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: Arrivals Down, Events on Deck, and a Visit from the Eagle

Vessel activity across Puget Sound slowed this week, even as passenger arrivals continued to climb. While market shifts and global tariffs cast a long shadow, our team is focused on delivering new tools, building momentum for key events, and celebrating the maritime moments that bring our community together.

Vessel Arrivals: Dips Across Most Sectors

Vessel arrivals fell 11% this week (65 → 58 vessels), led by steep drops in:

  • Container traffic: down 31%
  • Vehicle Carrier traffic: down 29%

Passenger traffic increased by 17% (12 → 14 vessels) as cruise season continues

Berth arrivals dropped 15% (71 → 60), with sharp declines at:

  • March Point: down 42%
  • Port Angeles: 0 arrivals (down from 2)
  • Everett and Aberdeen: each down 2 → 1

Bright spot: Cherry Point climbed +50%

Operational & Tech Updates

AIS Network: Ellis tower is currently receiving repairs.

New Port Directory: We’re working to launching an online Port Directory, set to replace the discontinued Port Handbook. Expect a preview at our Annual Member Meeting in September.

Upcoming Events

Annual Member Meeting
September 11, 2025, Ballard Elks Lodge, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Join us for updates on vessel trends, AIS infrastructure, policy priorities, and a look at what’s ahead in 2026. Lunch is included, parking is free, and we’ll be honoring Rep. Julia Reed with our first-ever Legislator of the Year Award. A private Q&A will follow the program. Learn more and RSVP now.

National Harbor Safety Conference
March 24–25, 2026, Bell Harbor Conference Center, Seattle
The Puget Sound Harbor Safety Committee is proud to host the 2026 National Harbor Safety Conference, with administration by the Marine Exchange. We’ll be welcoming hundreds of industry leaders from across North America for two days of panels, keynotes, networking, and local maritime insight. Learn more & sign up to receive updates.

Sponsorship opportunities available — prospectus coming this week. Contact us if you are interested.

Tariff Watch

The Trump administration announced sweeping new tariffs that could sharply impact Pacific Northwest trade:

  • 35% tariffs on most Canadian goods, effective August 1.
  • 50% tariffs on copper, also starting August 1, under a Section 232 national security claim. Copper is the world’s most important industrial metal.
  • Tariff letters sent to several countries (including Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Philippines), warning of 20–50% duties. Some tariffs were reduced.
  • Tariffs on European Union goods are expected soon; details pending as negotiations continue.

With cargo demand already vulnerable, these moves may strain pricing, volume, and long-range booking decisions for regional shippers and terminals.

Community Highlight: The Eagle In Seattle

This week, we welcomed the USCGC Eagle — known as “America’s Tall Ship” — to Puget Sound. A floating symbol of maritime tradition and Coast Guard training, the Eagle welcomed the public for tours and brough some much needed joy to the maritime community.

I had the opportunity to board her during docking, and it was a powerful reminder of what makes this industry so inspiring. Thank you to Captain and crew for hosting us and opening up your ship to passengers. Wishing everyone aboard the EAGLE a safe voyage home after completing their port calls in Canada.

 

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.

Weekly Roundup: Succession, Sanity, and Staying the Course

Vessel Traffic: Holding Steady, Trending Up

We recorded a 22% increase in overall commercial vessel arrivals this week, driven by bulk and container ships. That’s a healthy sign of activity, even as other indicators flash yellow.

Total Arrivals: 43 → 55
Notable gains:

  • Bulk: +64%

  • Containers: +29%

  • General cargo: +200%

Berth Arrivals: 47 → 59 (up 20%)

  • Seattle up 24%, March Point up 43%, Aberdeen and Anacortes back online

  • Port Angeles: 0 arrivals

Operations Snapshot

  • We continue to experience radio outages at Ellis Tower and are evaluating rerouting options.

  • Met with the incoming Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound Prevention Department Head to strengthen future collaboration.

Legislative Update: No Major Shifts This Week

Most priority bills have passed and are now awaiting effective dates. A few remain in review, and we’re watching closely for signs of a special session to finalize the state budget.

Bills Passed & Awaiting Implementation:

  • HB 1167 – Maritime education in career & technical programs (Effective 7/27)

  • SB 5281 – Nonresident vessel permits (Effective 9/1)

  • SB 5191 – Paid family leave for dockworkers

  • SB 5161 – 2025–27 transportation appropriations

  • HB 1511 – Ferry captain authority clarified (Effective 7/27)

  • HB 1414 – Student career access (Effective 7/27)

  • HB 1264 – Ferry system salaries

  • SB 5794 – Tax preference repeal (Marine Exchange opposes)

Bills We’re Monitoring:

  • SB 5160 / HB 1226 – Supplemental transportation budget

  • SB 5550 / HB 1324 – CCA-funded transportation investment

Under Review:

  • SB 5652 – Environmental equity in port communities

  • SB 5519 / HB 1652 – Low sulfur marine fuel standards

  • HB 1684, HB 1513, HB 1678 – Coastal, conservation, and infrastructure bills

Didn’t Advance:

  • SB 5248 – Bridge collision prevention

  • HB 1689 – Emissions at berth

  • HB 1288 – Outdoor rec & climate adaptation

Spotlight: Where Are All the Mariners?

We’ve got a succession crisis in maritime—and it’s not hypothetical. Pilots are aging out. Engineers are retiring. Tug captains and dispatchers are slowly slipping out of the workforce. And there’s no wave of new talent waiting in the wings.

At a recent Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary meeting, someone mentioned they couldn’t find a line handler for their research vessel. That’s not a blip—that’s a system strain.

If we don’t bring in the next generation, there will be:

  • No ships

  • No terminals

  • No ferries

  • No working waterfront

This industry gave me everything. A mission. A living. A life. And now, it’s our job to ensure someone else gets that same shot.

Help Us Build the Next Generation

We launched the John Veentjer Maritime Scholarship to break down barriers and open doors. These are unrestricted scholarships—fast, flexible, and designed to put money on target with as few speed bumps as possible.

We’re hosting a fundraiser cruise on June 12 aboard the Virginia V. Can’t attend? No problem. Just donate. It matters.

👉 DONATE OR JOIN US

Upcoming Events – Week of May 19

  • Monday – PNWER Cross-Border Supply Chain Workshop (Bellingham)

  • Tuesday – Puget Sound Marine Firefighting Commission (online)

  • Wednesday – ECHO Vessel Operators Committee

  • Thursday – Marine Insurance Association of Seattle: Day of Education

Final Word: Tariff Who? Tariff What?

The Trump Administration called for a 90-day tariff pause on Chinese imports—and the markets barely blinked. That tells you everything.

This isn’t trade strategy. It’s policy whiplash dressed up in populist cosplay. And once again, the people getting punished are port communities like ours—workers, exporters, logistics firms, and mariners.

If it feels like nobody wants to talk about this, but everyone is talking about it—you’re not imagining things.

The tide is shifting. Let’s keep our heads above water—and bring the next crew aboard while we still can.

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: No Regerts, Cruise Season Arrives, Trade Turbulence, and Legislative Wins

By Patrick Gallagher, Executive Director, Marine Exchange of Puget Sound

As spring kicks into gear, I’m looking at apple blossoms, cherry blossoms, strawberry blossoms, and tomato plants already in the ground (what? – thank you, non-climate change weather patterns/#DOGEcuts/#sorrynotsorry).

We’re holding steady on ship counts this week, and I’ll take it just because ship counts have been somewhat in the near-term toilet for a couple of months — but the stories beneath the numbers show a dynamic and shifting maritime landscape. Cruise ships are returning to Seattle, but I’m really curious about next year’s bookings because almost all of these trips were booked at least 6 months ago when things made more sense. and the dollar still looked like the world currency. Next year is going to tell us a lot about how people feel about the international economy.

I, myself, hit the “I believe” button and dropped a ton of money on Spring Break to Hawaii this past week. Like the tattoo says, I have NO REGERTS.

Yes – I spent $215 one morning on omelets and bread in Kauai and couldn’t help but wonder if this is a harbinger of the future where a single egg costs $57 and flour is milled by hand in pure 1890’s style. – the last time America was great.

Vessel Traffic: Flat Numbers

While the overall ship count remained flat this week at 38 vessels, a few highlights stood out:

  • Cruise season officially kicked off with the arrival of two passenger vessels.
  • Bulk cargo arrivals increased by 33%.
  • Container ship calls fell by 40%, continuing the erratic signals from global freight patterns.

Vessel Category Snapshot

Category Last Week This Week % Change
Bulk 6 9 +33%
Container 14 10 -40%
Passenger 0 2 +200%
Tug/ATB 2 3 +33%
Others – – Mostly flat or steady

Port Call Highlights

Notably, Aberdeen, Ferndale, and Indian Island each saw notable upticks in traffic. Port Angeles, on the other hand, saw no vessel tie-ups this week.

Legislative Front: A Strong Showing in Olympia

This was a pivotal week in the state legislature, with the Opposite House Cutoff passing and several key bills we supported advancing to the Governor’s desk.

Legislation We Support – Advancing Forward

  • SB 5191 – Paid family leave for dockworkers
  • SB 5281 – Extends vessel permits
  • HB 1414 – Improves student career access
  • HB 1167 & HB 1264 – Support maritime workforce & ferry worker salaries

Legislation We Opposed – Contained or Dead

  • HB 1689 – Emissions restrictions at berth — dead
  • SB 5794 – Public Utility Tax and stevedore tax proposals are being removed, avoiding steep cost increases

With the state still facing a budget deficit, a special session may follow the scheduled April 27 adjournment to reach a final agreement.

Technology & Operations Update

  • AIS Coverage: Our 7 tower network is fully operational, with a minor outage quickly resolved. The Ellis tower radio is now back online.
  • System Health: Ongoing database optimization continues. No anomalies or cybersecurity threats have been detected.

On the Horizon

  • Contributing to the Tribal Fisheries Lost Gear Committee
  • Hosting the Elliott Bay Design Group for a social/info session
  • Attending the SEASTR Fundraiser in Port Townsend
  • Preparing for the Harbor Safety Committee meeting on May 7th

🗓 Click here for the meeting link.

Spotlight of the Week: Hawaii, Trade Wars, and Monetary Systems

Last week I vacationed in Hawaii, reconnecting with longtime maritime colleagues. Over sunset conversations, the topics drifted from sea stories to the fragility of island economies — especially places like Hawaii that import over 90% of their food and feel the sting of trade uncertainty more acutely than most.

To wind down, I revisited Barry Eichengreen’s Globalizing Capital: A History of the International Monetary System. It opens with a thought-provoking reminder:

“The international monetary system is the glue that binds national economies together… It is impossible to understand the operation of the international economy without also understanding its monetary system.”

As we navigate uncertain global tides — from tariffs to shipping slowdowns — it’s worth remembering that the health of our maritime system is inextricably tied to how well we understand and adapt to these broader economic forces.

 

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

Weekly Roundup: Vessel Traffic Up, Legislative Crossroads, and “Liberation Day” Disrupts Global Trade

Good afternoon, Mis Amigos Maritimos —

This week at the Marine Exchange of Puget Sound, we observed modest uptick in vessel arrivals (hooray), delivered critical testimony in Olympia (hooray), and closely monitored global trade turbulence (boo) stemming from a bold new economic posture out of Washington, D.C.

Let’s dive into the details:

Executive Summary

  • Vessel arrivals increased 12% overall this week.

  • I testified in opposition to tax increases on stevedoring services (aka Senate Bill 5794).

  • April 2, now coined “Liberation Day,” introduced major shifts in global trade dynamics, with potential ripple effects for Washington’s ports.

Vessel Traffic Snapshot

Across all vessel categories, we saw an increase from 42 to 47 arrivals, led by tankers and container ships. The full breakdown:

Category Last Week This Week % Change
Bulk 7 5 -29%
Container 14 16 +14%
General 1 1 0%
RO/RO 2 2 0%
Tanker 9 12 +33%
Tug/ATB 2 3 +50%
Vehicles 6 7 +17%

Port-specific activity also showed a 20% increase in total dockings, with significant jumps in Cherry Point, Everett, and Olympia. Tacoma saw a slight decrease, while Seattle traffic rose by 27%.

Situational Awareness

  • Weather: Mixed conditions with generally clear skies in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and mild winds.

  • Disruptions: No maritime incidents reported locally.

Legislative Engagement

This week, I drove to Olympia and testified against SB 5794, which would sharply raise the cost of doing business on Washington’s working waterfront. The bill proposes a Public Utility Tax and increases in B&O tax on stevedoring—a move that could disproportionately harm port workers, especially in communities of color.

We remain committed to:

  • Supporting bills that promote maritime workforce development and economic resilience.

  • Opposing policies that add unnecessary burden to vital maritime services.

🎧 Listen to our new podcast episode featuring Reps. Julia Reed (coming next week!) and Greg Nance—discussing legislative priorities, career pathways, and what inspires their service—now live.

Technology & Data

  • Our AIS network remains strong: 100% of towers operational with >99.9% uptime.

  • Ongoing database optimizations continue to streamline ship movement tracking and port performance analytics.

Looking Ahead

  • April 8 marks the Fiscal Committee cutoff—a key moment in this year’s legislative calendar.

  • We’re finalizing participation in the ECHO Southern Resident Killer Whale Slowdown Program.

  • Preparing for the Harbor Safety Committee meeting on May 7—agenda to be released soon.

Spotlight: “Liberation Day” & Global Trade

April 2, 2025, now dubbed “Liberation Day,” saw the implementation of sweeping new tariffs under the Trump Administration—both blanket and targeted. While the immediate effects are still unfolding, early market indicators reflect volatility and uncertainty.

Washington’s maritime economy sits at a critical juncture. We are monitoring:

  • Freight rate fluctuations

  • Port call patterns

  • Trade index movements

Insights shared at this week’s joint Seattle/Tacoma Transportation Club meeting with the Federal Reserve were valuable—though no direct forecasts were given, the message was clear: flexibility and preparedness are more vital than ever.

Stay informed. Stay connected. And as always, thank you for your partnership in keeping our maritime gateway efficient, resilient, and future-ready.

– The Marine Exchange of Puget Sound

Port Pulse: March 21, 2025 — Maritime Insights from the Watch Floor to the Capitol

lighthouse in fog

In a session shaped by fog on the water and foggier politics in Olympia, the Marine Exchange remains steady on course — committed to clarity, coordination, and context. Friends, there is A LOT happening including Seattle City Council voting 6-3 against the maritime industry and the preservation of industrial lands. Also, the Puyallup Tribe announced an agreement with the NW Seaport Alliance to develop a new terminal. This is great news that we needed.

As spring arrives in Puget Sound, so too does a changing tide in vessel traffic, port dynamics, and legislative strategy. This week’s snapshot offers insight into what’s happening on the water, in Olympia, and behind the screens of our AIS network. Here’s what stood out:

Summary

Vessel arrivals declined 27% from last week, driven primarily by a sharp drop in bulk carriers. Although bulkers display seasonal trends, this remains outside what we’d normally see, and I’m just not sure exactly what is happening in this category.

AIS network operations continue to exceed expectations, and we’re making enhancements to both our hardware (removing one piece in the chain) and software. On the policy front, budget issues now dominate Olympia, but maritime bills are still making meaningful progress.

National news for the maritime industry remains sour and uncertain. The Federal Reserve kept rates flat which stoked fears of stagflation. If you remember your Econ 101, stagflation is the worst of all worlds heralding suppressed growth and elevated unemployment. This is an economic condition that is very difficult to overcome and generally considered worse than recession.

Situational Awareness

  • Weather Impacts: Fog persisted early in the week, causing minor pilot boarding delays at Cape Flattery and within VTS Puget Sound.
  • Disruptions: None reported. A quiet week operationally.
  • Tariffs and Trade: Although new USTR fees on Chinese-flagged ships are anticipated, it hasn’t been long enough to properly gauge impacts to Washinton maritime.

Maritime Operations and Coordination

  • VTS Continuity Planning: We participated in discussions with USCG Sector Puget Sound to explore backup capabilities using our watch floor.
  • Pilotage Software Integration: Continued collaboration around Portlink and dynamic routing data.
  • NOAA Sanctuary Contract: Monitoring project is temporarily delayed due to federal budget uncertainties.
  • Podcast Guest Update: Sara told me not to tell! We have 3 new guests lined up, and we’re really stoked to bring them on the Maritime Morning Brief. Stay tuned!!

Technology and Data

  • AIS Network: All 7 towers fully operational with >99.9% uptime.
  • Platform Optimization: Database improvements underway to enhance query speeds and reduce storage load. If you receive any of our reports, you won’t notice anything different – it’s sort of like doing foundation work on your house when what you really want to do is paint the living room.
  • Cybersecurity: No threats or anomalies detected this week.

Legislative Insights: Maritime Still Afloat Amid Budget Storm

After a frenzied House of Origin cutoff week, Olympia has entered a more measured pace. The House passed over 1,000 bills to the Senate; the Senate returned just 250. This gives Senate bills a fighting chance in House committees spread across 20+ policy areas.

However, the newly released state budget forecast casts a long shadow: a $17 billion shortfall means painful cuts and potential new taxes are likely. Many bills will quietly die as attention shifts to balancing the books.

That said, 5 of the 7 bills supported by the Marine Exchange of Puget Sound are still alive:

  • SB 5191: Dockworker paid leave – executive session scheduled in House Labor Committee.
  • HB 1167: Maritime career education – advanced in Senate committee.
  • HB 1414: Broader access to CTE – heard 3/19.
  • HB 1264: Ferry collective bargaining – heard 3/17.
  • SB 5281: Nonresident vessel permit reform – heard 3/13.

Two bills we supported are likely dead:

  • SB 5059 (Washington State Ferries captains): Moved to Senate Rules “X” file.
  • SB 5248 (Bridge collision working group): Missed cutoff.

And one we opposed — HB 1689, targeting unrealistic berth emissions standards — is officially dead for now.

We’re watching the April 2 policy committee cutoff and April 8 fiscal committee cutoff. Bills marked “Necessary to Implement the Budget” (NTIB) can still survive, even if deadlines pass.

Spotlight of the Week: The Trouble With Triple-Digit Trends

This week, we saw headlines claiming a 700% increase in tanker traffic. It’s a perfect example of period bias — using extreme endpoints to manufacture an alarming stat. That said, without the underlying dataset and math, I’ve trained myself to automatically reject 231% of all triple-digit assertions.

As stewards of maritime data, we encourage stakeholders to challenge dramatic figures, demand context, and resist spin. Transparency matters more than virality.

Looking Ahead

  • NOAA Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary: Project update meeting held Friday
  • Meeting with Marine Exchange of Alaska + Port of Seattle this week
  • MAREXPS Podcast episode drops next week