Interview: Richard Balzano, Dredging Contractors of America
Richard Balzano took over as CEO and executive director of the Dredging Contractors of America in December 2020. And while he says he’s “still fairly new to the [dredging] industry”, he certainly knows his way around the business, having held a number of prominent roles over the course of more than 30 years in the maritime and U.S government sectors. His resume is impressive. A combat veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan, he retired from the U.S. Navy at the rank of Captain. He later served as the presidentially appointed Deputy Maritime Administrator for three years…
American Maritime Partnership Announces New Leadership Team
The American Maritime Partnership (AMP), a trade group for the U.S. domestic maritime industry, announced the election of new leadership for the organization. Ku’uhaku Park takes the helm as president, and he is joined by new vice president Jennifer Carpenter, and Sara Fuentes who will serve dual roles as secretary and treasurer. Elected officers will hold their positions for a two-year term.“I am humbled to have been elected by my peers to lead the American Maritime Partnership and carry this banner at such a consequential time for our industry…
Totem Inks LNG Conversion Deal with Keppel
Totem Ocean Trailer Express announced that it has signed a contract with Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd, wholly owned subsidiary Keppel Shipyard Ltd for the conversion of the Midnight Sun to dual fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion. This is the world’s first major conversion of a large RO/RO vessel to LNG. The work will begin in December and is expected to be completed in 90 days. Once complete, the Midnight Sun will emit fewer air and greenhouse gas emissions, reducing emissions of particulate matter by 91 percent, NOx by 100 percent, SOx by 90 percent and carbon dioxide by 35 percent. Her sister ship, the North Star, is expected to be converted in the 2016/2017 time frame. Totem Ocean will be the first in North America to begin the conversion to natural gas.
INSIGHTS: Maritime Education
Rear Admiral Wendi B. Carpenter, USN (Ret.) President of State University of New York Maritime College weighs in. Rear Admiral Wendi Carpenter assumed the position President at of SUNY Maritime College less than 6 months ago. Already, however, she is showing the collective maritime world her own unique brand of leadership, in many different ways. As the first woman to serve as SUNY Maritime College President, she also aims to be trailblazer in other, perhaps more significant roles. Follow along as she shares her vision for what a modern maritime academy should be, and why.
Panel Will Assist Canada’s Transport Minister With Review of CMA
Transport Minister David Collenette announced the appointment of an expert panel to assist him in conducting a review of the Canada Marine Act (CMA). Richard Gaudreau will serve as Chair, and Allan Donaldson, David Gardiner, and Frank Metcalf will serve as panellists. The announcement was made at the National Marine Conference in Toronto, which is being hosted by Collenette. "This expert panel will consult with stakeholders across the country in order to identify ways to streamline and enhance the Canada Marine Act," said Collenette. The CMA established the first single, comprehensive piece of legislation to govern many aspects of Canada's marine sector.
