The annual Maritime Breakfast at this year’s International WorkBoat Show will focus on the theme “U.S. Shipbuilding: Progress, Workforce, and the Path Ahead.” Sponsored by Endress & Hauser, the event will bring together executives from across the commercial and defense shipbuilding sectors to discuss how new investments, policies, and partnerships are reshaping the U.S. maritime industrial base.
Moderated by Guillermo Calderon Martinez, business development manager for North America at the American Bureau of Shipping, the session will feature a lineup of leaders representing shipyards, operators, and maritime financiers.
Panelists include Justin Slater, vice president of business development, Fincantieri Marine Group; (Ret.) Rear Adm. Thomas Anderson, U.S. Navy, president of U.S. shipbuilding, Hanwha Philly Shipyard; Erik Derecktor, construction commercial manager, Derecktor Shipyards: and Dave Lee, vice president of technology and innovation, Maritime Partners LLC.
As the U.S. works to strengthen its domestic shipbuilding industry, the discussion will address how federal grants, tax incentives, and targeted public-private investments are fueling new growth. While national defense remains a central focus, panelists are expected to highlight how commercial shipbuilding stands to benefit from the same industrial momentum.
The conversation will cover the number of vessels currently under construction, recent yard expansions, and workforce development efforts that have gained traction over the past year. Panelists will also share forward-looking insights on projects in the pipeline and the challenges that remain, ranging from supply chain constraints to sustaining skilled labor pipelines across regions.
The Maritime Breakfast remains one of the show’s most anticipated gatherings, offering a candid look at the state of the industry among peers and policymakers. Last year’s session on the Jones Act drew a full house. Attendance requires an upgraded ticket, which includes a buffet breakfast.
The event promises an in-depth, data-driven discussion on where U.S. shipbuilding stands today and how industry leaders plan to keep its resurgence on course.
Thursday, December 4th | 8:00AM - 9:00AM
Room R02, second floor, access via the escalator at the back of 100 aisle
