About the Project
This recent presentation is a quick summary of the project.
Please click here for a one page summary printout
The use of the massive interior volume and large deck space of one or more of the groundbreaking SL-7 container ships will result in a world class Smithsonian level exposition center that will provide a national focus on the importance of maritime in the development and continued success of the nation.
While there are numerous historical vessels on display around the United States, none serve to promote our modern maritime commerce.
SL7Expo’s first public display of a container RO/RO ship and focus on present and future maritime commerce explaining containerization, intermodalism, modern bulk transport, roll on roll off transport, the passenger cruise market, advanced ferry transport, sustainable fisheries and the thousands of complex human and technological interactions that make modern maritime work.
All major US conflicts relied on protection of maritime trade. The sea lanes are guarded by the US Navy; however, their primary role is to ensure open and safe trade routes to drive the national economy. At present the US maritime fleet cannot meet the logistical requirements of the supply of US strategic products to the United States and its allies and the transport of combat equipment to war zones. This is a fundamental national security concern.
SL7Expo’s programs will support the influx of personnel into, and public understanding of a vital commercial fleet supported and protected by a viable and capable US Navy.
As a major player in the world economy, commercial maritime also needs to respond to challenges every day. Some of these are regulatory or responses to national and international crises, while others are related to environmental concerns such as pollution control, sustainability, or green technology , including nuclear propulsion and even wind.
SL7Expo will be the central forum to address these issues. SL7Expo will maintain connections with, and host industry groups such as the Society of Marine Port Engineers that can provide insight into the complex issues that maritime commerce faces.
The Ships of America Act aims at reviving the US commercial oceangoing fleet. This legislative effort is making very large investments into US shipbuilding and ship operating industries. SL7Expo will provide the interpretive space for this effort.
Moreover, SL7Expo’s focus on maritime careers will provide the path for the public to participate in this important career opportunity.
SL7Expo will facilitate a wide variety of educational programs starting at the middle school level and ranging up to the doctorate level.
SL7Expo will have the space and facilities to host conferences, training sessions and even support public sailing programs, Sea Scout ships, and maritime high schools.
Owing in part to its efficiency and reliability, the commercial maritime and intermodal industry is largely invisible to the public. Consumer products arrive at the public’s doorstep, but the public has little knowledge of the process, whether this relates to bulk products such as grains, ores and chemicals moving to and from the United States, the movement of new consumer products from manufacturers countries or the transportation of recycled consumer products to developing nations.
SL7Expo displays will get US citizens better informed and more involved in national and international maritime issues.
Since the birth of our country, maritime careers have provided a powerful opportunity for social mobility. Maritime careers are not exclusively related to ship operations or even ship construction and repair. Every function that is performed outside of the maritime domain has an impact, such as medical, legal, insurance, brokerage, sales, marketing, communications, and even the arts.
Maritime careers continue to provide reliable career opportunities with competitive salaries, but the general public is largely unaware of industry, which is currently experiencing a personnel shortage. SL7Expo will provide a highly visible and accessible connection between the public, maritime career institutes and the maritime industry.