AMPP to bring maritime coatings forum to Mobile in 2027

AMPP will host its second Maritime Coatings Contractor Forum in Mobile, Alabama, March 1-3, 2027, bringing shipyards, contractors, asset owners and federal partners together for technical sessions and structured networking. The event is aimed at improving coating decisions that affect vessel performance, maintenance and repair across the maritime industry.

Why it matters: - The forum is designed to connect the people who specify, prepare, apply and inspect maritime coatings, a chain of work that affects vessel readiness for years. - Better coordination on coating standards, surface preparation and application can influence maintenance costs, reliability and service life for ships and other assets. - The event gives maritime owners and contractors a place to compare requirements, workflows and workforce needs as vessel maintenance and construction demands evolve.

What happened: - AMPP will hold the 2027 Maritime Coatings Contractor Forum March 1-3 at The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa in Mobile, Alabama. - The event returns for its second year. - The forum will bring together maritime asset owners, commercial and government shipyards, coating contractors, inspectors, suppliers and federal partners. - Registration and sponsorship details are available at the event page.

The details: - Participants are expected to hear from U.S. Navy SUPSHIP Gulf Coast, U.S. Coast Guard in Pascagoula, U.S. Marine Forces Reserve, regional shipyards and contractors. - Discussions will focus on coating standards, certification requirements, performance expectations and the workforce needed to carry out the work. - Technical sessions will cover marine coatings, surface preparation, application methods, corrosion-resistant materials and tools that improve productivity and reliability. - Organizations currently engaged include ABC Applicators, Inc.; Allied Steel Corp.; Austal USA; AXS Painting LLC DBA AXS Preservation; BAE Systems Jacksonville Ship Repair, LLC; Bayonne Drydock & Repair Corp.; Delta Coatings, Inc.; U.S. Marine Forces Reserve in New Orleans; U.S. Navy SUPSHIP Gulf Coast; U.S. Coast Guard in Pascagoula; and Vulcan Painters, Inc. - The Contractor Club will connect participating maritime suppliers with invited asset owners and contractors through scheduled 15-minute one-on-one meetings. - The forum will also include networking during sessions, meals and other events. - Attendees can earn up to 10 professional development hours. - Registration will be complimentary for government and regulatory representatives, asset owners, shipyards and painting contractors.

Between the lines: - AMPP is positioning the forum as a practical working session, not just a conference, with direct interaction between decision-makers and field contractors. - The emphasis on contractor networking suggests the industry is looking for faster alignment on specifications, capabilities and project needs. - Jennifer Merck, AMPP vice president of maritime and defense, said the forum is intended to bring together different viewpoints so crews and contractors can address the problems they are actually encountering. - Merck also said the format can turn separate experiences into better questions, stronger working relationships and practical ideas teams can take back.

What's next: - Registration is opening soon. - AMPP will continue building the program around technical discussions and scheduled meetings ahead of the March 2027 event. - More attendees, sponsors and participating organizations may be added as the forum approaches.

The bottom line: - AMPP is using the Mobile forum to turn maritime coatings from a back-end maintenance task into a coordinated industry conversation with direct business and technical value.