Maritime Industry Recruitment
Learn about the Maritime Industry in Annapolis
In its early days, a thriving shipping industry brought great wealth to Annapolis. The Chesapeake Bay still plays a major role in commerce, although today the City is more of a recreational boating, fishing, sailing and racing hub. Supply and service establishments dot the shoreline and comprise a vigorous maritime industry. Annapolis has always been a very popular port of call for international sailors, who consider the city “America’s Sailing Capital.” Every fall, the largest in-the-water boat shows in the world are held on successive weekends for sail and power enthusiasts respectively.
The City of Annapolis actively works to recruit maritime businesses to our community. Please find information below about our special maritime zoning districts and available commercial properties.
Annapolis Maritime Industry
For more information on the maritime industry in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, read the City of Annapolis Maritime Industry Economic Survey and the newly released Maritime Industry as a Driver of Economic Recovery & Middle-Class Formation in Anne Arundel County.
Quick Facts
- Annapolis is a major center for recreational boating for the Washington/Baltimore metropolitan area, but also attracts boaters from around the world
- The largest percentage of the maritime economy of Annapolis includes boat dealers, marine wholesalers, marinas, and boat repair establishments
- The maritime industry in Annapolis accounts for $37.5 billion in retail expenditures and new sales
- Annapolis has an estimated 2,387 boat slips at marinas and an estimated 1,000 private boat slips at individual homes and development complexes
- Annapolis has nearly 15% of all the maritime businesses in Maryland
- Annapolis has 24% of boat building businesses in Maryland
Maritime Zoning Districts
Annapolis has four Maritime Zoning Districts, which were established in 1987 by the Mayor and City Council to protect and promote the maritime industry.
Below, you can also view commercial properties currently available for lease or purchase in these districts.
Waterfront Mixed Maritime District (WMM)
The Waterfront Mixed Maritime District is intended to reserve areas along the water's edge for maritime uses, provide an environment for supporting maritime merchandising efforts and to encourage the preservation of existing buildings and uses.
Available properties:
410 Severn Ave Size: 1,227-7,900 SF / Property Type: Office
Waterfront Maritime Eastport District (WME)
The Waterfront Maritime Eastport District is intended to provide a location for maritime and accessory uses in conjunction with single-family residences in areas where the existing lot configuration limits the effective functioning of maritime industrial operations.
Available properties:
105 Eastern Ave Size Size: 1,800 SF / Property Type: Office
Waterfront Maritime Conservation District (WMC)
The Waterfront Maritime Conservation District downtown is intended to provide a location for maritime-related activities, including docks and slips; public access, recreational uses; and views of the waterfront in an attractive environment which supports and is harmonious with the interrelationship of the historic urban core, the waterfront and adjacent commercial establishments.
No available properties
Waterfront Maritime Industrial District (WMI)
The Waterfront Maritime Industrial District off of Forest Drive is intended to provide a location for land intensive maritime and accessory uses which require or clearly benefit from a waterfront location. It is the further intent of this district to support the City's maritime industry by limiting competing land uses.
No available properties
Maritime Partners
Our partner organizations help support the maritime industry in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.
Annapolis Maritime Advisory Board
The Maritime Advisory Board provides expert and informed analysis of facts relating to the marine industry and pleasure boating to the City Council or City agencies.
Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation - Maritime
Whether you need financing, workforce training assistance or data on our maritime industry, Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation can help.
Marine Trades Association of Maryland
The Marine Trades Association of Maryland (MTAM) is a non-profit dedicated to promoting the recreational marine industry and waterway preservation.
Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies
MITAGS is a non-profit vocational training center for individuals seeking to enter the maritime profession and for professional mariners seeking to advance their careers.
Featured Incentives
Businesses located in or locating to Annapolis may be eligible for incentives through the State of Maryland.
Helps to offset some of the costs of marketing internationally for Maryland's small and mid-sized companies, providing up to $5,000 in reimbursement for expenses associated with an international marketing project.
Offshore Wind Business Development Grant Program
This Maryland Energy Administration program provides grant funding on a competitive basis to help defray barrier entry costs of Maryland’s emerging businesses; including minority-owned emerging businesses entering the global offshore wind industry.
Businesses that create a minimum number of new full-time positions may be entitled to state income tax credits of up to $3,000 per job.
Maryland Business Works - Workforce Development and Adult Learning
Training funds can be used to upgrade the skills of current employees while also creating opportunities for new hires in in-demand occupations and skills.