New Bill Aims to Increase US Federal Funding for Public Ferry Service
A new bill recently introduced by Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA) and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) aims to increase federal funding for public ferry services in the United States.The âFerry Service Expansion Actâ would boost funding for both the Federal Highway Administrationâs formula and the Federal Transit Administrationâs competitive grant programs to the levels requested by the Public Ferry Coalition, building upon New Federal Investment in Ferry Service under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.SpecificallyâŠ
New Neoteric Hovercraft Powered by Briggs & Stratton
The newest hovercraft from Neoteric Hovercraft Inc. (Neoteric), the Hovertrek II, will be exclusively powered by Briggs & Stratton's Vanguard BIG BLOCK 40.0 Gross HP EFI - Marine engine.Designed for volunteer rescue departments and recreational hovercraft use, the two-passenger Hovertrek II includes side-by-side seating, increased thrust and low weight. The enhanced controllability, storage capacity and low weight of the two-passenger vessel make it an ideal training vehicle forâŠ
Griffon Hoverwork Building Three Hovercrafts for Japan
Southampton-UK based hovercraft manufacturer Griffon Hoverwork said it has landed one of its biggest ever deals, worth more than £25 million, to supply three of its latest 12000TD craft to Japan.The deal with the Oita Prefecture government will see the hovercraft providing a passenger service connecting Oita Airport in Kunisaki with Oita City, reintroducing a ferry route last used about 10 years ago.Work on the first hovercraft will start at the end of January 2022, with the final craft set to be delivered to the customer before January 2024.
NOx Control: Should Certain Vessels Get a Break?
When it comes to the EPAâs recent proposed delay to implementation of Tier 4 marine diesel engines âin certain high-speed commercial vessels,â where you stand probably depends on where you sit.On September 6, the U.S. Environmental Protection agency (EPA) proposed to delay implementation of Tier 4 marine diesel engines âin certain high-speed commercial vessels.â Specifically; EPA mentions three kinds of vessels: lobster boats, pilot boats and a third, more open-ended reference to âother high-speed vessels,â possibly including hovercraft.
Air Caster Tech in the Shipyard
Like the magic carpet of ancient myth, air caster technology has revolutionized the way in which heavy payloads can be moved in a cost effective and efficient way â floating on air. Developed post-World War II by engineers at General Motors, air casters were later modified and improved for the construction of the iconic Boeing 707 in the early 1960s. Today, used in a host of industries, companies in the maritime industry are employing air casters to handle lifts from mega-yachts to massive hull sections and Z-drives.A PrimerA form of hydraulics that uses air instead of fluidâŠ
U.S. Amphibious Group Patrolling Arabian Sea
Aboard USS BOXER in the Arabian Sea, a U.S. Harrier fighter jet takes off from the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer in the Arabian Sea as an oil tanker passes, a nautical mile away.The patrol is "standard" but the situation - growing tension between the United States and Iran - is not.Soon after the roar of the Harrier fades, two combat helicopters and two unmistakable Osprey aircraft with their tiltable rotors land back on the flight deck."We want to make sure that we assure allies in the region and to ensure freedom of navigation and free flow of commerceâŠ
Griffon Hoverwork Wins New Orders
Southampton, UK-based hovercraft builder Griffon Hoverwork has won two new orders for its latest model the 995ED.The 995ED was launched at the Exponaval maritime exhibition in Chile in December 2018 following delivery of the first production craft to the Malaysian Governmentâs Marine Department which is being used for the maintenance of navigation marks and light houses. And now Griffonâs production line is busy building another 995ED for a private client for use in icy conditions.
Ingalls Authenticates Keel of LHA 8
The keel laying and authentication ceremony for the America-class amphibious warship USS Bougainville (LHA 8) was held at the Huntington Ingalls Industriesâ Ingalls Shipbuilding division (HII), yesterday (March 14).The shipâs sponsor, Ellyn Dunford, spouse of Gen. Joe Dunford, 19th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, declared the keel "truly and fairly laid" after her initials were welded onto a plate.Traditionally, keel laying marks the first step in ship construction. However, with todayâs advanced modular shipbuilding, the keel laying ceremony now recognizes the joining together of a shipâs components and is a major milestone in the shipâs construction.
Griffon Hoverwork to Launch New Model
Griffon Hoverwork will launch its new 995ED model at Exponaval in Valparaiso, Chile.âGriffon is hugely excited to unveil the highly innovative 995ED which is specially designed for search and rescue, coastguard and surveying work complementing Griffonâs range of marine grade aluminium hovercraft,â said sales and marketing director Nick MacLeod-Ash. âThe 995ED, at eight meters (m) length and 30 knots speed at full âall up weightâ, is the first hovercraft to achieve certificationâŠ
Ingalls Begins Building LHA 8 for the US Navy
U.S. shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) announced its Ingalls Shipbuilding division started building the next America-class amphibious assault ship for the U.S. Navy, on Monday.The official start of fabrication on Bougainville (LHA 8) signifies that the shipyard is ready for sustained production and ready to move forward with the construction of the 257-meter warship.âThe start of Bougainville, our 16th large-deck amphib, allows us to continue the serial production of these great ships,â said Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Cuccias.
Ingalls Bags $3 Bln for Bougainville (LHA 8) Build
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) said its Ingalls Shipbuilding division has been awarded a $3 billion contract for the detail design and construction of the new U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship Bougainville (LHA 8). Ingalls was awarded the original long-lead material contract for the third ship in the America (LHA 6) class on June 30, 2016. âOur shipbuilders do an outstanding job building large-deck amphibious warships,â Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Cuccias said. Construction is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2018, and delivery is expected in 2024.
Shipbuilding: P3 Projects (with a Twist)
Private partnerships, executed perfectly â thatâs West Coast boatbuilding in todayâs challenging business climates. P3 Partnerships: no, weâre not talking about infrastructure funding. But, in our P3 version, boatbuilding in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska is alive and well, because of it. Long-standing enterprises and relative newcomers are all experiencing an uptick in projects. Here, as part of our annual MN100 top company profiles, we take a look at how three organizations have either merged and/or partnered with complementary companies to expand skillsâŠ
SCIGRIP Transforms Hovercraft Assembly Process
Griffon Hoverwork, a designer and manufacturer of technically advanced hovercrafts, has collaborated with SCIGRIP, the global supplier of smarter adhesive solutions, in the development and production of their latest vessel. The newly completed 12000TD is a 22 meter passenger craft and represents a significant shift in manufacturing techniques for the UK hovercraft company. The 12000TD craft has been specially commissioned by Hovertravel, the worldâs longest running commercial hovercraft service that offers the fastest way to cross the Solent between SouthseaâŠ
Hovercraft Creates Lifeline to Alaska Drill Site
About half a million barrels of oil is extracted each day from Alaskaâs Prudhoe Bay oilfields. One of its drilling sites, Endicott, is located on a spit of land connected by the gravel Prudhoe Bay road system and is normally accessible by truck â until recently, when the road was washed out. Faced with the dilemma of how to get workers, food and supplies to the work site, Hilcorp, a privately-held exploration and production companies in the U.S., turned to Crowley and its hovercraft, Arctic Hawk.
Cochin Shipyard Mulls to Build LNG and High-Speed Ships
Indian state owned Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) is in talks with global players to join hands for a bid for the GAIL contract for LNG contained vessels. It also in talks the Australian company Incat for a technical tie-up to manufacture high-speed passenger vessels. CSL is one of the three yards bidding for Gas Authority of Indiaâs tender for building LNG ships in India. CSL is in discussion with global players to join hands for the bid for LNG contained vessels. A Kochi (Cochin)-based company has come up with a design for LNG vessels and the same will also be evaluated, Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari said. With the technical tie-up of Australian company Incat, CSL plans to build high-speed vessel.
Seaspan Shipyard's Prompt Response to Canadian Coast Guard
Seaspan Shipyardâs long-standing relationship with the Canadian Coast Guard was proudly showcased in recent days, with simultaneous repair and maintenance work on Coast Guard vessels at all three of the companyâs shipyards â Vancouver Drydock, Vancouver Shipyards and Victoria Shipyards. âThe role we play as an essential service provider to the Canadian Coast Guard is one that we take great pride in,â said Brian Carter, President, Seaspan Shipyards. In North Vancouver, Vancouver Drydock completed regular maintenance last week on the JP Tully, a 69 metre long Ice Class Oceanographic Survey Vessel, including overhauls to the tail-shaft and thrusters, hull preparation, paint and tank blasting, and re-coating.
Extreme Applications Demand Specialist Small Craft
In a dangerous world, even the largest ship in the world depends on the smallest maritime security and special mission platform. And when it comes to small boat security operations, innovation is the name of the game. With 90% of world trade transported by sea then passing through ports and waterways, no amount of technology will replace the requirement for multiple small fast craft and skilled operators. Finding new ways to share knowledge and best practice has never been more important in the maritime world.
Kvichak-built Hovercraft for Sale
The 95â BHT-150 hovercraft SUNAX, built by Kvichak Marine Industries and owned and operated by Aleutians East Borough, is for sale through public competitive bid. The hovercraft will be sold through a sealed bid process. An IFB package will be available May 15, 2014, copies will be provided upon request. The bid due date is June 10, 2014. The sale includes spare equipment/materials. The hovercraft is available for inspection by interested parties in Akutan, Alaska. Builder . . . . . . . Designer . . . . . . . . Griffon Hoverwork, Ltd. Length (overall) . . . . . . . . . . . Beam (overall) . . .
Quantifying Arctic shipping risk through case studies
diverse environment, knowing how to manage its risks will be crucial. conventional routes. about future developments,â said Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, President DNV GL Maritime. scientific approach to clarify risk levels in the Arctic. carrier transiting the Northern Sea Route. per cent higher than elsewhere, largely due to the survival challenges faced by the people on board. carrier was almost 15 per cent higher because of the danger of collision with ice. risk. all measures aimed at improving survivability in the case of an accident. important measures to manage the risks. Nilssen. local communities and society at large. developed before the harshest ones. a level comparable to those in other parts of the world.
Incoming President Celebrates IMarESTâs 125th Anniversary
Protecting the world and its oceans remains the focus of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) as it celebrates its 125th anniversary, says its new president, Richard Vie, VP Technical Development and Quality Assurance, Corporate Shipbuilding, Carnival Corporation. Addressing more than 400 leading marine professionals from around the world at the IMarESTâs Annual Dinner at Londonâs Guildhall on Friday, March 28, Vie also called on members to inspire the next generation of marine engineers.
Canadian Coast Guard's Massive Fleet Renewal Underway
As part of the Government's investment in its Coast Guard fleet, Federal Ministers Gail Shea and Rob Moore announce the award of a $1.2 million contract to St. Johnâs Dockyard Limited for Vessel Life Extension (VLE) and refit work to Canadian Coast Guard vessel 'CCGS Cygnus', . In the unprecedented investment to the Canadian Coast Guardâs fleet renewal program allocated in Economic Action Plan 2012, the Harper Government will extend the lives of sixteen Coast Guard vessels and complete mid-life modernizations on an additional two existing hovercraft over the next 10 years.
A Closer Look at Dynamic Navigation for High Speed Craft
FRC International launched the innovative âDYNAVâ dynamic navigation system for high speed craft at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden in October. The DYNAV launch event enabled attendees from Scandinavia and Europe to come together with the objective of improving seafarer safety, operational performance and interoperability on fast craft. Professional sectors organizations included Search & Rescue, Navy, Special Forces, Coast Guard, law enforcement, maritime pilots, maritime legislators, training organisation and boat builders.
New Canadian Coast Guard Hovercraft Arrives
Canadian Government ministers have announced the arrival in Canada of the new hovercraft to be stationed at Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia â the 'CCGS Moytel'. The new hovercraft will be named the CCGS Moytel. Moytel is a Halqâemélem word meaning âto help each other.â Canadian Coast Guard vessels are given names that promote Canadian sovereignty, culture, geography and history. As a replacement for the CCGS Penac, the new Moytel will be a heavy-duty, more versatile amphibious vehicle capable of patrolling inland waters.