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Water Taxi News

03 Nov 2023

Breakaway Barge Retrieved After Striking Pier in Seattle

(Photo: U.S. Coast Guard)

A fully loaded container barge that broke loose and struck a pier in downtown Seattle has been towed to safety.The U.S. Coast Guard said it was notified at 1:25 p.m. on Thursday that the barge had broken loose from Terminal 18 and went adrift in Elliot Bay.The barge, owned by Lyden's Alaska Marine Lines, was drifting toward the Great Wheel and the Seattle Aquarium when it was intercepted by a King County Water Taxi vessel, Doc Maynard, which used its bow to push the barge north in an attempt to prevent an allision.The barge eventually struck Pier 66, causing landside damage.

20 Jul 2023

Autonomous Water Taxis Planned for Busan

Source: Avikus

Avikus, HD Hyundai's autonomous navigation in-house startup, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Busan City, South Korea, and Korea Marine Consulting and Project Management Company (KMCP Co., Ltd.) for the development of an eco-friendly autonomous maritime tourism taxi service.Avikus will supply specialized self-navigating solutions for water taxis, while KMCP will provide an eco-friendly maritime taxi platform and assume the role of operating the water taxi service.

17 Apr 2023

2023 US Shipbuilding Report

Philly Shipyard is currently building MARAD’s National Security Multi-Mission Vessels, which will serve as training ships for the nation’s state maritime academies. (Photo: Philly Shipyard)

Much has changed since Marine News’ 2022 shipbuilding report published in March last year, and business opportunities in certain market segments continue to grow. But the shipyards that are looking to cash in are still facing many of the same challenges.For example, many American shipyards and their partners throughout the shipbuilding supply chain are still finding it difficult to attract and retain the workers they need. If you’re a skilled craftsperson looking for a job in shipbuilding, you’re in luck, because there are plenty of openings at shipyards across the country.

16 Feb 2023

2023 Shipbuilding Report: US Passenger Vessels

Casco Bay Line selected the Senesco to build a double ended hybrid electric ferry to replace an existing diesel boat. (Image: EBDG)

With travel and tourism nearing pre-2020 levels, and transit systems benefiting from a return to work, passenger vessels have seen renewed activity. In its year-end review, John Groundwater, Executive Director of the Passenger Vessel Association (PVA), which advocates for the sector in Washington, D.C. wrote: “As we are nearing the end of the calendar year, we are delighted to report that our industry, and our members, are reporting far and wide that they have experienced very…

17 Nov 2022

New Water Taxi Service Launched in Abu Dhabi

(Photo: Abu Dhabi Maritime)

A new public water taxi service has been launched in Abu Dhabi to offer an alternative transport option between Yas Bay, Yas Marina and Al Bandar.Abu Dhabi Maritime, established by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) and AD Ports Group as the primary custodian of Abu Dhabi's waterways, is launching the service in collaboration with local attractions developer Miral.It will initially operate across high-demand locations including Yas Bay, Yas Marina and Al Bandar with further stops to follow.

03 Nov 2022

NYC's First Zero-emissions Passenger Ferry Slated for 2024 Launch

(Image: Green City Ferries)

A newly announced zero-emissions electric ferry scheduled for launch in 2024 will be the first to service New York City as the marine industry continues to make strides to decarbonize its operations.The high-speed passenger vessel is the result of a partnership between local operator New York Cruise Lines and Stockholm-based Green City Ferries AB (GCF). It will be operated by New York Cruise Lines subsidiary New York Water Taxi on the Hudson River between Brooklyn and Manhattan.The newbuild, a Beluga24 catamaran developed by GCF, will have a capacity of 147 passengers and 28 bicycles.

21 Oct 2022

Two Dead, Two Missing After Passenger Vessels Collide off Dutch Coast

© TasfotoNL / Adobe Stock

At least two people died when two boats collided on Friday in the Dutch Wadden Sea close to Terschelling island, and two people are still missing, local authorities said.A ferry boat and a smaller water taxi collided early on Friday morning, causing people on board of the smaller boat to fall in the water.While four people were rescued shortly after the collision, two passengers died and two were still missing on Friday afternoon. Local media citing the coast guard reported the…

28 Jul 2022

Ahead Sanitation Systems: Full Speed Ahead

(Photo: Ahead Sanitation Systems, Inc.)

Ahead Sanitation Systems, Inc. is fast becoming a leading manufacturer and distributor of marine sanitation systems, products and supplies after more than two decades serving the industry. Those looking can find an Ahead Tank somewhere across all seven seas and most major rivers and lakes in between.Winton I. Rebouche, Jr., known to friends and customers as Boo Boo, is the founder and sole owner of the Broussard, La.-based company. In the late ’80s, Boo Boo worked selling pipe…

21 Jul 2022

Passenger Vessels Collide Near Rotterdam's Erasmus Bridge

(Het leven is Mooi / YouTube)

A sightseeing boat and a water taxi collided on Thursday near Rotterdam's iconic Erasmus Bridge, local emergency services said, and six people were "helped out of the water".Images of the incident on social media showed the collision between the two vessels, with the smaller water taxi being pushed under water of the Nieuwe Maas river.ANP news agency reported that the six rescued were all passengers and the captain of the water taxi, which it said later sank. The agency cited a spokesperson for Rotterdam's regional safety authority.There were no reports of injuries.

20 Jun 2022

Berlin's 1990s-vintage Tour Boat is 'Electrified' with Torqeedo

Image copyright Tim Marcour, courtesy Torqeedo

Oranje Nassau, a 20-m, 55-passenger sightseeing boat and water taxi operating on Berlin’s urban waterways was recently put back into service after replacing its diesel engine with a fully integrated all-electric propulsion system by Torqeedo.The Torqeedo Deep Blue 50i electric drive is powered by three Deep Blue batteries with 120 kWh capacity which provide energy for a full eight-hour day at operating speeds, recharging from shorepower connections overnight at dockside.Buoyed by the performance of the electrified Oranje Nassau…

17 Jan 2022

Brix Marine Delivers New Water Taxi

(Photo: Brix Marine)

Aluminum boatbuilder Brix Marine said it has delivered the newest installment of its PAXCAT portfolio, a 32’ x 12’ catamaran GOAT 1 to the Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation (QXMC), the business arm of the Klahoose First Nation, located on Cortes Island, B.C., Canada. The corporation, whose activities include forestry, aquaculture, tourism and retail, operates the 12-passenger vessel as a water taxi.The vessel was delivered in September 2021, and a traditional cedar brushing ceremony marked the vessel’s arrival at Klahoose Wilderness Resort.

02 Nov 2021

SeaBubbles Selects Spear’s Trident Battery Solution

(Image: SeaBubbles)

U.S.-based Spear Power Systems said it will provide its Trident marine battery systems for SeaBubbles' 100% electric, hybrid hydrogen and batteries flying boats. The first-of-its-kind water vehicle designed by France-based manufacturer SeaBubbles has been developed to help alleviate heavy congestion in cities close to bodies of water.The SeaBubbles flying boats have already completed test runs in Geneva, Paris and the Mediterranean basin, and have subsequently been chosen to receive funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program.

17 May 2021

Brix Marine Building Water Taxi for QXMC

(Image: Brix Marine)

Boatbuilder Brix Marine (formerly Armstrong Marine USA) is currently constructing the 32’ x 12’ catamaran for the Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation (QXMC). QXMC is the business arm of the Klahoose First Nation, located on Cortes Island, B.C, Canada. The corporation, whose activities include industries such as forestry, aquaculture, tourism, and retail, will operate the twelve-passenger vessel as a water taxi. Completion is slated for Fall 2021.Power and propulsion are twin Volvo Penta D4 270hp engines with Aquamatic DPI outdrives.

15 Mar 2021

Hornblower to Resume DC Passenger Vessel Service

(Photo: Hornblower Cruises and Events)

Hornblower Cruises and Events announced Monday it will restart its Washington D.C. passenger vessel operations, including dinner cruises and water taxi service.Water taxi service will resume starting Friday, March 19, and dining experience offerings with brunch, lunch and dinner cruises will return beginning Saturday, March 27.The company said cruises have been adapted to ensure heightened cleanliness and to maintain social distance, which includes reduced passenger numbers and the wearing of face coverings on board.

29 Dec 2020

Liberty National Golf Club Gets its own Brix-built Water Taxi

Photo Charlie Crane

Port Angeles, WA-based Brix Marine delivered a new 4615-CTC luxury water taxi, Liberty National I, to Liberty National Golf Club after launch and sea trials in Port Angeles Harbor. Liberty National Golf Club selected the Brix Marine design last year and will use the planing catamaran to transport passengers between North Cove Marina in New York and the private club’s dock in New Jersey.Liberty National I carries a USCG COI for 30 passengers + 2 crew, and features Helm Master electronic steering…

19 Nov 2020

Boatbuilder Armstrong Marine USA Renamed BRIX Marine

(Photo: BRIX Marine)

Boatbuilder Armstrong Marine USA said it has changed its name to BRIX Marine as the company looks to broaden and diversify its portfolio of welded aluminum boats.Since 1991, Armstrong Marine has crafting rugged aluminum catamarans and workboats. The company was founded in Canada and moved to Port Angeles, Wash. in 2001 before joining Bryton Marine Group in 2017.“Our team has developed strong momentum with our boat portfolios and customers. As we look to the future, Brix Marine will honor the legacy we have built and move beyond to deliver exceptional custom boats…

13 Oct 2020

US Shipyards See Big Business Shifts

The second of three vessels for New York City’s Staten Island Ferry was launched by Eastern Shipbuilding this summer. (Photo: Eastern Shipbuilding Group)

The American shipbuilding scene, filled with participants constructing all manner of vessels, has been navigating through stormy times (lately, yards along the Gulf Coast have literally been dealing with storms). The orders for newbuild, repair and conversion projects continue to flow in—albeit at a reduced pace—and the boats and ships go down the ways into the water, but the overall panorama has seen tremendous sea changes as the business has shifted.Maritime businesses worldwide have been grappling with currents both internal and external.

11 Aug 2020

Uber Boat Launches in London

(Photo: Uber Boat by Thames Clippers)

Uber is taking to the water in London. Earlier this month the international ride-hailing company marked the start of a partnership with water taxi operator Thames Clippers to provide its services on the River Thames.The first vessel donning Uber Boat by Thames Clippers branding set sail on August 3 as part of a fleet of 20 passenger vessels departing from 23 piers across London from Putney in the west to Woolwich Royal Arsenal in the east.Uber is rolling out the service on its app…

01 Apr 2020

US Shipyards Forge Ahead Through COVID-19

The 56-foot icebreaking tugboat being built by Blount Boats for N.Y. Power Authority (NYPA). (Photo: Blount Boats)

As the novel coronavirus and its impacts continue to spread across America, U.S. shipbuilders, by and large, continue to build. While most yards have been deemed essential to marine transportation and/or national security and have been able to maintain operations, the situation at and around every shipyard is different, and there are several builders across the country that have had to temporarily suspend activity. In either scenario, it’s far from business as usual for America’s…

11 Mar 2020

Armstrong Building Golf Club Passenger Vessel

(Image: Armstrong Marine USA)

Armstrong Marine USA announced it is building a 46’ x 15’ planing catamaran, dubbed Liberty National I, at its Port Angeles, Wash. facility for delivery this spring. Liberty National Golf Club selected the Armstrong Marine USA design last year, ordering a vessel to transport passengers between North Cove Marina in New York and the private club’s dock in New Jersey.With a USCG COI for 30 passengers plus two crew, Liberty National I will accommodate the club’s robust membership.

27 Jun 2019

Water Taxis Coming to Indian Capital

New Delhi might soon get a new transport system as an alternative to reduce traffic congestion in the city. If things go as planned, water taxis in Delhi will turn into a reality in the near future.Shipping Minister Mansukh Lal Mandaviya checked the proposed Sonia Vihar site of the proposed Yamuna Water Taxi Project of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in New Delhi, from where the project can be implemented.Speaking at the project site Shri Mandaviya said that the Yamuna Water Taxi Project will be a new means of urban transportation. It will not only give a boost to tourism but will also help reduce traffic congestion in the…

23 Apr 2019

'Sea the World' Reveal At Huizenga Center

Engine Room Wall (Photo: Advanced Mechanical Enterprises)

South Florida’s marine industry is a $12 billion/year economic engine that provides the region with 142,000 careers and jobs. With an aging workforce and a unique skill set, the maritime community is facing a workforce that’s aging out with skilled labor being very hard to find. To assist, Advanced Mechanical Enterprises/AMESOLUTIONS.COM, and 23 marine industry companies have joined forces with Junior Achievement of South Florida.On May 1, 2019, Junior Achievement of South Florida will unveil the Marine Industry Storefront…

19 Feb 2019

Shipbuilding: Chris Allard, CEO, Metal Shark

Chris Allard, CEO, Metal Shark. Photo: Metal Shark

Metal Shark has arguably been one of the more active and successful boat builders in the U.S. over the last 12 to 24 months, boasting a strong order book and expanding facilities and portfolio. In particular, the company has been able to capitalize on the burgeoning ferry market, today accounting for about a quarter of its business, as Chris Allard, CEO, explains.When you look at the ferry business today in relation to Metal Shark’s business, what do you see?Metal Shark has delivered…

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