SILVER SHIPS

U.S. Shipyards Competing – and Succeeding – Overseas

Foreign Demand For U.S. Military And Commercial Vessels Is Brisk; For Now. In the heavy shadow of possible sequestration-induced federal budget cuts, some U.S. companies are busy supplying vessels to overseas customers under the Navy’s Foreign Military Sales program and through private contracts to foreign government and firms. Demand for offshore oil vessels is strong. A big chunk of overseas business now is under the U.S. FMS, transferring defense equipment, services and training to other nations. Countries approved for the FMS pay for vessels themselves and/or with U.S. government help. U.S. defense budget cuts will affect the FMS program ahead, however, boat builders said last month. Nevertheless, the reality for U.S. boat builders – especially in the mid-tier and smaller yards – is that they are successfully competing for foreign business, especially in the less than 300-foot vessel arena. This month, we asked industry leaders what they plan to deliver this year, where, how and why. The answers may surprise you. Brunswick Sends Boston Whalers To Multiple Foreign Destinations In Edgewater, Fla., Brunswick Commercial and Government Products sales director Jeremy Davis said, “In 2013, we plan to deliver thirty Boston Whalers to Colombia, eight Impact Rigid Inflatable Boats to Mexico, four Boston Whalers to Singapore and seven Boston Whalers to various Central and South American countries

USACE Wilmington Christen New Survey Boat

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Wilmington District name new survey boat 'Swart' at the engineer repair yard. The boat is named after Dirk Swart III (1935-2011) who served as captain and operator of District survey vessel Gillette from 1971 to his retirement in 2002 at the age of 76.  Swart was not only the senior survey boat skipper, but he was also the last veteran of World War II to retire from the Wilmington District.

Great Ship - Silver River

Designed for the economical, international and ecological transport of oil and chemicals, Silver River, constructed by German-based Lindenau was delivered to one of the largest Chinese shipowners - China Changjiang Shipping Group on June 26, 1999. Classed by Germanischer Lloyd as a Chemical/Oil Tanker, the vessel is the third out of a four-part series built within 1.5 years by Lindenau. This newbuilding, which joined its sister vessel Gold River delivered on March 1, 1999

Silversea Appoints VP Corporate Communications

Silversea Cruises' CEO Albert Peter announced the appointment of Barbara Muckermann to the newly created position of vice president, corporate communications. The communications division will now encompass public relations, guest relations and the line's past guest program, the Venetian Society. "Barbara's expertise with European and international media will complement our already strong presence in the critically important North American market

Coast Guard Ancient Mariner

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Robert J. Papp Jr., the 13th Gold Ancient Mariner of the Coast Guard, presides over a change of watch ceremony as Master Chief Petty Officer Vobornik at prepares to relinquish the title of Silver Ancient Mariner to Master Chief Petty Officer Steven Hearn at Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown, Aug. 26, 2010. The Gold and Silver Ancient Mariner titles are honorary positions held by an officer, gold, and an enlisted member, silver

Treasure Hunters Contract Bullion Processors

Odyssey selects JBR Recovery Limited for 'SS Gairsoppa' & 'SS Mantola' silver cargo processing Odyssey Marine Exploration, pioneers in the field of deep-ocean exploration, announce their contract with JBR Recovery Limited to support the logistics, refining and monetization of the anticipated silver cargoes from SS Gairsoppa and SS Mantola when recovered. Both the Gairsoppa and Mantola projects are being conducted under contract with the UK Department for Transport

Foss Maritime Honored

Captain Sam Nelson and crew of the Foss Maritime Company tugboat Justine Foss received the Lifesaving Award from the Seamen's Church Institute at their annual Silver Bell Dinner on June 1 in New York. United States Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen was in attendance and personally congratulated Captain Nelson. Captain Nelson and his crew received the award for their heroic efforts in response to the needs of the crew of the tugboat Valour and the barge M-192 while in heavy

RIB Report

World Record Atlantic Crossing Succeeds in RIB The first ever unassisted crossing of the North Atlantic just south of the arctic circle in a small, open, Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) has been completed by a team of dedicated adventurers led by Bear Grylls. Traveling from Nova Scotia to John O'Groats via a route which passed just south of the Arctic Circle, the expedition, which has raised around $80,000 for the UK young persons' charity, The Prince's Trust

This Day in Coast Guard History – Feb. 18

1842- The House of Representatives passed a resolution requesting the Committee on Commerce to make an inquiry into the expenditures of the Lighthouse Establishment since 1816. This was to explore the possibility of cutting down on expenses, to examine the question of reorganizing the establishment and administration, and also to ascertain whether the establishment should be placed under the Topographical Bureau of the War Department.

This Day in U.S. Coast Guard History - February 18

1842- The House of Representatives passed a resolution requesting the Committee on Commerce to make an inquiry into the expenditures of the Lighthouse Establishment since 1816. This was to explore the possibility of cutting down on expenses, to examine the question of reorganizing the establishment and administration, and also to ascertain whether the establishment should be placed under the Topographical Bureau of the War Department.