All American Marine (AAM) has had a busy schedule in the last two weeks, beginning with launching its newest 77’ fuel-efficient vessel for Puget Sound Express and capping it off with a special visit from WA Governor Jay Inslee.
Last week on Wednesday, July 13th, Governor Inslee visited our Bellingham facility. The Governor recognized the importance of the recently launched Sea Change, the world’s first USCG-approved commercial hydrogen fuel cell-powered vessel. He also acknowledged the achievements of All American Marine and its project partners. During the visit, he restated his commitment to the green economy, which covers a wide array of industries, and highlighted the role of the maritime economy that makes up so much of Washington State’s cultural identity.
Gov Inslee toured the Sea Change and the nearby AAM facility. The facility tour also highlighted a 73’ hydrographic survey vessel currently under construction for use in the offshore wind farms being developed on the east coast. AAM was proud to showcase our facility and these vessels by working with the Port of Bellingham, Washington’s Maritime Blue Project, the Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition, and many other partners. AAM proudly highlighted the hard work of our talented crew that bring these innovative vessels to life. The Governor provided encouragement and enthusiastic remarks to a crowd of 60+ guests in attendance.
Governor Jay Inslee: “This ship right here, the Sea Change, I think is the most exciting vessel in Washington State…We are going to experience a Sea Change, we are going to revolutionize our entire economy by going to low and zero sources of emissions. And there’s no greater advance in the world today, than the first hydrogen fuel cell-powered passenger vessel…right here in Bellingham… He continued: “There are those who doubt our ability to effectuate the clean energy revolution. They don’t think we can invent our way to new systems. They don’t think we can put people to work building fuel cells or batteries…It’s because we have courageous entrepreneurs and skilled crafts persons..”
From Left to right (Gov. Jay Inslee; Ron Wille, President All American Marine; Byron Bolton, All American Marine CEO)
AAM and the Governor quickly recognized all the partners in the building of Sea Change, noting the owner SWITCH Maritime, the vessel suppliers; Cummins, BAE, Zero Emissions Industries, and many more. More information on Sea Change and its partners can be found linked here. This vessel represents a monumental step in the future of maritime, not only in WA State but around the globe. AAM is proud to have been a part of this important vessel and is excited to lead the way in constructing more vessels with this technology in the future. The construction and completion of Sea Change further exemplify AAM’s position as a leading technological innovator in the North American marketplace and a leading manufacturer of vessels with custom propulsion and design characteristics to create the best performing vessel in its given class. The Governor also spoke of forming a center of excellence here in Washington for low or zero emission vessels, and efforts are currently underway to become a Hydrogen Hub for the nation in terms of production and application of hydrogen fuel cell technology.
The Sea Change project has received important municipal support, including a $3 million grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), administered by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), that comes from California Climate Investments, a California statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy, and improve public health and the environment, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Governor Inslee stated that he admired California’s initiatives towards putting real dollars towards helping solve climate change and has allocated over $6 Billion in state funding towards Climate Action solutions in WA State’s own Climate fund to help new projects such as the Sea Change, continue to be constructed in WA.