Michigan’s New Maritime Strategy Elevates the Role of Electric Boating, Sustainability and Infrastructure Improvements

Michigan’s New Maritime Strategy Elevates the Role of Electric Boating, Sustainability and Infrastructure Improvements

Michigan's new 10-year statewide maritime strategy recognizes marinas and recreational boating as essential drivers of the state's economy and waterfront infrastructure. The plan aims to modernize marinas, improve environmental sustainability, expand public access, and prepare for the future of low-emission boating.

Key Highlights

• Major Economic Impact

  • Recreational boating contributes $11.7 billion annually to Michigan's economy.

  • Supports approximately 45,000 jobs.

  • Michigan has more than 800,000 registered boats, making it one of the nation's leading boating states.

• Marina Modernization

  • Invest in upgrading aging marina facilities.

  • Improve resilience to climate impacts.

  • Develop sustainable waterfront infrastructure.

• Environmental Leadership

  • Expand pollution prevention efforts, including better stormwater management, waste handling, and fuel spill reduction.

  • Increase funding for the Michigan Clean Marina Program, which has certified 105 Clean Marinas since its launch in 2001.

  • Encourage green infrastructure to help protect Great Lakes water quality.

• Combatting Invasive Species

  • Increase education and best management practices for marinas and boaters.

  • Promote improved vessel cleaning and maintenance to reduce the spread of invasive aquatic species.

• Supporting Electric Boating

  • Expand marina charging infrastructure for electric and hybrid boats.

  • Increase availability of alternative marine fuels.

  • Coordinate with electric utilities to ensure marina electrical capacity can support future charging demand.

• Improving Public Access

  • Expand boat launches, kayak launches, and water trails.

  • Design shoreline improvements that balance recreation with habitat protection.

• Statewide Collaboration

  • The strategy will be implemented through collaboration between the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and other state agencies and local partners.

Why It Matters

Michigan is positioning itself as a national leader in sustainable recreational boating. The strategy acknowledges that marinas are no longer simply places to dock boats—they are becoming critical infrastructure for environmental stewardship, tourism, recreation, and the transition to electric boating. The emphasis on charging infrastructure, Clean Marina programs, and utility coordination closely aligns with the broader shift toward marine electrification and provides a strong model for other states looking to support the next generation of boating.

(Boat pictured is the Voltaic AEW24 from Voltaic Marine, based in Michigan.)