Press Releases

11-10-2025

“Historic Ports = Maritime Strength” – Massachusetts Gathers to Build Tomorrow’s Maritime Strategy

BUZZARDS BAY, MA, ISSUED NOVEMBER 10, 2025…Leaders from across the maritime, port, and logistics sectors convened on November 5 at Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA), a top-ranked public university with undergraduate degree programs focusing on science, engineering, technology, math, and business that blend academics and experiential learning, for the “Historic Ports = Maritime Strength” conference – a strategic planning event focused on building tomorrow’s maritime strategy through infrastructure, coordination, and planning.

Hosted collaboratively by MADDPA, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Mass Bay Harbor Safety Committee, Southern Massachusetts and Rhode Island Harbor Safety Committee, and WISTA USA – New England Chapter, the event marked the second annual Strategic Planning Conference for Ports. The gathering united regional and federal partners to identify and strengthen maritime infrastructure, foster coordination between historic ports, and support a unified state and national maritime strategy.

The conference theme — “Historic Ports = Maritime Strength” — underscored Massachusetts’ effort to identify and elevate the maritime strengths of businesses and communities across the Commonwealth. As more states develop their own maritime strategies, this initiative positions Massachusetts at the forefront of regional coordination — aligning with the broader momentum toward a forthcoming National Maritime Strategy.

Sessions throughout the day explored critical intersections between federal programs, state port initiatives, and private-sector innovation, including AI and industry developments in maritime.

Bill Doyle, CEO and executive director of the Dredging Contractors of America, delivered the keynote address, providing an insider’s update from Washington.  He discussed recent developments in federal maritime policy, infrastructure funding, and dredging priorities, emphasizing the importance of continued advocacy for U.S. ports and shipyards.

“Massachusetts’ ports have been engines of commerce and innovation for centuries,” said Captain Lauren M. Beagen, founder of The Maritime Professor® and Squall Strategies®, and host of “By Land and By Sea” PodcastTM.  “By aligning federal, state, and regional efforts, we’re ensuring that legacy continues with a unified, future-ready maritime plan.”

“We’re honored to host this important discussion on the future of ports and how this impacts the Commonwealth,” said Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald, president of Massachusetts Maritime Academy. “More importantly, we look forward to leading the way in implementing the actionable items that come from these conversations to ensure we sustain Massachusetts as a model for maritime strategy.”

This event was made possible through the generous support of its partners and sponsors, including:  Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Cashman Dredging, Boston Shipping Association, Dredging Contractors of America, JERA Americas, MADDPA, Tydal Technologies, Charter, The Boston Marine Society, Narragansett Bay Propeller Club, Propeller Club Port of Boston, Lewis Brisbois, WISTA USA – New England Chapter, and By Land and By Sea Podcast.

ABOUT MASSACHUSETTS MARITIME ACADEMY (MMA): 
MMA is a fully accredited, four-year, co-educational state university offering Bachelor and Master of Science degrees that are highly regarded in the worldwide maritime industry and beyond. For more than 100 years, MMA has prepared women and men for exciting and rewarding careers on land and sea. As the nation's finest co-ed maritime college, MMA challenges students to succeed by balancing a unique regimented lifestyle with a typical four-year college environment. Located on Cape Cod, at the mouth of the scenic Cape Cod Canal, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is the ideal college to pursue the love for the ocean, concern for the environment, interest in math and science, and a thirst for adventure. Follow MMA on FB: @massmaritime, @MassMaritime.Advancement; IG: @massmaritime, @mmacademyalumni; Twitter:@MMAadmissions, @MMAcademyAlumni; YouTube: Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

(Left to right:)  Captain Elizabeth Simmons, vice president of external affairs for Massachusetts Maritime Academy; Bill Doyle, CEO and executive director of the Dredging Contractors of America; and Captain Lauren Beagen, adjunct professor at Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

One of the panel discussions of the “Historic Ports = Maritime Strength” conference.