Governor Bob Ferguson of Washington and Ambassador Karen Eva Abrahamsen, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Danish Embassy, signed the first cooperative agreement between Washington state and Denmark at One Ocean Week, a global oceans conference in Seattle. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation on industrial decarbonization, water efficiency, sustainable fuels, port development, maritime decarbonization, and circular manufacturing.
Both Washington and Denmark have significant expertise in maritime electrification. Denmark is a world leader in vessel electrification and government-backed green shipping initiatives, including an ongoing ferry electrification system. Washington is also electrifying its ferry fleet, and together, both programs represent some of the largest ferry electrification projects in the world.
The agreement also covers industrial symbiosis, which involves using waste products from one industry—such as heat, leftover materials, or wastewater—as inputs for neighboring industries. This approach improves efficiency and lowers costs while supporting climate goals. Washington was the first state in the U.S. to develop a state-supported industrial symbiosis program and is currently the U.S. leader in advancing these practices. Over 25 Washington ports, cities, and counties are pursuing industrial symbiosis strategies for sustainable growth, according to investments managed by the Washington State Department of Commerce.