RALEIGH —The North Carolina Department of Transportation today announced the launch of the North Carolina Maritime Strategy planning study. The Governor’s Logistics Task Force recommended a study be initiated to evaluate the current and future role ports play, if any, in sustaining North Carolina’s efforts to create jobs and strengthen the economy across the State. “The study provides us the opportunity to take an objective look at the future of the maritime industry in North Carolina and assess these options with a fresh set of eyes,” said Lt.