In a recent Maritime Reporter article, Rik van Hemmen reminder his readers that NYC was once a hotbed of maritime activity. He called for the industry to reconvene in the city to remind ourselves of the importance of NY maritime history. The Maritime Industry museum heard his call and we are taking action.
On October 20th, 2026 the Maritime Industry Museum at Fort Schuyler is excited to announce our Shipbuilding in America Conference. The conference will be held in the Maritime Academic Center of SUNY Maritime College. During the conference, our panelists and presenters will discuss some of the critical topics affecting the ship building and ship repair sector. This conference will look at ship building and repair at both the national and also the regional level, with panelists and speakers from repair yards along the East Coast and up the Hudson river region.
The industry struggles with severe labor shortages and fragile domestic supply chains. These events allow labor unions, shipyards, and suppliers to coordinate training programs and build a more resilient industrial base. How can we take lessons from the US Navy and transfer them to the commercial sector? We will hear from US shipyards such as Bayonne on how they are growing their business while maintaining and growing their workforce. Has the SHIPS act made a positive impact? These are the questions that this conference is looking to answer.
A discussion on the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act will draw in legal experts to discuss how this critical legislation is impacting the maritime industry. Industry experts will discuss how this act impacts financing ship building, repair, and suppliers. Can we expect growth? How has this legislation impacted the development and upgrades to shipyards?
In this historic setting we will also discuss this history of shipbuilding and ship repair in the New York area. From the Hudson valley region to the New York metropolitan area, New York is a maritime state through and through. How has our past shaped the present and our future?
In an engaging panel led by Bob Kunkel we will further explore the industry and what needs to be fixed. According to Mr. Kunkel:
When two markets blur, their traditional boundaries dissolve, creating overlap where participants, products, or regulations from one market bleed into the other. This “blurring” can be driven by technology, legislation, or evolving customer needs. US shipbuilding serves one country as one customer. Far East shipbuilding serves over twenty. Our shipbuilding capacity does not have to “compete” with China — it is divergence of an incomplete market which has resulted in insufficient allocation of resources. The panel will address the reports of an insufficient trained workforce, the timing of Naval support vessel deliveries opening foreign construction discussions, the development of Vessel construction management (VCM) in both commercial & naval contracts and the effort and technology needed to correct the historic problems before investment occurs in massive capacity growth.
The conference will provide an excellent opportunity to meet with owners/operators, yards, legal experts, and talent from across the country. This will be an excellent opportunity to meet with cadets and students from SUNY Maritime college to find your next star employee.
Located on the historic grounds of SUNY Maritime College, the Maritime Industry Museum at Fort Schuyler is a proud repository of knowledge and exists to preserve, protect, and promote the maritime industry. As a 501c3 organization all donations, sponsorships, and ads are tax deductible.