Interview with Coast Guard Commandant
Admiral Thad Allen, Commandant of the Coast Guard, spoke with MarineNews about the merchant mariner credentialing process, TWIC, the new Centers of Expertise and the modernization of the Coast Guard's internal organization. Visit the Commandant's blog at www.uscg.mil/comdt/blog for more of his perspectives on the workings of the Coast Guard. What's the Coast Guard doing to simplify the merchant mariner credentialing process?
St. Francisville/New Roads Ferry Resumes Ops
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced on May 8 that the St. Francisville/New Roads ferry service has resumed operations with a 35-car vessel.
New Rolls-Royce OSV for Canada
Rolls-Royce has won an order to design and equip a UT 755LN offshore support vessel with an integrated power, propulsion and motion control system, for use in the Canadian oil and gas market.
ABS to Class Newbuild Jackups for Petrobras
ABS has been selected to class the first newbuild jackups for Petrobras in 25 years. The Brazilian energy giant has ordered two LeTourneau Technologies Inc. (LTI) Super S116E design jackups.
U.S. Ferry Systems Investment Act Introduced
On April 29, 2009, members of Congress introduced the United States Ferry Systems Investment Act of 2009, proposing a significant expansion of federal attention to ferry transportation.
MERPAC Seeks Applicants
The Coast Guard is actively seeking applications for appointment to the Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC). MERPAC gives advice and makes recommendations…
OSV Industry Quality Partnership
The U.S. Coast Guard and the Offshore Marine Service Association signed a formal memorandum of understanding April 30, for the establishment of an Offshore Support Vessel Industry Quality Partnership. The quality partnership was formed to promote safety and security within the offshore industry and to help protect the environment. The Offshore Marine Service Association and the Coast Guard achieve these goals by meeting regularly to discuss current issues relating to offshore marine operations…
Surface Ship Life Cycle Mngmt Stands Up
The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) formally established the Surface Ship Life Cycle Management (SSLCM) Activity on May 8, 2009, in a ceremony at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) in Portsmouth, Va.
Bisso Marine Adds New Lay Barge
Bisso Marine, provider of energy and maritime support services, has expanded its growing fleet by purchasing a third pipelay barge. The former G/P 37 was purchased from Global Industries and will be renamed the L/B Warrior Chief. “The L/B Warrior Chief adds depth and capacity to our experienced fleet, allowing us to provide an even greater level of quality and service,” said W.A. “Beau” Bisso IV, president and chief executive officer of the company.
Stimulus Package Funds Dredging
"The member companies of the Dredging Contractors of America (DCA) are pleased by the inclusion of $440 million of critically needed dredging projects in the U.S.
USCG Accepts Nat’l Security Cutter Bertholf
The U.S. Coast Guard took final acceptance of the Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf, the first of the Legend class National Security Cutter fleet, at the cutter's homeport of Alameda, Calif., Friday, May 8. Bertholf's final acceptance is part of the Coast Guard's deliberative acquisition process and represents the moment when the Coast Guard acknowledges that the cutter is ready to transition from an acquisition project to the operations and sustainment phases of the cutter's service life.
New USACE Contract
Great Lakes Dredging & Dock Co, LLC, Oakbrook, Ill. was awarded on May 6, 2009 a $7,329,750 firm-fixed-price contract for the maintenance dredging on Columbia River…
Nav Safety Advisory Council Seeks Applicants
The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking applications for membership on the Navigation Safety Advisory Council (NAVSAC). NAVSAC provides advice and makes recommendations…
USCG, USACE Disburse Recovery Act Funds
On April 20, Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security revealed that four bridge alteration projects will receive funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment…
Donjon Awarded Contract in Gibraltar
Donjon Marine, Co., Inc., a provider of multi-faceted marine services including marine salvage, heavy lift, dredging and related emergency response services, was awarded a contract on March 24, 2009 for the wreck removal and disposal of the remnants of the M/V Fedra. On October 10, 2008, during a significant storm, the M/V Fedra grounded and subsequently sank off the eastern side of Europa Point in Gibraltar in approximately 20 feet of water.
New Green DNV Headquarters in U.S.
DNV announced the formal opening of its new 90,000 square-foot eco-friendly building in Katy, Texas that will house many of the global organization’s North American businesses.
This Day in Naval History – May 11
1862 - CSS Virginia blown up by Confederates to prevent capture. 1898 - Sailors and Marines from USS Marblehead cut trans-oceanic cable near Cienfuegos, Cuba, isolating Cuba from Spain.
