Gov. 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 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 21percent 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.” 

“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.” 

Read the full Michigan Maritime Strategy press release here.