ANNAPOLIS, MD — Today, Governor Wes Moore has announced an executive order to create the Maryland Maritime Task Force that will identify and pursue national and international maritime-related federal and commercial growth opportunities. The task force will foster quick, strategic coordination among Maryland state agencies and local businesses to achieve maritime success and economic development across the state.
Maryland is uniquely positioned to contribute to the nation’s security, while advancing federal priorities that will strengthen the United States’ maritime capabilities. The federal framework for America’s Maritime Action Plan presents potential for Maritime Prosperity Zone designation in Maryland, an emerging opportunity for increased economic growth.
“Maryland’s infrastructure is perfectly suited to lead the nation’s maritime industry, from building in-demand ships to creating positions for welders, mechanics, and engineers,” said Gov. Moore. “This task force will help us capitalize on future opportunities to make our state’s economy more competitive through maritime projects that build more pathways to work, wages and wealth for Marylanders.”
By way of executive order, the task force will focus on several items including:
- Completing the necessary actions to secure a Maritime Prosperity Zone designation for the state once Congress acts to create the program;
- Working with stakeholders to develop a plan of action to advance and diversify the state’s maritime economy;
- Identifying barriers encountered by public or private entities in pursuing national maritime opportunities and recommend legislative and regulatory actions to help overcome;
- Coordinating and strengthening state and federal advocacy efforts, including international engagement, workforce training opportunities, grant programs, and more; and
- Making recommendations for state business incentives, tax credits, and other economic development tools that can help expand and support Maryland’s maritime industries.
The task force will be co-chaired by Representative Sarah Elfreth and Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr.
“It’s time for Maryland to lead our country’s maritime industry once again. Maryland is uniquely positioned with the location, infrastructure, industrial base, and workforce demand to become a leader today. We will be taking inspiration from what once was – back to the Baltimore clippers and the hundreds of Liberty ships built during World War II – to build a bright and successful future for Maryland’s maritime industry,” said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. “I have spent my first two years in Congress and on the Armed Services Committee fighting to bring back shipbuilding, invest in Coast Guard Yard Baltimore, and redevelop Curtis Creek. I want to thank Governor Moore for his leadership in convening the Maryland Maritime Task Force to expand on this work and steer the future of the Port of Baltimore and our maritime industry at this critical juncture.”
“Maryland’s maritime heritage is woven into America’s story—from Kent County’s Captain Lambert Wickes who carried Benjamin Franklin to France, to Frederick Douglass who worked in Baltimore’s shipyards while enslaved, to generations of leaders educated at the United States Naval Academy,” said Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. “This task force will build on that enduring maritime tradition to attract investment, advance innovation, and expand pathways into skilled, well-paying careers while strengthening our economy and our nation’s security.”
Other task force members include representatives from the Maryland Department of Commerce, Maryland Department of Labor, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Military Department, and Maryland Economic Development Corporation; up to five government officials with expertise or interest in the state’s maritime economy; the Port of Baltimore or the Port of Baltimore Alliance; the Maritime Technology Alliance; the Baltimore or Chesapeake Bay maritime industries; a maritime research entity; a maritime training program; and a labor union or trade association.
Additional collaborative partners may include the United States Navy, Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division; United States Coast Guard, Curtis Bay command; United States Naval Academy; United States Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District; and other subject matter experts to assist in developing strategies and identifying opportunities.
“The Port of Baltimore is one of the economic engines of Maryland and the heart of our maritime economy – and we need to ensure we maximize the benefits of this unique asset,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson. “In 2025, the Port of Baltimore handled the most containers ever, the most ship calls ever and more farm and construction machinery and forest products than any other U.S. port. We were proud that the Port began handling double-stacked containers on rail earlier this year following the completion of the $495 million Howard Street Tunnel Project; the new capacity will exponentially grow the Port’s business and create thousands of new jobs. We fully support Governor Moore’s effort to double-down on the growth of the Port and our entire maritime economy.”
“Every year, Maryland’s boating and fishing industries generate more than $700 million in added value to the state’s economy and represent the largest sector of the state’s approximately $10 billion outdoor recreation economy,” said Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “These industries draw tourists from around the world who discover the wonderful experiences our residents get to frequently enjoy on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay and the tidal rivers that connect our scenic landscapes. We look forward to working with our partners throughout the state to expand the state’s vibrant maritime economy through the development of Maritime Enterprise Zones.”
Maryland’s maritime industries contribute more than $10.2 billion annually to the state’s economy and support 115,000 jobs. The sector comprises marine transportation, shipbuilding and repair, national defense and security, world-class research on autonomous crafts, shipping and logistics, and tourism and recreation.
The most recent addition to Maryland’s Maritime economy includes a $3.7 billion investment by Anduril Industries, which is locating its Arsenal-2 project – a 2 million square-foot software-defined shipyard – in Baltimore County, to expand America’s submarine industrial base and support upwards of 14,000 jobs.
Maryland owes its maritime leadership to assets including the Port of Baltimore, and numerous private businesses, federal entities, and educational and workforce training institutions like the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in St. Mary’s County and the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) in Anne Arundel County. In Montgomery County, more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, and technicians work at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division – the U.S. Navy’s primary center of excellence, research, development, and test facility for ships and ship systems. In Baltimore, the United States Coast Guard is planning a $1.5 billion investment to improve its Curtis Bay Yard to continue performing critical national security services on cutter vessels.
