Maryland Forms Maritime Task Force to Pursue Federal and Commercial Growth

Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order on October 22, 2026, creating the Maryland Maritime Task Force to identify and pursue national and international federal and commercial maritime growth opportunities. The initiative is intended to improve coordination among state agencies and local businesses, support economic development, and advance Maryland’s contribution to U.S. maritime capabilities. It is a strategic coordination effort—not a contract announcement—and the order identifies no active solicitation, application deadline, or procurement contact.

The task force will prepare the state to pursue a possible Maritime Prosperity Zone designation if Congress establishes that program. Its responsibilities include developing an action plan to advance and diversify Maryland’s maritime economy, identifying barriers faced by public and private entities seeking maritime opportunities, and recommending legislative or regulatory changes to address them. The group is also expected to strengthen state and federal advocacy, including international engagement, workforce training, and grant programs, and to recommend business incentives, tax credits, and other economic development tools.

For contractors and suppliers, the executive order points to a developing pipeline of potential needs rather than near-term funded work. Shipbuilding and repair, port and freight infrastructure, Coast Guard facilities, workforce training, grant-supported projects, and business incentives are areas to monitor as the task force develops recommendations and coordinates stakeholders. The announcement cites Anduril Industries’ $3.7 billion Arsenal-2 shipyard investment and a planned $1.5 billion Coast Guard investment in Curtis Bay Yard as related maritime activity; neither is an award made under this executive order.

The broader infrastructure picture includes the $495 million Howard Street Tunnel Project, reported as completed earlier in 2026, which supports freight movement to and from the Port of Baltimore. The task force will be co-chaired by Representative Sarah Elfreth and Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. Governor Moore said, “Maryland’s infrastructure is perfectly suited to lead the nation's maritime industry, from building in-demand ships to creating positions for welders, mechanics, and engineers.” Companies should track task-force recommendations and federal program development while distinguishing announced investments and completed infrastructure from future, competed procurement opportunities.

• Executive action: Governor Moore signed the order on October 22, 2026, establishing a coordinating body for state and local maritime growth efforts.
• Potential federal framework: Maryland plans to prepare for Maritime Prosperity Zone designation if Congress creates the program; no designation is established by this announcement.
• Task force leadership: Co-chairs are Representative Sarah Elfreth and Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr.
• Areas to watch: Shipbuilding and repair, port and Coast Guard infrastructure, workforce training, grants, advocacy, tax credits, and other business incentives.
• Related private investment: Anduril Industries’ $3.7 billion Arsenal-2 shipyard investment is cited as connected maritime activity, not an award under the executive order.
• Coast Guard infrastructure: A planned $1.5 billion investment in Curtis Bay Yard is also referenced, but is not described as an award from this action.
• Freight infrastructure: The $495 million Howard Street Tunnel Project, reported completed earlier in 2026, supports freight flows to and from the Port of Baltimore.
• Procurement status: No solicitation, grant application deadline, procurement contact, or immediate funding opportunity is identified; vendors should monitor subsequent task-force plans and federal program activity.