Today is National Maritime Day, a time to acknowledge the vital role the maritime industry plays across the country. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the rich maritime heritage of our local area and recognize the dedicated professionals who are essential to this field. Here at Art Anderson, we’re proud to be based in Bremerton—a true maritime hub—and to contribute to this legacy through innovative marine design and engineering work.
The History of National Maritime Day
National Maritime Day, observed annually on May 22nd, was established by Congress in 1933 to commemorate the day the SS Savannah departed from Georgia in 1819 destined to become the first steamship to successfully cross the Atlantic. This trip across the ocean connected communities from around the world and ushered in a new era for maritime commerce and travel. The holiday was created during the Great Depression to bolster the American merchant marine during economic challenges.
Puget Sound’s Maritime Legacy
The waters of the Puget Sound have been nourishing and connecting communities for centuries. The Coast Salish people indigenous to the region relied on the waters for food sources and to establish trading posts with neighboring tribes. Communities across the Puget Sound region formed around water access. As European settlers moved to the area in the mid-19th century, the densely forested landscape inspired the timber industry that soon transformed the area into a shipbuilding hub.
The early 20th century attracted a fleet of privately operated boats that became known as the “Mosquito Fleet”, toting people and materials across the Sound to the many islands and peninsulas. New enterprises emerged within the shipping industry, including commercial fishing, cargo transportation and ship building and repair. When the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard was built in 1891, Bremerton became a cornerstone for the region’s economy and national defense.
Art Anderson’s Maritime Support
The maritime industry remains a vital force in the Pacific Northwest. Our talented team offers marine design and engineering services for new vessel design, renovations, repairs and improvements. The core of our marine practice involves preparing bid-ready plans, specifications and cost estimates for repair, modification or replacement of all types of shipboard systems. Over the years Art Anderson has had the pleasure of working alongside:
- Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for over 65 years
- Washington State Ferries for over 45 years
- Alaska Marine Ferry System for 45 years
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for 25 years
- Kitsap Transit for 20 years
- And we’ve worked on 12+ ports and harbors for local municipalities in the Puget Sound alone
We’re proud to use our expertise in naval architecture and marine engineering to improve our local maritime infrastructure since our beginnings in 1957. Happy National Maritime Day!