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

Strengthening Louisiana’s Role in America’s Maritime Future

Louisiana: A Maritime Powerhouse

One in five jobs in Louisiana is connected to the maritime industry. Over the past decade alone:

• Marine businesses in the state have grown by 9%
• Wages in the maritime economy have increased by 14%

With five of the nation’s top ports by volume and a pivotal role in supporting inland and offshore maritime operations, Louisiana is uniquely positioned to lead the next chapter in 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.

LMA will offer graduates a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and meet all requirements to obtain an Unlimited Tonnage Third Mate Oceans merchant mariner credential with towing endorsement

Vision for Growth

LMA is structured to scale responsibly and strategically:

• Future programs will offer unlimited tonnage licenses for Third Assistant Engineers Oceans
• Strong partnerships with Louisiana’s technical and community colleges will allow for merged degree pathways, creating accessible, affordable entry points into maritime careers
• Our facilities will support continuing education, recertification, and lifelong learning for current mariners

Aligned with Federal Maritime Priorities

LMA directly aligns with the Executive Order on Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance, which seeks to bolster the weakened maritime workforce by:

• Expanding and strengthening the recruitment, training and retention of the relevant U.S. mariner workforce
• Revitalizing American shipbuilding and maritime capacity

Realizing a Vision

We will build a maritime academy that reflects both regional needs and national priorities. There is currently no state maritime academy in Louisiana and limited maritime training capacity in the broader Gulf region. LMA will fill this gap while supporting:

• National economic security
• A sustainable mariner workforce
• Resilience across America’s port and energy sectors

Conclusion

LMA is more than a school—it’s a strategic investment in America’s maritime future. With Louisiana’s unique geography, industrial base, and workforce needs, the time is right to stand up a state maritime academy that empowers local students, meets national goals, and helps restore America’s maritime strength.