(HOUSTON) — The American Maritime Industrial Coalition (AMIC) has officially launched to help shape the future of the U.S. maritime industrial base – at a moment when national resilience, industrial capacity, and maritime leadership are once again front and center in global and domestic policy discussions.
AMIC is a coalition of maritime, industrial, technology, labor and policy leaders aligned around a shared objective of ensuring the United States maintains a competitive and strong maritime sector that is ready for the future. Formed in response to mounting pressures on shipbuilding capacity, port infrastructure and supply chain security, AMIC seeks to move beyond divided conversations and toward actionable solutions. The website, maritimecoalition.us, which went live this week, outlines what AMIC aims to do to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry.
The coalition’s founding leadership brings together deep expertise across strategy, finance, policy, operations and federal engagement. Dr. Beatriz Canamary leads strategic design, implementation road mapping and industrial frameworks; Jonathan Chia focuses on financing mechanisms, capital value,and media awareness; Dr. Sal Mercogliano contributes policy intelligence, industry data analysis and maritime-focused media amplification; Darren Shelton anchors regional execution along the Texas and Gulf Coast while strengthening industrial base connections and case study development; Carleen Lyden Walker provides coalition leadership, convening power and industry collaboration; and retired Coast Guard Rear Adm. Jim Watson supports federal alignment, shipyard analysis and gap identification across the sectors.
“AMIC was created to be the catalyst necessary for change,” Walker said. “After listening to industry and government leaders about the extraordinary opportunity that exists to revitalize the American maritime industry, we noted the need for a coalition to facilitate this conversation and turn talk into action.”
AMIC’s public debut continues with a webinar, “AMIC – Action to Revitalize the U.S. Maritime Industry,” on Feb. 12 that is designed to introduce the coalition to the broader maritime and industrial community. The session will outline why AMIC was formed, the priorities guiding its work, and what members and partners can expect in the months ahead. Attendees will gain insight into how AMIC plans to assemble industry voices, support the industry through innovation, and engage constructively with policymakers.
Later in the month, AMIC leadership will participate in SHIPPINGInsight’s Leadership Roundtable on Feb. 25 in Houston. The invitation-only event brings together senior executives, policymakers, and industry stakeholders for a candid discussion on operational obstacles, investment challenges, regulatory differences and the future of global maritime competitiveness. AMIC’s participation signals its intent to be an active contributor in shaping solutions, not simply an observer of industry challenges.
Looking ahead, AMIC plans to convene focused working groups, host policy and innovation dialogues, and support initiatives that strengthen the U.S. maritime industrial base. Areas of emphasis include workforce development, infrastructure modernization, technology integration, and cross-sector collaboration that accelerates real-world impact.
“As global trade patterns evolve and geopolitical and economic pressures shift, AMIC aims to serve as a uniting force to bring clarity, collaboration, and momentum to the effort to revitalize America’s maritime future,” Canamary said.
More information about AMIC and upcoming events is available at www.maritimecoalition.us.
– American Maritime Industrial Coalition
