Making Waves for Michigan’s Future: The Great Lakes Maritime Initiative

U-M's Great Lakes Maritime Initiative is charting a course toward cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable shipping, boating, and port operations across the region.

Article Categories

Energy, Climate Action, Sustainability and Environmental Equity Advanced Technology

By advancing cleaner energy, innovative technology, and equitable economic opportunities in our region, the University of Michigan’s Great Lakes Maritime Initiative is set to transform the way boats, ships, and ports operate. Led by Professors Thomas McKenney and Matthew Collette, this groundbreaking project is paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous maritime future.

With help from state agencies and local businesses, the initiative is working toward smarter, more sustainable maritime industries—like shipping, ferries, and boating. Its goals include reducing pollution, fighting climate change, and supporting jobs for Michigan residents.

Three people stand on the deck of a shipping vessel in a harbor

What’s Happening:

The initiative uses the region’s strong manufacturing capabilities, engineering talent, and two-coast access to support Michigan’s leadership in maritime innovation.
It brings together universities and colleges to develop new ideas and strategies for the maritime sector.
Efforts are underway to modernize ports and encourage eco-friendly shipping and boating, with a focus on training the next generation of workers.
Ongoing research and development in areas like autonomous (self-driving) boats and climate solutions make the Great Lakes region a national standout.

With the University of Michigan and partners at the helm, the Great Lakes Maritime Initiative is set to deliver real benefits—building a cleaner, stronger, and more innovative maritime economy that supports jobs and protects the environment for everyone.

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Impact Areas featured in this story

Through our vision, U-M is striving to make demonstrable advancements for the greater good in five distinct impact areas. The following are highlighted in the story above.

Energy, Climate Action, Sustainability and Environmental Equity

To protect the future of our planet, we will lead the way toward a more sustainable world.

A person examining wiring on some equipment

Advanced Technology

As creators and stewards of advanced technology, we will develop and harness innovation responsibly.