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02 Mar 2024

Bulk Carrier Rubymar Sinks After Being Struck by Houthis it the Red Sea

On March 2 at approximately 2:15 a.m. (Sanaa time), Rubymar, a Belize-flagged, UK-owned bulk carrier, sank in the Red Sea after being struck by an Iranian-backed Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile on Feb. 18. The ship had been slowly taking on water since the attack. (Photo: U.S. Central Command)

The UK-owned Rubymar, attacked by Houthi militants last month, has sunk in the Red Sea, Yemen's internationally recognized government said on Saturday, warning of an "environmental catastrophe" from the ship's cargo of fertilizer.The vessel is the first lost since the Houthis began targeting commercial shipping in November, forcing shipping firms to divert vessels on to the longer, more expensive route around southern Africa.The Iranian-backed Houthis, who control the north of Yemen and other large centers…

28 Aug 2023

American Cruise Lines’ First New Coastal Cat Enters Service

(Photo: American Cruise Lines)

American Cruise Lines introduced its first new Coastal Cat, American Eagle, during a christening ceremony in at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy campus on Buzzards Bay last week.Carol Robertson, wife of American Cruise Lines’ founder the late Charles A. Robertson, served as godmother for the ship and christened the 100-passenger American Eagle with one of her handmade, ribbon-wrapped champagne bottles. The American Eagle is named after the first American Cruise Lines’ ship, which the couple launched in the 1970s.The ceremony began with remarks from Robertson…

21 Mar 2023

Oldendorff Carriers' Longtime CEO Peter Twiss Steps Down

(Photo: Oldendorff Carriers)

Peter Twiss, the longtime president and CEO at German shipowner Oldendorff Carriers, has decided to step down after nearly 28 years with the company. Twiss is succeeded by longtime employee Patrick Hutchins.Twiss’ career started at Concept Carriers in 1995, a start-up company which was established by owner Henning Oldendorff as an operating arm, with the aim of moving closer to the cargo clients. Twiss quickly rose through the ranks, and after running Concept Carriers in the late 90s and being co-CEO of Oldendorff Carriers…

20 Oct 2022

Royal Caribbean Unveils World's Largest Cruise Ship Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas (Image: Meyer Turku)

Royal Caribbean has unveiled new design details for what is set to be the world's largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas.The 250,800 GT vessel, the first in Royal Caribbean's new Icon-class, is being built by Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku, who began construction in June. First announced in 2016, the mega cruise ship is scheduled for delivery in October or November 2023.The 1,198-foot-long Icon of the Seas will have 20 decks (including 18 guest decks) and will be bigger than the world's current largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class Allure of the Seas.

13 Sep 2022

Shadowcat Debuts Monohull Support Yacht

© INCAT CROWTHER

Shadowcat expanded its portfolio to include a monohull shadow vessel. Dubbed Shadowolf, this is its first single-hulled support yacht and is available to meet the increasing demand for guest-level comfort and services. The vessel's new hybrid hull design focuses on passenger comfort and accommodation, while still enhancing adventures at sea.Designed by Shadowcat partners Incat Crowther and YCTS, Ltd., the 69.2m Shadowolf offers an 11.5m beam and 3.25m draft, and will be built upon Incat Crowther’s aluminum hull design.Other Shadowolf features include a fully certified helipad and hangar…

01 Aug 2022

Svalbard Tour Boat Ushers New Technology—And a New Business Model

(Photo: Volvo Penta)

Tore Hoem, adventures director at Hurtigruten Svalbard, has lived on Svalbard, the remote Norwegian archipelago just a few hundred miles from the North Pole, for more than two decades, long enough to witness the sea ice retreat significantly and more rain creep into the early and late snow season.These alarming effects of climate change are among key drivers behind the Hurtigruten Group’s sustainability efforts, including a new hybrid-electric excursion vessel recently put into service in Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s largest inhabited area.

29 Jun 2022

Disney Unveils First New Cruise Ship in a Decade

(Photo: Disney)

Chief Executive Bob Chapek introduced Walt Disney Co's first new cruise ship in a decade on Wednesday, the culmination of the first project the former theme parks executive championed to the company's board of directors.The launch of the 4,000-passenger Disney Wish is a bright spot for Chapek, who became Disney's CEO in February 2020 and secured a three-year contract extension on Tuesday following recent controversies that prompted questions about his tenure.It took more than six years to bring the 144…

12 May 2022

All American Marine Delivers Second Vessel for Major Marine Tours

(Photo: All American Marine)

All American Marine (AAM) has completed construction, launched, and delivered the Skana, a 150-passenger hydrofoil-assisted catamaran for Major Marine Tours. This is the second delivered to Major Marine Tours by All American Marine in two years, and a sister ship to the Spirit of Matushka, delivered in the Spring of 2021. This vessel will also operate out of Seward, Alaska and will carry passengers on tours visiting Kenai Fjords National Park. This 87’ (LOA) x 32” Teknicraft Aluminum catamaran, is certified to USCG Subchapter T.

05 May 2022

Hybrid-electric Tour Boat Enters Service in Svalbard

(Photo: Eric Haun)

High-latitude tourism company Hurtigruten Svalbard has launched a first-of-its kind hybrid-electric excursion vessel in Longyearbyen, just 800 miles from the North Pole.The 14-meter vessel, Kvitbjørn, runs on a hybrid-electric propulsion system developed by Volvo Penta in partnership with Swedish boatbuilder Marell Boats and Hurtigruten Svalbard.The new 12-passenger aluminum vessel, which will take sightseers on wilderness tours around Svalbard during the local tourist season from May through October…

03 May 2022

Cruise Line Azamara Adds New Vessel to Its Fleet

Credit: Azamara

Cruise line Azamara has officially added Azamara Onward vessel to its now four-ship fleet on Tuesday, following a festive naming ceremony in Monte Carlo. The christening ceremony was led by the President of Azamara, Carol Cabezas, and Azamara Onward Godmother, Beth Santos, founder and CEO of global community and lifestyle brand Wanderful."We are thrilled to introduce Azamara Onward and share this special moment with our loyal guests," said Carol Cabezas, President of Azamara.

16 Feb 2022

Rolls-Royce to Deliver 'Cleanest' mtu Series 2000 Engines for US-built Yacht

Rolls-Royce is delivering its new generation mtu Series 2000 engines which comply with the strict emissions regulations IMO III and EPA Tier 3 for a Westport 125 yacht. It's the first time these engines are delivered for a yacht to be built in the US.

Rolls-Royce said Wednesday it would deliver its new generation mtu Series 2000 engines which comply with the strict emissions regulations IMO III and EPA Tier 3 Recreational for the first time for a yacht to be built in the US. Rolls-Royce will provide two 16V 2000 M97L engines with an integrated SCR system and a power output of 1939 KW (2600 bhp) each.The engines will be installed in a Westport 125 yacht. Rolls-Royce is also delivering its automation solution mtu NautIQ Blue Vision NG for monitoring and control of the yacht’s propulsion system.

28 Jan 2022

World's Largest Cruise Ship Wonder of the Seas Delivered to Royal Caribbean

Wonder of the Seas (Photo: Sigrun Sauerzapfe aka SIGGI / Royal Caribbean)

Royal Caribbean International has taken delivery of its fifth Oasis Class cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, from French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique, in Saint-Nazaire, France.At 236,857 GT, the new cruise ship takes the title of world's largest from its 228,081 GT sister ship Symphony of the Seas, in service since 2018.The 1,188-foot-long, 210-foot-wide Wonder of the Seas has 18 decks, including 16 guest decks, with accommodations for up to 6,988 passengers in 2,867 staterooms, plus 2,300 crew.

19 Jan 2022

American Cruise Lines Reveals Plan to Build 12 New Ships

(Image: American Cruise Lines)

U.S. river and coastal cruise shipping company American Cruise Lines announced plans for 12 new identical sister ships that will more than double the nation’s current capacity for domestic coastal cruises.The new U.S.-built fleet, announced as part of ACL's newly revealed Project Blue expansion plan, will operate exclusively in the United States, with a focus on small towns and close-to-home adventures, the company said, adding that the hybrid catamarans have been designed to offer improved near-shore operating versatility.Charles B.

05 Jan 2022

Louisiana Students Take Mississippi River Tour Field Trip

Ky Robillard, 6th grader. Louisiana Key Academy, Baton Rouge; Jamaree Washington, 9th grader, Franklin Senior High School, Franklin, Jordan Savoy, 9th grader, Lafayette High School, Lafayette, Joseph Mitchell, 8th grader, Iberia Middle School, New Iberia, Gabrielle Adams, 8th grader, Louisiana Key Academy, Baton Rouge. (Photo: Jonathan Lopez)

Dozens of South Louisiana middle and high school students eager to learn about careers in the maritime industry enjoyed a cool, windy autumn day on the mighty Mississippi River in St. Bernard Parish at the first-of-its-kind Maritime Field Trip.The daylong field trip was organized and coordinated by a group of maritime industry partners and featured Crescent River Port Pilots. The educational trip taught the students the importance of river safety and the dramatic impact mariners…

24 Nov 2021

Lindblad Expeditions' Second Polar Ship Christened

(Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins / Lindblad Expeditions)

Lindblad Expeditions announced the launch of its second new polar vessel, National Geographic Resolution, on her inaugural voyage to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands. Under Antarctica’s clear blue skies and parked on fast ice in the Weddell Sea’s Duse Bay, guests walked onto the ice to cheer on Captain Heidi Norling as she christened the 126-guest National Geographic Resolution.“I wish this ship calm winds, fair seas, and great adventures. May everyone who sails with her be blessed,” marked Captain Norling as she tossed the bottle.

16 Apr 2021

Quark Takes Delivery of New Expedition Cruise Ship Ultramarine

(Photo: Quark Expeditions)

U.S.-based Quark Expeditions has taken delivery of its new polar expedition cruise ship Ultramarine from the Brodosplit Shipyard in Croatia.The 128-meter Ultramarine has accommodations for 199 passengers in 103 cabins, plus 140 crew members. It features two twin-engine helicopters and two heliports as well as 20 quick-deploy Zodiacs for off-ship adventuring.Andrew White, president of Quark Expeditions, said, “Every aspect of Ultramarine has been designed and engineered to enable our teams to get guests off the ship and deep into the polar wilderness better than ever before.

30 Mar 2021

Lindblad Expeditions Names Berle CEO

Dolf Berle (Photo: Lindblad Expeditions Holdings)

Expedition cruising company Lindblad Expeditions Holdings has appointed Dolf Berle as president, chief executive officer and a member of its board, effective May 10. Berle succeeds Sven-Olof Lindblad, who will become co-chair of the board together with current board chair Mark Ein.The leadership change comes as Lindblad Expeditions announced that it will resume small ship expeditions cruises and adventure travel experience operations for the 2021 season in Alaska and Galapagos, beginning in the first week of June.

05 Feb 2021

VIDEO: Across the Ocean & Up the Mountain with Erden Eruc

Photo Courtesy Erden Eruc

Erden Eruc is a man on a ‘human-powered’ mission, a mission which Elliott Bay Design Group recently assisted with donated design services as he plans for the next leg of his “Six Summits Project.” Next up: a solo row across the Pacific Ocean, a bike ride to Tibet and climbing Mt. Everest.A Seattle resident, Erden Eruc’s solo circumnavigation by human power quest, which started as a quiet obsession in the late 1990s, became a life mission following the death of Göran Kropp, who died while rock climbing with Eruc in September of 2002.

09 Dec 2020

New Book: Steaming to Djibouti…My First Hitch on an Underway Replenishment Ship

The following excerpts are from the new travelogue by Captain Sean P. Tortora, titled, “Steaming to Djibouti…My First Hitch on an Underway Replenishment Ship.”  Join a motivated young merchant marine officer on his first journey onboard a venerable navy auxiliary steamship. Accompany him through the convoluted reporting for duty process through his truly surreal first tour onboard. Meet the oddball characters in the crew and follow their outlandish daily routine. Listen in to the truly jaw-dropping crew interactions.

12 Nov 2020

Engineering Ethics, Seaworthiness and the Right of Clients to Kill Themselves

© kentoh/AdobeStock

I had only been working as a graduate engineer for a few years and was minding my own business working for a yacht designer when my boss asked me to get in touch with a person who was looking for engineering analysis. I called the number and arranged for the person to meet me at the office.A few days later a tall very athletic man walked up the stairs and introduced himself as Ned Gillette. He unfolded a drawing with a design for a rowboat, and said he intended to use it for a row from South America to Antarctica.I was young…

08 Jul 2020

Amels Launches 77m Luxury Expedition Yacht La Datcha

(Photo: Amels)

Damen's luxury yacht builder Amels has launched a new 77-meter expedition yacht La Datcha.La Datcha’s emergence from her building hall in the Netherlands this week marks the start of the final stages of her build process before she heads on a global charter itinerary which is set to include heli-skiing in Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands and dive adventures off Papua New Guinea. This a yacht built for adventure – custom designed to explore the world’s far-reaching destinations without compromising on luxury.

26 May 2020

Eye on Design: A Titanium USS Enterprise (NCC-1701 that is)

Revenue Cutter Bear before WWI. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

Dennis Bryant provided a link to a story about the USCG Cutter Bear in his March 18, 2020 newsletter. It is a great story about a great ship with a great Captain (Michael Healy) and a great crew. It shows that the right combination of ship and crew can perform miracles.This one ship, its Captain (and his wife who often shipped with him), and its crew did so many things so well that it has become the stuff of legends. I will not further discuss these adventures; some can be found in the article and the rest can be easily Googled.

21 Apr 2020

Inside the New Expedition Cruise Ship National Geographic Endurance

(Photo: Ulstein)

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings in March took delivery of the newly constructed expedition cruise vessel National Geographic Endurance from Norwegian shipbuilder Ulstein Verft, marking the official completion of the line’s first polar new build.Endurance's hull was built in Poland, and the remainder of the vessel was constructed by Ulstein in Norway. The state-of-the-art ship was floated out in December, put through its paces during sea trials in February, and was due to begin sailing the Arctic this month…

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