Gov. Bob Ferguson and Danish Deputy Chief of Mission Karen Eva Abrahamsen sign a memorandum of understanding to expand cooperation between Washington state and Denmark during One Ocean Week in Seattle. The agreement focuses on maritime decarbonization, port development, sustainable fuels and industrial innovation. (Photo: Office of Gov. Bob Ferguson)
SEATTLE, Wash. – Washington state has signed its second international cooperation agreement in less than two weeks, establishing a formal partnership with Denmark focused on maritime technology, industrial decarbonization and sustainable economic development.
Gov. Bob Ferguson and Danish Deputy Chief of Mission Karen Eva Abrahamsen signed the memorandum of understanding during One Ocean Week, a global oceans conference hosted in Seattle by Washington Maritime Blue.
The agreement creates a framework for Washington state and the Royal Danish Embassy to collaborate on industrial innovation, port development, water reuse, sustainable fuels and other shared economic and environmental priorities.
The signing follows an Oct. 13 agreement between Washington and Finland that Ferguson signed to expand cooperation in maritime industries, aerospace, clean energy, quantum computing and academic research. PNW Daily previously reported on that agreement, the first international agreement Ferguson signed since taking office in 2025.
“From maritime technologies to industrial processes, Washington and Denmark have much to learn from each other. This agreement will support our communities, research institutions, and businesses in strengthening relationships with their Danish partners.”
Gov. Bob Ferguson
Washington and Denmark Target Maritime Industries
The new agreement identifies six areas for cooperation:
- Industrial decarbonization
- Water efficiency and reuse
- Commercialization of sustainable fuels
- Port development
- Maritime decarbonization
- Circular manufacturing and industrial symbiosis
The partnership aims to strengthen business relationships, facilitate technology exchanges, encourage trade and study missions, and expand opportunities for research institutions and companies in both regions.
Abrahamsen said the agreement combines the two regions’ expertise to create opportunities for industries, ports and local communities.
“With this agreement, Denmark and Washington state are combining their experience and strengths to create new opportunities for industries, ports and local communities,” Abrahamsen said. “I look forward to seeing what we will build together.”
Ferry Electrification Creates Opportunities
Washington and Denmark share an interest in reducing emissions from maritime transportation, particularly through ferry electrification.
Denmark has developed expertise in vessel electrification, maritime engineering and government-supported green shipping initiatives, including ferry electrification projects. Washington is also working to electrify its aging fleet struggling to stay on the water and next-generation ferries.
The agreement provides a framework for the two regions to exchange technical knowledge and explore opportunities to apply their respective experience to maritime projects.
Cooperation could also extend to port development and technologies that reduce emissions from industrial operations and shipping.
Industrial Symbiosis Could Support Economic Growth
The agreement also highlights industrial symbiosis, an approach that allows businesses to use resources discarded by other industries.
For example, one facility could use another facility’s excess heat, wastewater or leftover materials as inputs for its own operations. This approach can reduce waste, improve efficiency and lower costs while supporting environmental goals.
Washington was the first state in the United States to develop a state-supported industrial symbiosis program, according to the governor’s office. The state has worked with Danish partners on multiple economic development projects involving these practices.
Through the partnership and investments managed by the Washington State Department of Commerce, more than 25 Washington ports, cities and counties are pursuing industrial symbiosis as a strategy for sustainable growth and economic opportunity.
The agreement creates additional opportunities to share expertise and develop projects that connect businesses across industries.
The Denmark agreement follows Washington’s Oct. 13 memorandum of understanding with Finland, which established a framework for cooperation in maritime industries, aerospace, clean energy, sustainable forestry, transportation and emerging technologies.
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