Seattle builds back sustainably

It’s music to the ears of ports such as Seattle which along with Maritime Blue, a statewide organisation of maritime stakeholders, has launched its second Maritime Innovation Accelerator programme in order to spur new clean technology into the marine sector.

“Washington state’s innovative spirit is part of the DNA that has made our maritime, aviation, and technology sectors globally competitive,” said Fred Felleman, Port of Seattle Commission President.

“As a public agency, the port is committed to fostering an economy that floats all boats that can sail on healthy seas. Projects like these that spur sustainable maritime businesses are key to our ability to build back better.”

Sustainable sector

Maritime Blue said that studies have shown that there is a particular need for early-stage capital, as most venture capital is not aware of maritime opportunities.

Clusters, incubators and accelerators such as the Maritime Blue Accelerator are creating vetted and supported pipelines of new deals between participants with government and philanthropic grants helping de-risk investments and promote innovation.

The eleven companies participating in this year’s Innovation Accelerator program include Allosense, which provides “always connected” asset trackers using cellular, satellite and mesh technologies to reduce logistic inefficiencies.

Another company, Lockstep AI incentivises good supply chain behaviour by providing low-cost supply chain financing for businesses that make sustainable inventory and transportation decisions using IoT and advanced analytics.

Marine Construction Technologies’ self-attenuating pile system simplifies and expedites marine construction while also reducing environmental impacts.

Washington Maritime Blue is a non-profit, strategic alliance formed to accelerate innovation and sustainability in support of an inclusive blue economy. For more information visit the Maritime Blue Accelerator webpage.