”

Implications for the Industry

This revolt comes at a critical time, with the framework scheduled for formal adoption at an extraordinary IMO meeting from October 14-17, 2025. The Trump Administration has already unequivocally rejected the proposal, calling it “effectively a global carbon tax on Americans” and threatening retaliation against nations that support it.

For supply chain managers, this regulatory uncertainty creates significant challenges for long-term planning, vessel investments, and fuel strategy decisions. The adoption or rejection of this framework will fundamentally impact shipping costs and operations for decades to come.

Close to home, the Port of Seattle has supported the adoption of alternative marine fuels for years. This statement and lack of support from carriers signals trouble for both the IMO and the Port of Seattle. We can develop all the methanol in the world (for example), but if there is no customer base or safety framework in place, who will be consuming it?

Alternative Fuels is one of 10 topics planned for the National Harbor Safety Conference next March 24-26th at Bell Harbor in Seattle.

Here’s the full list:

  1. Federal Agency Perspectives
  2. Understanding Alternative Fuels
  3. Shipboard Firefighting
  4. Harbor Safety Committee Challenges
  5. The Fragility of the Marine Transportation System
  6. Coordinating Live Exercises
  7. Maritime Workforce Development
  8. Leveraging Existing Safety Campaigns
  9. Lessons Learned from the Francis Scott Key Bridge Allision and Collapse
  10. There’s No Wrong Way to Do It (Harbor Safety Committee Perspectives)

3. I-5 Bridge Replacement: A Case Study in Infrastructure Crisis

The Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement project between Portland and Vancouver has become a cautionary tale of infrastructure planning gone awry, with direct implications for Pacific Northwest shipping and trade.

Spiraling Costs and Delays

Project planners originally estimated the price tag would range from $5 billion to $7.5 billion, with a likely figure of around $6 billion. But legislators now expect the total could reach $10 billion as costs have escalated 30% on transportation projects in the Seattle and Portland regions in recent years.

The timeline has slipped significantly as well. A final environmental review originally supposed to conclude in 2025 is now expected in 2026, with cars potentially not crossing a new bridge until 2032 or 2033. Meanwhile, Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle warned that construction delays would cost $1 million per day.

Why This Matters for Maritime Trade

The I-5 bridge is a critical link in the Pacific Northwest’s supply chain infrastructure:

  1. Freight mobility: The current bridge creates bottlenecks for trucks moving between the ports of Portland, Vancouver, and Seattle
  2. Port access: Delays and congestion impact container drayage and bulk commodity movements
  3. Regional competitiveness: Infrastructure failures make PNW ports less attractive compared to Southern California alternatives
  4. Economic impact: IBR Program investments aim to improve freight mobility through interchange design improvements and auxiliary lanes to help freight move through the corridor more safely and efficiently.

Political Headwinds

Washington state Rep. John Ley has reached out to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to encourage scrutiny of the project and consider clawing back the $2.1 billion in federal grant dollars. This political uncertainty, combined with cost overruns and delays, exemplifies the broader infrastructure challenges facing American supply chains.

Risking the obvious, we need to get this bridge built. I think a worthy study here is not IF we need certain projects or investments but WHY they become so expensive with increasingly feeble results.

Sam Kaplan from the Center of Excellence of Global Trade and Supply Chain Management in Washington state discusses this phenomenon of rising costs with diminishing returns on a recent Maritime Morning Brief podcast.

Weekly Ship Count Update

From our latest weekly roundup, vessel arrivals at Pacific Northwest ports show mixed patterns:

Berth Arrivals by Port (Week-over-Week)

  • Seattle: 23 arrivals (↓1)
  • Tacoma: 20 arrivals (↑2)
  • Cherry Point: 6 arrivals (↑1)
  • March Point: 6 arrivals (↑1)
  • Total PNW: 63 arrivals (↓2)

Container vessel calls remained relatively stable at 15 arrivals, while vehicle carriers showed a bump up with 8 arrivals (↑3). Tanker traffic increased slightly to 13 arrivals, reflecting steady energy commodity flows through regional refineries.

Looking Ahead: Strategic Considerations

These three issues (cargo theft, shipping regulations, and infrastructure) represent interconnected challenges requiring coordinated responses:

  1. Risk Management: Supply chain managers must factor in increased security costs, potential regulatory compliance expenses, and infrastructure-related delays into their planning
  2. Modal Flexibility: With trucking facing theft risks and infrastructure bottlenecks, consider alternative transportation modes where feasible
  3. Regulatory Engagement: The comment periods for both DOT’s cargo theft initiative and IMO’s framework represent opportunities to shape policy
  4. Infrastructure Advocacy: Support realistic, funded infrastructure projects that enhance rather than complicate supply chain operations
  5. Technology Investment: Consider solutions that provide real-time visibility, enhance security, and optimize routing around infrastructure constraints

Conclusion

The supply chain landscape of late 2025 demands unprecedented agility and strategic thinking. From protecting cargo against sophisticated theft rings to navigating the uncertain waters of environmental regulation and managing around crumbling infrastructure, today’s supply chain professionals face challenges on multiple fronts.

The key to success lies in active engagement, whether commenting on proposed regulations, investing in security measures, or advocating for sensible infrastructure solutions. The decisions made in the coming months, particularly around the IMO framework and major infrastructure projects, will shape supply chain operations for years to come.

Stay informed, stay engaged, and most importantly, make your voice heard in these critical policy discussions. The October 20 deadline for DOT cargo theft comments and the October 14-17 IMO meeting represent immediate opportunities to influence the future of our industry.

 

 

Weekly Roundup: A Week of Shifts and Strategic Adjustments

Week Ending: August 8, 2025

The maritime landscape of Puget Sound continues to evolve, with this week’s data revealing significant shifts in vessel traffic patterns that reflect broader economic trends and seasonal adjustments across the Pacific Northwest’s critical port network.

Leadership Update: Senator Liias Steps In

The Marine Exchange of Puget Sound’s upcoming Annual Meeting received an important update this week. While Representative Julia Reed was unable to participate as originally planned, Senator Marko Liias, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, has graciously agreed to address Marine Exchange members and participate in a private Q&A session. This high-level engagement underscores the continued importance of maritime infrastructure in Washington State’s economic strategy.

For industry professionals who haven’t yet registered, please do so today as the event is expected to reach capacity. The meeting represents a crucial opportunity for maritime stakeholders to engage directly with key policymakers shaping transportation infrastructure decisions.

Container Traffic Takes a Notable Dip

Perhaps the most striking development this week was the dramatic 45% decline in container vessel arrivals, dropping from 20 to just 11 vessels. This significant reduction likely reflects ongoing supply chain adjustments as the industry continues to navigate post-pandemic logistics patterns and evolving global trade dynamics.

The container shipping decline stands in contrast to other vessel categories, suggesting this may be a sector-specific adjustment rather than a broader economic slowdown affecting all maritime activity.

Tourism and Energy Sectors Show Resilience

While container traffic declined, passenger vessels demonstrated predictable growth with a 17% increase, rising from 12 to 14 arrivals. This uptick aligns with Seattle’s position as a major cruise destination and reflects the continued strength of the Pacific Northwest’s tourism sector.

Tanker operations remained remarkably stable, maintaining exactly 12 arrivals for the second consecutive week. This consistency in energy supply operations indicates steady demand and reliable logistics networks supporting the region’s energy infrastructure.

Regional Distribution Reveals Strategic Patterns

The geographic distribution of vessel arrivals tells an interesting story of regional specialization and market adaptation. While major ports like Seattle and Tacoma saw modest decreases (Seattle down 1, Tacoma down 4), smaller specialized facilities experienced significant growth.

Cherry Point emerged as a standout performer with a 133% increase, jumping from 3 to 7 arrivals. Similarly, Aberdeen doubled its weekly traffic from 1 to 3 vessels, representing a 200% increase. These gains at specialized facilities suggest a strategic shift toward more distributed port operations and potentially more efficient cargo handling at targeted locations.

Seasonal Patterns and Market Adjustments

The 43% decline in bulk cargo arrivals from 7 to 4 vessels reflects predictable seasonal patterns in commodity flows. Bulk cargo operations often follow agricultural and industrial cycles, and this adjustment appears consistent with normal seasonal variations rather than indicating market distress.

Vehicle transport showed healthy growth with a 40% increase, rising from 5 to 7 arrivals. This uptick could reflect continued strength in automotive markets or strategic inventory positioning by manufacturers and dealers.

System Reliability Remains Strong

Despite the various shifts in traffic patterns, the Marine Exchange reports all systems operational with AIS (Automatic Identification System) and radio communications maintaining full functionality. This operational reliability provides the foundation for safe and efficient maritime operations regardless of traffic volume fluctuations.

Looking Ahead

The total weekly arrivals of 63 vessels (up slightly from 62 the previous week) demonstrates the overall resilience of the Puget Sound maritime system. While individual sectors experience natural fluctuations, the port network’s ability to maintain steady overall activity while adapting to changing market conditions speaks to the region’s maritime infrastructure strength.

With an average of six arrivals daily, Puget Sound continues to serve as a critical gateway for Pacific Northwest commerce. The diversity of vessel types and port destinations provides operational flexibility that allows the system to adapt to changing economic conditions and market demands.

As maritime industry leaders and operators prepare for the Annual Meeting with Senator Liias, these traffic patterns will likely inform discussions about infrastructure priorities and policy directions that will shape the region’s maritime future. The data suggests a dynamic, adaptable system well-positioned to meet evolving challenges while maintaining its role as a cornerstone of regional economic activity.

The Marine Exchange of Puget Sound continues to provide critical coordination and communication services supporting safe, efficient maritime operations across the Pacific Northwest’s vital port network.

Weekly Roundup – Key Updates for Our Region’s Leaders


We’re tracking strong operational activity and some important legislative milestones this week.

Annual Meeting

We are on track to sell out our Annual Meeting. If you haven’t RSVP’d yet, don’t wait:
https://marexps.com/annualmeeting2025/

Save the Date

National Harbor Safety Conference
March 24–25, 2026
Bell Harbor International Conference Center
https://marexps.com/national-hsc-2026/

Berth Arrivals

  • Overall traffic: up 2 percent week over week.
  • Highlights: Containers up 36 percent, Vehicles up 60 percent, but Bulk down 50 percent and Ro/Ro traffic hit zero.
  • Seattle and Tacoma are leading the uptick: Seattle arrivals up 7 percent, Tacoma up 14 percent.
  • Manchester showing unusual activity with a 200 percent spike.

Operational Notes

  1. Both Radio Sites operational.
  2. AIS network is strong: 6 of 7 towers fully online (Ellis remains degraded).

Legislation Executing Soon

July 27, 2025 will be a big date with several bills going live:

  • HB 1264 – Ferry system collective bargaining unit salaries

  • HB 1167 – Maritime career education opportunities

  • SB 5191 – Paid family and medical leave premium collection for dockworkers

  • HB 1414 – Improving access to career opportunities for students

  • HB 1511 – Washington State Ferries captains

And on September 1, 2025:

  • SB 5281 – Changes to vessel length requirements for nonresident permits.

 

The Florida Ferry Fiasco: Why We’re Subsidizing Our Competition

By Patrick Gallagher, Executive Director
Marine Exchange of Puget Sound
July 14, 2025

I waited a bit to cool off about Washington State NOT choosing a Washington shipyard to build out a new fleet of state ferries. For a week I sat here thinking a mantra: Washington Values, Florida Paychecks.

Washington Values, Florida Paychecks.

I’ve been wondering why nobody seems overly combative or pissed, and I honestly think it’s because we’re getting used to the Washington maritime industry getting screwed by this state. Gotta ask — when did Washington State decide that “Buy American” meant “Buy Anywhere But Washington?”

This State Has No Comprehensive Maritime Strategy

I get it – this is expensive, and there’s a lot of pressure to restore the long-neglected ferry system (Thanks, Inslee). I’m not certain I’d choose to shop at Whole Foods vs Costco either right now, but I have to ask – REALLY?

We play by Washington’s rules – higher wages, stricter environmental standards, premium real estate costs – and our reward? Watching our tax dollars sail to states that undercut us at every turn.

This is the first out-of-state ferry contract in 50 years, and (let’s be plain) we’re sending at least $714.5 million Washington State dollars to Florida while local shipbuilders get bypassed. I’m sitting here watching almost a billion of our dollars ship off to Florida, and I’ve got some questions.

And let’s be clear, Eastern Shipbuilding is a queen of cost overruns. Just take a hard look at the Coast Guard OPC project, and you’re looking at our future. Just think for a minute that the contracting officers should have been driving to Everett instead of flying to the Florida panhandle. Local has benefits that are impossible to measure.

The Big Dark vs. Florida Sunshine

We’re sending Washington money to a place that’s never seen a Puget Sound winter. They know nothing of The Big Dark, July flannel weather, salmon runs, Vitamin D deficiency. We’ve got the most kick-ass technology companies in the world, but we can’t manage to deliver contracts to local shipbuilders. We can code a billion-dollar app but can’t bid a competitive ferry.

So we operate in misty darkness for half the year, but apparently we’re supposed to compete in the bright Florida sunshine when it comes to pricing. I don’t want to get overly dramatic, but Sub Pop Records kept it local – why can’t ferry contracts?

Built for the Pacific Northwest, funded by the Pacific Northwest, constructed in the Gulf of America. Yeah, I’m pissed.

This Place Made Us Who We Are

I LOVE this place. I LOVE this industry here because this place and this water gave me everything I have.

We built the maritime economy that made the Pacific Northwest a global powerhouse. Seattle/Tacoma wouldn’t be Seattle/Tacoma without maritime. Then, we developed the environmental standards, workforce protections, and safety regulations that became the gold standard for the industry. As a relative outsider, I can verify that nobody does this better than us. Now we’re being penalized for our own success.

Every dollar we send to Florida is a dollar that won’t hire a Washington welder, support a local supplier, or strengthen our maritime infrastructure. I won’t pretend to understand the whole of economics, but fewer dollars on the waterfront means fewer happy hour beers and Taco Tuesdays. There will be fewer apprenticeships.

Fewer people will get married, and fewer people will have kids. Yeah, this is what this means.

We’re not just losing a contract – we’re funding the erosion of our own competitive advantage.

Time to Fight Back

This needs to stop. We need a comprehensive maritime strategy. We’ve needed it for a generation.

The question isn’t whether we can build these ferries. The question is whether we still want to.

I’m ready to scrap. I’m ready to defend what should be ours.

This is exactly why we need strong maritime advocacy in Olympia. Join us at the MXPS Annual Meeting on September 11th to discuss how we fight back.

Register for the Annual Meeting

The Marine Exchange of Puget Sound has been advocating for Washington’s maritime community since 1980. We provide 24/7 vessel tracking, industry intelligence, and policy advocacy to support safe, secure, and efficient maritime operations in the Pacific Northwest.

Upcoming Change to ERTV Fee Structure – Streamlining Vessel Monitoring Costs

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 3, 2025
Contact: Patrick Gallagher
patrick@marexps 206-771-1620

Upcoming Change to ERTV Fee Structure –

Streamlining Vessel Monitoring Costs

Seattle, WA – To streamline operations and support a more balanced system, the Marine Exchange of Puget Sound will be consolidating its long-standing vessel monitoring fee into the existing Emergency Response Towing Vessel fee, which is required under Washington State law. This change will ensure every commercial vessel calling Puget Sound benefits from comprehensive monitoring and 24/7 shift-based support—further enhancing safety for all users of our ports. This update represents a joint effort between the Marine Exchange and the ERTV Compliance Group to improve transparency and administrative efficiency for all vessel operators calling Puget Sound.

WHAT’S CHANGING

Effective August 1, 2025, the Marine Exchange will no longer invoice individually for the vessel monitoring fee currently assessed on arriving vessels. Instead, those costs will be included in the mandatory ERTV invoice structure under RCW 88.46.130

WHY THIS MATTERS

For decades, the Marine Exchange has provided 24/7 watchstanding and real-time monitoring to support the safe movement of commercial vessels. Until now, this essential service has been funded voluntarily—supported by about 77% of arrivals.

By integrating these costs into the ERTV framework:

  • Operators will no longer receive a separate invoice for vessel monitoring.
  • Billing will be more streamlined and unified – aligning regulatory compliance with system-wide operational benefits.

WHAT’S STAYING THE SAME

  • The ERTV program, as mandated by Washington State, remains unchanged in scope and operation.
  • The Marine Exchange’s 24/7 AIS monitoring, coordination with the Coast Guard and Pilots, and support of port resilience will continue without interruption.
  • Members will retain full access to Marine Exchange arrival/departure tracking, alerts, and maritime domain tools.

The Marine Exchange of Puget Sound recognizes that any change in cost structure raises important questions, and is committed to working closely with operators to ensure clarity, transparency, and value. Please don’t hesitate to contact the Marine Exchange if you have questions or would like to discuss the operational or financial details of this transition.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support in helping ensure the safety and efficiency of our waterways.

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Weekly Roundup: Global Ripples, Local Traffic

As the maritime world braces for geopolitical shifts, tariff changes, and supply chain tremors, Puget Sound continues to offer a front-row seat to how global currents shape regional activity. Here’s a concise view of what moved this week—from vessel and berth trends to policy headlines and the future of Coast Guard support.

Vessel & Berth Trends: A Solid Uptick (!)

Vessel Arrivals rose by 29% (49 → 63 vessels), driven by sharp increases in:

  • Bulk cargo: up 167%
  • Tug/ATB movements: up 300%
  • Vehicle shipments: up 60%

Berth Arrivals climbed 26% (54 → 68), with standout gains in:

  • Tacoma: up 71%
  • Cherry Point: up 100%
  • March Point: up 40%

These surges point to rising industrial throughput, repositioning ahead of summer fuel runs, and shifting terminal capacity across the Sound.

Operational Snapshot

All seven AIS towers in our network reported 100% uptime with clean, uninterrupted transmissions.

Policy Pulse: From State Law to Global Trade

Washington State Legislative 

Changes (Effective July 27, 2025):

  • SB 5191: Expands paid leave for maritime workers
  • HB 1167: Strengthens maritime education in schools
  • HB 1511: Increases pay for ferry captains and deck officers

Federal Developments:

  • Imports at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach dropped 24% in May—the lowest since mid-2023.
  • Spot shipping rates (Shanghai to West Coast) fell nearly 7% after early summer highs.
  • The USTR backed off proposed penalties on non-U.S. LNG tankers and vehicle carriers, attempting to ease supply chain pressures.

Spotlight: Coast Guard Funding in Limbo

Despite unanimous Senate approval of S. 524, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, the bill is stalled in the House. Majority Leader Steve Scalise announced it won’t be brought to a vote, delaying key funding and reforms.

Meanwhile, the FY2026 DHS budget proposal slashes shore infrastructure funding from $400 million to just $21 million. This comes despite a well-documented $7 billion backlog in repairs and modernization needs.

These delays have direct implications for Coast Guard readiness—and by extension, for everyone operating in our waters.

Final Take: Why It Matters

Vessel and berth volumes are signals. Changes in traffic reflect more than cargo flows; they echo policy shifts, labor movements, and geopolitical uncertainty.

A resilient maritime system isn’t just built on ships and terminals—it’s built on coordination, infrastructure, and well-supported public service partners like the U.S. Coast Guard.

At the Marine Exchange, we’ll continue tracking the data, maintaining uptime, and telling the story behind the numbers.

Let’s Stay Connected

What are you seeing in your corner of the maritime world? How are these national and global changes showing up at your dock?

Weekly Roundup: Arrivals Lag, Maritime Laws Land, Youth Fundraiser Gains Steam

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.

April in Review: Steady Through the Storm

I’m exhausted by what’s happening in this little/big world. If it didn’t impact thousands of people, I could just go back to my garden.

But – no, here we are. So many things I can’t control but trying like hell.

April 2025 closed with 186 commercial vessel arrivals across Puget Sound and Grays Harbor — a modest monthly total, but one carrying deeper meaning.

Container traffic held its position at 58 arrivals, while tanker and bulk movements reflected slight softening. The return of cruise ships — 13 in total — added seasonal energy to Seattle’s waterfront. Tacoma led all ports with 78 arrivals, driven by RO/RO and container throughput. Seattle followed with 58, supported by a mix of container, bulk, and passenger traffic.

Foreign arrivals remained steady at 118. Japan, South Korea, Canada, and China were the region’s top overseas trading partners — a reminder that despite rising protectionist rhetoric, our ports remain global in purpose.

While vessel traffic ticked down 11% last week, the Marine Exchange continues to provide up-to-the-minute maritime intelligence to help our partners plan, coordinate, and adapt.

Legislative Wrap-up

Several key maritime bills were signed or delivered to the Governor:

  • HB 1167 (Maritime CTE education) – Supported

  • HB 1264 (Ferry salary support) – Supported

  • SB 5281 (Nonresident vessel permit access) – Supported

  • SB 5794 (Stevedore tax hike) – Opposed, but passed. This is a big deal because we fought hard to get the stevedore provision stripped from this.

Looking Ahead

With geopolitical tensions rising and tariff risks expanding, we’re forecasting a potential 40% reduction in import volume over the coming months. The threat isn’t just policy — it’s uncertainty. As your regional watch center, we’re focused on clarity and continuity.

Join Us

Fundraiser Cruise – JV Maritime Scholarship.
📅 May 8 – Coast Guard Foundation Dinner
📅 May 9 – Propeller Club Maritime Day Breakfast (Gold Sponsor)

Weekly Roundup: Strong Vessel Traffic, Legislative Wins, and Navigating Uncertain Waters

This week brought a welcome boost to vessel activity across Puget Sound, along with some important progress on the legislative front. As spring weather delivered record-breaking warmth, the Marine Exchange stayed busy supporting ship arrivals, hosting industry partners, and advancing critical maritime policy work. Here’s a closer look at what happened this week:

Vessel Traffic Surges 27%

Vessel arrivals jumped significantly, with a 27% increase compared to last week. Container traffic rose 29%, vehicle carriers surged 78%, and tanker arrivals grew by 22%. Passenger traffic also picked up as cruise season edges closer, recording a 67% rise in vessel counts.

Seattle and Tacoma continued to anchor the region’s activity, each seeing double-digit increases in port arrivals. March Point also saw a 43% boost, reinforcing the importance of our fuel supply chain hubs.

It’s an encouraging sign that Puget Sound remains an essential gateway, even as global shipping markets wrestle with rising uncertainty.

Scholarship Fundraiser: Cruise Aboard the Virginia V

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the JV Maritime Scholarship Fundraiser Cruise, happening June 12th aboard the historic Virginia V on Lake Union.

This event supports maritime career pathways for the next generation. Come enjoy an evening on the water and help us invest in the future of our industry! Learn more and register here.

Community Connections: Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers (SNAME)

This week, we hosted members of SNAME for an information exchange and networking event. The Marine Exchange is proud to foster collaboration across disciplines, bringing together operational expertise, engineering innovation, and academic leadership to strengthen the maritime sector.

Legislative Update: Wins for Washington’s Maritime Future

This week delivered several key victories in Olympia:

  • SB 5794: Major opposition success — harmful tax provisions removed before passage.

  • HB 1264: Delivered to the Governor — supporting collective bargaining for ferry workers.

  • Career and Maritime Education Bills: Creating new pathways into maritime jobs — both bills heading to the Governor’s desk.

  • Vessel Permit Modernization and Paid Family Leave for Dockworkers: Progressing with strong bipartisan support.

These outcomes reflect months of advocacy and coalition-building. We’ll continue tracking remaining bills as the session closes.

Technology & Data: AIS and Cloud Modernization

All 7 of our AIS receiver towers remain fully operational with 99.9%+ uptime. Work continues to migrate our ship database to a new cloud platform — setting the stage for more advanced API connections, automated backups, and greater system resilience.

We’re still awaiting a hardware repair at Ellis, but no major disruptions have been noted.

Spotlight of the Week: Red Light/Green Light on Trade

Global trade is flashing warning signals. Between new tariff threats, rising gold prices, currency volatility, and skyrocketing national debt, the economic backdrop feels increasingly unstable. Goldman Sachs just doubled its probability estimate for a U.S. recession in the next year.

While it’s too early to predict exactly how this will hit Washington’s ports, we’re closely watching indicators like:

  • Rising blank sailings (canceled voyages)

  • Increased abandoned cargo rates

  • Shifts in job reports and inflation rates

The Marine Exchange will stay vigilant, providing real-time insights and operational support as conditions evolve.

Thanks for staying connected with the Marine Exchange. We’re proud to serve the Puget Sound maritime community, ensuring safe, efficient, and resilient operations — no matter what waters we find ourselves navigating.

If you haven’t yet, don’t forget to reserve your spot for the Virginia V Scholarship Cruise!

Weekly Roundup: Vessel Traffic Slows, Legislative Countdown, and a 90-Day Pause on Tariffs

Good afternoon everyone!

Communications Director Sara here, bringing you this week’s Marine Exchange roundup (Patrick is currently in Hawaii—and yes I can assure you, I’m just as jealous as you are).

It’s been a full week in Washington maritime as always, marked by shifting vessel traffic, ongoing work in Olympia, and a sudden (but for now temporary) pause on some of the international tariff pressure.

Let’s dig in.

Executive Summary

  • Vessel arrivals decreased 19% compared to last week.
  • Patrick Gallagher met with The American Waterways Operators and Sam Hendrickson (Senator Jamie Peterson’s office) this week to educate them on the real-world impacts of the stevedore tax (SB5794) on Washington maritime jobs & operations.
  • Tariffs uncertainty continues: On Wednesday, the Trump Administration announced a 90-day pause on most new tariffs—except those targeting China—raising fresh questions about global trade stability.

Vessel Traffic Snapshot

Category LAST WEEK THIS WEEK % Change
BULK 5 6 20%
CONTAINER 16 14 -13%
GENERAL 1 3 200%
OTHER 1 1 0%
RO/RO 2 3 50%
TANKER 12 7 -42%
TUG/ATB 3 2 -33%
VEHICLES 7 2 -71%

 

Situational Awareness

  • Weather: Mostly cloudy with rain across Western Washington’s marine zones. No significant fog or wind disruptions were reported.
  • Operational Disruptions: A brief power flicker on Tuesday impacted our offices but had no effect on maritime operations or data systems.

Legislative Engagement & Government Affairs

With just 16 days remaining in the regular session, activity in Olympia is accelerating. Budget talks are intensifying as lawmakers face a multi-billion dollar deficit, but it’s been another strong week for the Marine Exchange’s legislative priorities—five of our seven supported bills remain alive and moving.

Key Legislative Deadlines Coming Up
  • April 16 – Opposite House Cutoff
  • April 27 – Scheduled Sine Die Adjournment

Given the unresolved budget deficit, a Special Session is likely after April 27 to finalize a balanced budget.

Technology & Data

  • AIS Network Status: All 7 towers fully operational, >99.9% uptime. The radio in Ellis is temporarily down, but the team is currently working to restore it.
  • System Updates: Ongoing database optimization; no current anomalies or cybersecurity issues

Looking Ahead

  • The Harbor Safety Committee meeting link for May 7th is out and can be found here.
  • We are partnering with the Sea Scouts to get a blog post out about current updates, ongoing work, and funding help.
  • Preparations for the first annual John Ventjeer Youth Maritime Scholarship event are in the works. More information to come, but mark your calendars for June 12th, 4:30-7:30 PM.

Spotlight of the Week: Podcast with Representative Julia Reed

At the end of May Patrick and I had the pleasure of sitting down with Julia Reed, State Representative for the 36th legislative district, to discuss maritime updates for this session, what she is working on, and how maritime community members can stay in touch. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

We know there’s a lot of uncertainty right now—on the docks, in Olympia, and across the globe. Like many of you, we’re feeling the weight of it all. But please know this: we’re here. Whether you have questions, ideas, or just want to talk through something, the Marine Exchange is your partner.
We will continue to keep moving forward together.
Have a great weekend, everyone.

Sara Zeman
Communications Director, Marine Exchange of Puget Sound
sara@marexps.com