LALANDE TOWING OPERATORS

Hvide Marine Certified For Safety

Hvide Marine's subsidiary, Hvide Marine Towing, has been granted certification in the American Waterways' Operators' (AWO) Responsible Carrier Program. RCP is a voluntary program outlining strict standard of conduct and compliance for the towing and barge industry, addressing quality and safety systems for operations and management. Certified since 1997, Hvide Marine Towing's certification verifies the harbor and offshore towing company's continued compliance with the safety standards outlined by the RCP Code.

NTSB Releases Finding of I-40 Accident Investigation

The nation’s tugboat, towboat, and barge industry is committed to improving public safety and preventing accidents involving vessels and bridges, the American Waterways Operators (AWO) pledged as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released the results of its investigation of the May 2002 I-40 bridge accident at Webbers Falls, Oklahoma. AWO President Thomas A. Allegretti called the NTSB findings “important information that will help our industry and make the traveling public

Implementation Issues Key to Effectiveness of Licensing Rule, AWO Tells USCG

Ensuring the smooth and effective implementation of new licensing requirements for towing vessel officers will be the most critical USCG-industry challenge as the November 2000 effective date approaches, AWO told the USCG. In its comments, AWO reiterated its support for the new approach to towing vessel officer licensing contained in the agency's November 1999 interim rule. "We believe the interim rule, with its emphasis on practical demonstration of operational proficiency

AWO Pledges Support in I-40 Investigation

The American Waterways Operators (AWO) pledged as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released the results of its investigation of the May 2002 I-40 bridge accident at Webbers Falls, Oklahoma. AWO President Thomas A. Allegretti called the NTSB findings "important information that will help our industry and make the traveling public safer. AWO is a partner with the NTSB and the Coast Guard in improving marine transportation safety

Restraining Order Placed on Boat U.S.

A new contract was issued by Boat Owners Association of the U.S. (Boat U.S.) restricting its towing operators from also working with other towing associations. Vessel Assist Association of America filed a temporary restraining order against Boat U.S. The order prohibits Boat U.S. from prohibiting any suppliers of towing and assistance services doing business with Vessel Assist from: · Continuing to display any identifying indicia of Vessel Assist

AWO Members Win Benkert Award

The USCG has honored AWO members Crowley Marine Services, Inc. and Southern Towing Company with the William M. Benkert Award for excellence in marine environmental protection. Benkert Awards for the year 2000 competition were presented in four categories: large and small vessel operating companies, and large and small marine facility operators. AWO member Crowley Marine Services, Inc., headquartered in Seattle, won the large vessel category

Proposed Ruling Calls For Fixed Fire Safety

The U.S. Coast Guard's supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) on "Fire Suppression Systems and Voyage Planning for Towing Vessels" appears in today's Federal Register. The SNPRM proposes the installation of fixed fire-extinguishing systems in the engine rooms of towing vessels, and it states that owners or operators, and masters, ensure that voyage planning is conducted before vessels towing barges commence on trips or voyages of at least 12 hours

Operation Big Tow

Coast Guard units along the Gulf Coast, Mississippi River and Western Rivers system have begun operations to ensure towing vessels are properly manned and crews have proper licensing as part of Operation Big Tow, which is taking place from November through January. The primary objective of Operation Big Tow is to ensure towing vessels are being operated by properly licensed individuals through boardings and examinations.

Hempel Ship Coating Results in Fuel Savings

At a time when fuel savings have more importance than usual, test results for Hempel’s silicone antifouling Hempsail coating application showed an improvement in fuel savings of 10.6 % for a large container vessel. For such a vessel, 10.6 % could amount to up to $2.6 million annually. Tests were run by an independent testing entity, Force Technology, recognized as professional and objective among ship builders and operators

The ATB:A History of the State-of-the-Art

(This is Part I of a two-part series on the Articulated Tug Barge from Robert P. Hill. Part II is scheduled to be published in the September 23 edition of MarineNews.) The American coastwise shipping business has grown in a way that differs from many other nations. The high cost of manning and building ships has led over the years to a coastwise transportation network dominated by tugs and barges. But this system of water transport, has been lacking in several respects: