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Vanderbilt University News

28 Dec 2023

Workboat Power: Alternatives Join Diesel to Power Current—and Future—Vessels

Crowley’s new electric tug eWolf is being built by Master Boat Builders for scheduled delivery in 2024. (Image: Crowley)

Analysts and commentators are quick to point out that fossil fuels will power maritime equipment, and indeed dominate the fueling marketplace, well into the future. However, they will do so alongside new fuels, and new technologies, that will be introduced to the maritime sector in the coming years. In its September, 2023 report “Beyond the Horizon: View of the Emerging Energy Value Chains”, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) explains that, “During the recent 80th meeting of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 80)…

18 Oct 2023

Powering the North American Maritime Fuel Transition

(Photo: Harvey Gulf)

Offshore service vessels, along with workboats serving harbors and inland rivers, have embarked on an industry-wide voyage toward reduced emissions of greenhouse gasses. Professor Craig Philip, a faculty member with Vanderbilt University’s Center for Transportation and Operational Resilience (VECTOR) and former CEO of Ingram Barge Company, provides this context: “The Maritime Sector has long provided shippers with the most fuel-efficient and sustainable freight transport option…

30 Jan 2023

OSVs Help to Power North American Maritime Fuel Transition

Just five out of the 1,664 OSVs operate on clean fuel technology in the U.S., and all of them are owned and operated by Harvey Gulf International Marine. Harvey Gulf’s ‘green fleet’ utilizes LNG and Bio-LNG as the main fuel sources. Pictured is Harvey Champion with Corvus Orca energy storage system. Image courtesy Harvey Gulf

The fuel switch in maritime is on, its real, and it will be driving vessel design, construction and operation decisions for decades to come. While many still debate the merits of each alternative fuel, OSV industry leaders are at the forefront driving change, and they need to be, as in North America alone OSVs makes up 17% of the fleet but contributes 29% of the maritime emissions. In the next edition of Offshore Engineer, Barry Parker takes a deeper dive on the plans underway to wean maritime operations off of fossil fuels.

24 Oct 2022

Inland Waterways in Focus: Balancing Maintenance and Operational Requirements

Aerial view of locks and dam on Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois, USA. Copyright Kent/AdobeStock

The integrity of the marine transportation system as a key plank in a country's economic prosperity is in heightened focus today, with logistics snarls contributing to fast rising inflation. Maintaining the integrity of the vast U.S. inland waterway system - with more than 12,000 miles of inland and intracoastal waterways including 218 lock chambers at 176 sites - is the focus of the Maritime Risk Symposium 2022, a 2.5-day conference scheduled for November 15-17, hostd by Argonne National Laboraty's TCS Conference Center.On Wednesday, November 16, 2022, James P.

25 Aug 2022

Keeping the Inland Waterways Open: Balancing Maintenance and Operational Requirements

Copyright Michael/AdobeStock

Inland waterways, sometimes called ‘nature’s superhighways’ provide a strategic advantage related to security, economics, and trade for any nation whose geography, topography, and climate enable this natural infrastructure. Economic benefits are realized in small rural areas through large urban communities that utilize the system for efficient transportation and improved markets. However, deliberate operational, resource, and policy efforts, along with broad stakeholder integration, are required to maintain and operate such a system.

07 Mar 2022

Recovery, Resilience and Demand Shifts to Drive Inland Waterway Cargo Flows

(Photo: Blessey Marine Services)

Waterway traffic is coming back. November 2021 saw 52.1 million tons moving on the U.S. inland waterway system, the highest monthly tonnage since October 2019, a few months before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the shutdowns and stoppages of early 2020. Flows estimated by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, based on data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) show a 25% rise from June 2020. Data in a presentation by The Waterways Council Inc (WCI)…

18 Nov 2021

Leading the Charge

Crowley’s new eWolf will be the first all-electric tugboat in the U.S. (Image: Crowley)

Alternatives to fossil fuels are emerging throughout the maritime universe, and vessels working in U.S. rivers, waterways and harbors are at the cusp on this trend. While the alternative fuels spectrum is wide, battery power and electrification—a technology that has seen a decade of shipboard applications already—is particularly suited for smaller vessels.Crowley Maritime Corp will be taking delivery of a completely electric tugboat, dubbed eWolf; the boat- which will include kit for advanced vessel control tied to an electric propulsion system from ABB…

20 Sep 2021

Expect the Unexpected on the Inland Waterways

Among transportation planners, “resilience”, describing the ability to bounce back from adversities, both economic and other, has become a top consideration as we increasingly must “expect the unexpected.” The U.S. waterway system, covering the network of inland rivers and coastwise waterways, has seen a mix of good and not so good. As the 2020-2021 pandemic moves toward winding down, a recovery from the dismal 2020 is underway, but activity on the rivers is uneven. Ken Eriksen…

07 Sep 2021

Report Analyzes Decarbonization of US Inland Waterway Shipping

© kiravolkov / Adobe Stock

ABS and Vanderbilt University have published a landmark report analyzing decarbonization strategies for U.S. inland waterways.“Decarbonization of the Inland Waterway Sector in the United States” evaluates the potential for possible future propulsion technologies and alternative fuels to reduce carbon emissions. The report also demonstrates the feasibility of near-term electrification of smaller vessels operating on the inland river system with a case study and renderings of a…

01 Jul 2021

Crowley Appoints Claybrooks as Chief Marketing Officer

John Claybrooks (Photo: Crowley)

Crowley Maritime Corporation has appointed John Claybrooks to the newly created position of chief marketing officer, leading the company’s strategic marketing and communications to enhance and differentiate the Crowley brand across its worldwide services.In this new role, Claybrooks leads all marketing and communications functions for the global enterprise, including the harmonization of integrated marketing and communications for all business units and geographies. His strategic…

23 Jan 2020

Nestlehutt tapped to lead SCI

Photo: Seamen’s Church Institute of New York & New Jersey (SCI)

The Seamen’s Church Institute of New York & New Jersey (SCI) selected Rev. Mark S. Nestlehutt as its new President & Executive Director, succeeding the Rev. David Rider, effective February 18, 2020.With more than two decades of church experience in Massachusetts, Illinois, Maryland, Australia and South Africa, Mark joins SCI from Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania where he serves as Rector. His previous employment and interests include service as an officer in the U.S.

14 May 2019

Interview: Mark Knoy, President and CEO, ACBL

Mark K. Knoy, president and CEO of American Commercial Barge Line

American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) named Mark K. Knoy as its president and chief executive officer in August 2011. Prior to joining ACBL, he was vice president of American Electric Power’s (AEP) Fuel, Emissions and Logistics Group and president of AEP River Operations, having joined AEP with its 2001 purchase of MEMCO Barge Line. From 1984 to 1994, he was owner/operator of The Mark Twain Towing Company and Delmar Marine, Inc., Pekin, Illinois. He began his career in 1973 working aboard towboats on the inland waterways as a deck hand and then as a captain.

19 Mar 2018

Huntington Ingalls Promotes Two Vice Presidents

America’s largest military shipbuilding company announced that Jeanne Callahan has been named corporate vice president, internal audit, and that David “Chip” Wasson has been named corporate vice president, corporate strategy. Both promotions are effective immediately, and both report to Chris Kastner, executive vice president, business management, and chief financial officer. Callahan has served as director, business management, contracts and government compliance, since HII formed in 2011. In her new position, she will be responsible for maintaining an effective internal audit program that provides independent and objective evaluation of company processes and control systems.

01 Nov 2017

What’s the Cost of Unscheduled Lock Outages?

(Photo: USACE)

Unscheduled lock closures burden the shipper supply chain by more than $1 billion annually, according to estimates from two Tennessee universities. A study, “The Impacts of Unscheduled Lock Outages”, released today by the National Waterways Foundation (NWF) and the Maritime Administration (MARAD), looks at the economic impacts of unscheduled lock outages and highlights economic benefits associated with reliable inland waterways navigation. The Center for Transportation Research…

22 Sep 2017

Wiernicki Named Mass. Maritime’s Person of the Year

(Photo: Massachusetts Maritime Academy)

Christopher J. Wiernicki, Chairman, President and CEO of ABS, was recognized for his distinguished career of excellence, innovation and service to the maritime industries by the Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) as this year’s recipient of the Maritime Person of the Year Award on September 21, 2017 in New York City. The honoree is presented with the Captain Emery Rice Medal and awarded annually to a civilian or military leader from around the globe. Named for an 1895 MMA graduate and World War I hero…

31 Oct 2016

Wiernicki Receives Admiral of the Ocean Seas Award

Christopher J. Wiernicki (Photo: ABS)

ABS Chairman, President and CEO, Christopher J. Wiernicki, was honored for his contributions to the maritime industry by the United Seamen’s Service (USS) as a recipient of the Admiral of the Ocean Seas Award on October  28, 2016 in New York. “I am humbled to accept this award, not for me, but rather on behalf of the more than 5,000 worldwide employees of ABS and the 1.5 million mariners who day in and day out keep this industry moving and our global economy expanding,” Wiernicki said. The award is conferred on those who have made noteworthy contributions to the maritime industry.

13 Apr 2016

SUNY Maritime to Honor ABS’ Wiernicki

Christopher Wiernicki (Photo: ABS)

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) chairman and CEO Chris Wiernicki will receive an honorary doctoral degree from SUNY Maritime College. Wiernicki, CEO of the classification society since 2007 and its chairman since 2011, will receive the degree and speak at SUNY Maritime’s spring commencement ceremony May 6. “Over the years, ABS has been a valued friend to the college in its support of our students and faculty,” said Rear Adm. Michael Alfultis, president of SUNY Maritime. ABS supports two endowed faculty positions…

15 Jun 2015

SCI Presents Silver Bell Awards 2015

Photo: SCI

A shared passion and concern brought together a diverse group of people from several segments of the maritime industry to celebrate the milestone achievements of three careers and to raise funds to support mariners served by SCI. More than 770 individuals assembled on Thursday, June 4, 2015, at the Seamen’s Church Institute’s (SCI) 38th Annual Silver Bell Awards Dinner in New York City to honor the maritime industry contributions of three individuals. SCI presented Angeliki Frangou…

04 May 2015

ABS’ Wiernicki Addresses Maine Maritime Academy Graduates

Christopher Wiernicki (Photo: ABS)

Christopher J. Wiernicki, chairman, president and CEO of ABS, addressed graduating students, their families and faculty members at Maine Maritime Academy's (MMA) Commencement on May 2. "It is an honor to speak with the young people who represent the next generation of maritime leaders," Wiernicki told the 248 students who received academic degrees. MMA president Dr. William J. Brennan said, "ABS has invested so much toward the success of our students. Brennan presented Wiernicki an honorary Doctor of Science degree to recognize his contributions to the global maritime industry.

20 Jan 2015

Two Executive Changes at HII

William Ebbs (left) and  Andrew Hicks (right). (Photos: HII)

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) announced that William Ebbs has taken on the new role of vice president, federal policy, and Andrew Hicks has been promoted to vice president, legislative affairs. Both will report to Mitchell B. Waldman, corporate vice president, government and customer relations. "Will and Andrew have been important members of our legislative team and have tremendous experience working with Congress and the executive branch of the government," Waldman said.

10 Jun 2014

McDonald Promoted to EVP at Ingram Industries Inc.

Ingram Industries Inc. announced the promotion of Vice President and Deputy General Counsel Eleanor McDonald to Executive Vice President and General Counsel and Secretary, effective July 1. Orrin H. Ingram, President and Chief Executive Officer, commended Ms. She joined Ingram in 2006 as Assistant General Counsel, and before that was in private law practice in Nashville concentrating in mergers and acquisitions, commercial finance transactions and general corporate matters. Ms. McDonald received her juris doctor degree from Vanderbilt University Law School and earned her bachelor of arts degree in political science from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Ms. McDonald will succeed Bill Morelli, who will retire after 22 years with the company. Mr. Ingram thanked Mr.

02 Jun 2014

Ingram Barge Names New CEO

Orrin Ingram

Ingram Barge Company announced today that Orrin H. Ingram is the new Chief Executive Officer of the company, succeeding Craig Philip who is retiring effective June 30, 2014. Ingram has been the Chairman of Ingram Barge Co. since 1998. He also is the President and CEO of the barge company’s parent company, Ingram Industries Inc. “Craig’s valuable guidance has played an integral part in the success of the barge company during his 28 years with Ingram,” Orrin Ingram said. “Craig led the transformation of our marine group…

06 Mar 2014

Coast Guard Foundation Announces 2014 Board

Clockwise from top left: Judith Roos, Duncan Smith, Nicki Candies and Michael Carthew

The Coast Guard Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to the education and welfare of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced its 2014 board of trustees. Consisting of 117members, the Coast Guard Foundation Board of Trustees and Directors oversees management of the organization and helps to provide resources to advance the Foundation’s mission to support the service of men and women in the United States Coast Guard. This year, the board welcomes three newly elected officers and four new members to its executive committee, as well as three new board members. Robert J.