One of the only Black tugboat captains in America
(BALTIMORE – March 31, 2025) – Maryland, a state with a long and storied maritime history, prides itself on its thriving port system, expansive waterways, and commitment to economic development. Yet, one glaring question remains unanswered: Why has Captain Darwin Peguese, a highly credentialed U.S. Navy veteran and seasoned entrepreneur, struggled to secure significant maritime contracts in Maryland?
Captain Peguese, the president and owner of Island Breeze Marine, Inc. (IBMI), boasts more than 25 years of experience in the maritime industry, including 11 years specializing in maintenance dredging and wetland development. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard-issued 1600 Ton Master’s License, multiple industry certifications, and a proven track record of excellence in marine construction, environmental remediation, and workforce development. His company has completed projects for federal and state agencies in other regions, earning a reputation for quality and reliability. So, why is he not landing contracts in Maryland?
The answer may lie in systemic barriers hindering small, minority, and veteran-owned businesses from fully participating in Maryland’s lucrative maritime economy. Despite government initiatives aimed at increasing opportunities for disadvantaged businesses, many procurement processes remain opaque, exclusionary, and difficult to navigate. Large, well-established firms continue to dominate state contracts, leaving little room for smaller businesses—no matter how qualified—to compete fairly.
Captain Peguese is not just another business owner but an industry leader with a mission. Through IBMI, he has created apprenticeship programs to introduce underserved communities—including youth, minorities, and formerly incarcerated individuals—to maritime careers. At a time when Maryland is grappling with rising crime and a need for job creation, his work represents a direct and tangible solution. By training individuals for well-paying maritime jobs, he is strengthening the industry and providing pathways to economic independence for those who need it most.
It is both ironic and troubling that a state so profoundly connected to maritime commerce cannot seem to make room for a qualified, service-disabled, veteran-owned business to contribute. What message does this send to other minority and veteran entrepreneurs? That no matter how skilled, experienced, or mission-driven they may be, the barriers to entry remain insurmountable?
Maryland’s leaders must examine the state’s contracting and procurement processes. Are they genuinely inclusive? Are they providing fair access to businesses like IBMI with the expertise and vision to make a difference? Suppose Maryland is serious about supporting veteran entrepreneurs and small, minority-owned businesses. In that case, it must do more than pay lip service—it must take meaningful action to ensure these businesses have a real chance to compete and thrive.
Captain Peguese’s struggle is not just his own; it reflects broader systemic issues that continue to plague small business owners who are ready, willing, and able to contribute. Maryland has the opportunity to change this narrative. The question is, will it?
