The Maritime Cluster shares membership with some organizations and businesses in the Defense Cluster in areas such as shipbuilding, manufacturing, training, engineering services and homeland security;  and with the Tourism Cluster in areas of water-based recreation, and attractions such as the Mystic Seaport Museum, and the Mystic Aquarium. The cluster also includes numerous activities involving maritime manufacturing, maintenance/repair, transportation, warehousing, and wholesale trade.

The cluster includes the major, deep water port facility at Admiral Shear State Pier in New London, which routinely berths bulk cargo vessels with wood products and copper, and more recently has begun to welcome cruise ships from Holland America Lines, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and Princess Cruises.

Southeastern Connecticut has also has a long history in commercial fishing with a significant presence today in both New London and Stonington. 

Ferry transport between the New London multi-modal facility and adjacent islands includes conventional car ferries as well as the most modern high speed passenger vessels operated by Cross Sound Ferry.

Maritime education is robust in Southeastern CT, which is not only the home of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, but also  the world-class maritime research and education facility embodied in the Marine Sciences and Technology Center operated by the University of Connecticut at Avery Point.