About National Maritime Day
Observed annually on May 22, National Maritime Day is a United States federal holiday that honors the maritime industry and American Merchant Mariners, and commemorates the historic May 22, 1819 transoceanic voyage of the S.S. Savannah from Savannah, Georgia–the first time any vessel used steam power to cross any ocean.
Various maritime ports and other entities and organizations nationwide will celebrate National Maritime Day, with many local maritime museums like Museum of the Great Lakes, Door County Maritime Museum and the National D-Day Memorial are offering free admission to merchant mariners and veterans. Admission to the National Museum of the U.S. Navy in Washington, D.C. is always free.
Port of New Orleans Celebrates Tenth Annual Maritime Month, Coincides with SAIL 250 Kickoff
The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) will lead America’s National Maritime Day celebration as part of its tenth annual Maritime Month from May 1–31, 2026, alongside National Maritime Day on May 22, marking a milestone year that coincides with the kickoff of SAIL 250, a nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.
- Check out other Sail 250 events HERE.
New Orleans will serve as the first stop in the United States as the nation welcomes the tall ships of the world for this historic celebration. From May 28 through June 1, 2026, the Mississippi River will host the largest-ever flotilla of international tall ships, creating a majestic nautical spectacle along the city’s iconic riverfront. A diverse lineup of events, festivals and educational programming will take place across the region to entertain, engage and inspire audiences from across the country and all communities.
National Maritime Day, observed annually on May 22, highlights the vital role the maritime industry plays in global commerce and honors the men and women who keep goods moving and economies growing. Maritime Month expands that recognition, celebrating the industry’s impact on Louisiana’s economy and workforce, as well as the region’s deep maritime heritage.
“Maritime Month is a time to recognize the extraordinary people who power our maritime industry and keep global supply chains moving,” said Port NOLA President and CEO and NOPB CEO Beth Branch. “In 2026, that celebration takes on even greater significance as New Orleans welcomes the world for SAIL 250. Hosting the first stop of this historic event underscores our city’s maritime legacy and our role as a gateway for international commerce and cultural exchange.”
“From ship to shore to rail, our integrated network is what makes Port NOLA uniquely positioned to support events of this scale,” Branch added. “We are proud to showcase our working river while creating opportunities for the public to connect with the maritime industry in a meaningful and memorable way.”
“Maritime Month is a chance to celebrate the powerful influence of our city, our port, and our people on global culture and commerce,” said Walt Leger III, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company. “Hosting Sail 250 is a once-in-a-generation event that will bring vessels and visitors from around the world to experience our rich culture, vibrant hospitality industry and historic connection to the Mississippi River, delivering significant excitement and economic impact for our region.”
The 2026 Maritime Month campaign will officially launch with a resolution by the Port NOLA Board of Commissioners declaring May 2026 as Maritime Month and May 22 as National Maritime Day.
Throughout the month, Port NOLA aligned celebrations with key national observances, including:
· National Firefighters Day (May 4) honoring the crew of the General Roy S. Kelley Fireboat
· National Travel and Tourism Week (May 3–9) highlighting the Port’s cruise business and its impact on the tourism industry
· National Police Week (May 10–16) recognizing the Harbor Police Department
The celebration will culminate with SAIL 250 festivities, transforming the Mississippi River into a vibrant showcase of maritime history, international collaboration and community pride.
Port NOLA has also partnered with FOX 8 for a live broadcast from the Mississippi River onboard the General Roy S. Kelley Fireboat on Friday, May 22, 2026. Watch the livestream HERE.
Declared by Congress in 1933, National Maritime Day honors America’s merchant mariners and maritime heritage. Since 2017, Port NOLA has expanded that recognition into a month-long campaign to raise awareness of the industry’s importance to the region and beyond. You can find more information and updates on Port NOLA’s Maritime Month here and about SAIL 250 here.
Celebrate National Maritime Day on the Nuclear Ship Savannah
Come experience a time capsule of the atomic age – the world’s first nuclear-powered merchant ship, the Nuclear Ship Savannah will have an open house on Sunday May 17 as part of the Baltimore Port Alliance’s National Maritime Day commemoration.
N.S. Savannah operated as a passenger/cargo ship from 1962-70, serving as a floating ambassador promoting the safe and peaceful use of nuclear power as part of President Eisenhower’s Atoms for Peace program. A ceremony will be held at 11:30 a.m., and the ship will be open for tours from 10am to 3pm, where you can experience its mid-century modern interiors, engine and control rooms, and other spaces, just as passengers did during its operation. In addition, you can now tour the formerly off-limits containment vessel, which housed the nuclear reactor – truly a unique experience!
As the decommissioning process comes to an end, Savannah is looking for a new home – so don’t miss your opportunity to visit now to learn more about the ship’s future, and how you can be a part of helping to find it a new home (maybe even in Baltimore)!
The ship is located at 4601 Newgate Avenue, Pier 13 at the Canton Marine Terminal, at the same pier as the SS John Brown, which will also be open for tours.
There will be offsite parking at Rukert Terminals Corporation, 2300 Broening Hwy (accessible from either Keith Ave of Broening Hwy), with shuttle service to the pier. Follow posted signs or get directions at the pier. Please note no open-toed shoes or heels are allowed, and the ship has limited accessibility for those with disabilities.
Port of Galveston Hosting Big Maritime Day Event May 22 at Cruise Terminal 16
The Port of Galveston will commemorate National Maritime Day with a free public event 8:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, May 22, at Cruise Terminal 16, 1602 Harborside Dr., Galveston. Sponsored by Moody Bank, the event will include vessel tours, maritime-related booths and a commemoration ceremony at 10 a.m.
Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO, said, “The port has recognized the contribution of mariners on Maritime Day for almost 20 years. We invite everyone to attend and take advantage of this rare opportunity to learn more about maritime careers and the maritime industry.”
Exhibitors will include Gulf Copper, Galveston Seafarers Center, Galveston Naval Museum, Galveston Wharves, Port of Galveston Police Department, Orion and Visit Galveston.
The ceremony will include the port police color guard, a memorial wreath, maritime remembrances and guest speakers. Keynote speaker will be Col. (Ret.) Michael E. Fossum, vice president, Texas A&M University; chief operating officer, Texas A&M University at Galveston; and superintendent, Texas A&M Maritime Academy. Col. Fossum will speak about the importance of maritime careers and the need for workers to support the growing maritime industry.
Galveston College President Dr. W. Myles Shelton will also speak about maritime-related careers and skills training at Galveston’s public community college.
About Galveston’s National Maritime Day
The Galveston Wharves at the Port of Galveston has commemorated National Maritime Day with an annual public event for almost 20 years to recognize and remember all who work in the maritime industry. Congress declared May 22 as National Maritime Day in 1933.
Mr. Rees said, “We recognize the contributions of those who work in the maritime industry, and in particular merchant marines, to strengthen the U.S. economy and secure our nation.”
The maritime industry supports a wide range of businesses and jobs, including ship pilots, ship crews, barge and tugboat crews, union workers, shipping stevedores, onshore cruise staff, truck drivers, railroad workers, construction workers, ship builders, administrative staffs and many more.
Mr. Rees added, “Thanks to the generous support of presenting sponsor Moody Bank, a long-time community partner, we’re able to make this year’s event the biggest yet. We encourage the community to join us for this special day.”
About the Port of Galveston
Located at the entrance to Galveston Bay and the Houston Ship Channel, the Port of Galveston has been a thriving maritime commercial center since 1825. Just 45 minutes from open seas, the 840-acre port has infrastructure and assets to serve growing cruise, cargo and commercial businesses.
The port is the fourth busiest cruise home port in the U.S. The port also leases and maintains a wide range of cargo facilities on the deep-water Galveston Harbor, which is ranked among the top 40 busiest U.S. cargo waterways. The Galveston Wharves is a self-sustaining city entity whose mission is to generate and reinvest port revenues to benefit the Galveston community with economic growth, jobs and sales tax revenues. www.portofgalveston.com
