Establishing the Louisiana Maritime Academy (LMA) at Nicholls State University

Strengthening Louisiana’s Role in America’s Maritime Future

Why the LMA Matters

Louisiana is one of the most important maritime regions in the United States.

• 1 in 5 jobs in Louisiana is connected to the maritime economy
• Marine businesses in the state have grown by 9% in the past decade
• Maritime wages have increased by 14% over the same period

 With five of the nation’s top ports by volume and a critical role in supporting inland waterways, offshore energy, and international trade, Louisiana is uniquely positioned to lead the next generation of U.S. maritime education and workforce development.

Meeting the Moment: The Creation of LMA

To harness this momentum, LMA anticipates launch in Fall 2028, located at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA.

Graduates will earn a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and meet the U.S. Coast Guard requirements to obtain a Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage Oceans Merchant Mariner Credential, with the opportunity to pursue towing vessel endorsement pathways.

Vision for Growth

LMA is designed to grow responsibly and strategically:

• Future programs will include pathways to Third Assistant Engineer – Unlimited Horsepower Oceans licenses
• Partnerships with Louisiana technical and community colleges will create stackable pathways into maritime careers
• Facilities will support professional training, credential renewal, and continuing education for active mariners
• Industry collaboration will ensure programs align with workforce needs in the Gulf Coast maritime sector

Aligned with Federal Maritime Priorities

LMA aligns directly with federal priorities to rebuild the U.S. maritime workforce and strengthen national maritime capability.

Federal initiatives—including the Executive Order on Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance—call for:

• Expanding recruitment and training of the U.S. mariner workforce
• Strengthening maritime education capacity
• Revitalizing American shipbuilding and maritime transportation infrastructure

LMA will contribute directly to these national priorities.

Realizing a Vision

There is currently no state maritime academy in Louisiana and limited academy-level maritime training capacity across the Gulf region.

The Louisiana Maritime Academy will help close this gap by:

• Developing the next generation of licensed mariners
• Supporting national economic and energy security
• Strengthening workforce pipelines for ports, offshore operations, and inland waterways
• Enhancing the resilience of America’s maritime transportation system

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Graduates of the LMA will be qualified to pursue careers such as:

• Third Mate – Unlimited Tonnage
• Offshore vessel officer
• Tug and towing vessel officer
• Ship operations and port management
• Maritime logistics and shipping
• Marine safety and regulatory positions

Licensed deck officers are in high demand across the U.S. maritime industry, with competitive salaries and global career opportunities.

Conclusion
The Louisiana Maritime Academy represents more than the creation of a new academic program—it is a strategic investment in the future of the U.S. maritime industry.

By leveraging Louisiana’s unique geography, maritime heritage, and industrial base, LMA will prepare the next generation of licensed mariners while supporting national workforce priorities and strengthening the country’s maritime capability.