Energy Profile News

IMO’s 2050 deadline to reduce GHG emissions 50% from 2008 levels has set off a gold rush to develop Zero Emissions SolutionsClimate change is the biggest issue facing [all aspects of] the maritime industry, said Kitak Lim, IMO secretary general, in an interview earlier this year with Maritime Reporter & Engineering News. He predicted that shipping could experience as much change in the next 10 to 20 years as it has in the last 100 years, as the industry races to meet a number of challenges…

The U.S. commercial maritime industry is enjoying its most robust period in a generation, with a spate of newbuild activities spurred largely by a resurgent energy production market in the U.S. as well as new rules of vessel emissions which has forced owner to invest in new tonnage. For insight and perspective on the market Maritime Reporter & Engineering News visits with Matthew Paxton, who was selected to be the President of the Shipbuilders Council of America in 2007. In this capacity he advocates for a robust and expanding U.S. shipyard industrial base.

As the energy profile of the U.S. continues to improve and evolve daily, fresh debate in favor of exporting oil and gas products -- which would have a significant impact on the U.S. Maritime Trade -- are gaining steam. A new report from the Government Accounting Office (GAO) will surely add fuel to the "export oil" fire now, as GAO reports that U.S. consumers could save on gasoline if the ban on crude oil exports were lifted, even if such a move creates uncertain environmental risks. Allowing more domestic fuel to reach the global energy market would probably boost the national economy and ease the U.S. trade deficit, but other implications are less clear, the GAO said.

Timing, they say, is everything. Cliché, for sure, but BAE System’s strategic decision a few years ago to buy, invest and reinvigorate newbuild and repair operations in Mobile, Alabama, seems poised to pay off handsomely as the U.S. maritime market faces a historic rebound. As the energy profile of the United States changes, so too do the prospects for it commercial shipbuilding and repair sector, which virtually overnight has enjoyed an influx of new construction orders and general maritime business.

Conrad Shipyard has been a fixture in the inland and offshore new construction and repair marine market for more than six decades. This year the Morgan City, La., company celebrates its 65th anniversary, and while much has changed since the company’s inception in 1948, many of the company’s core values stand strong, namely its adherence to building quality products. Conrad specializes in the construction, conversion and repair of a wide variety of marine vessels for commercial and governmental customers.

When Joseph H. Pyne joined Dixie Carriers in 1978, little did he know the maritime juggernaut he would help to create. When he took over as president in 1984, the company owned about 20 boats and 50 barges, with a value of about $35m. Today, after nearly 30 years, 50 acquisitions, it has a market cap well in excess of $4B, and its fleet hovers around 350 boats and 950 barges, commanding approximately 35% of the U.S. market. Joseph H. Pyne, 65, recently spent some time with Maritime…

We had the privilege to pick the brain of Dr. Shashi Kumar (right) a Master Mariner, Fulbright Senior Specialist Fellow and Professor Emeritus of International Business and Logistics, for his take on a wide range of maritime matters near and far. A market boom starting in 2014? The long-term  effects of  Sequestration? A ‘cap’ on the size of ships? He covers it all. This maritime economy has been bad for a number of years. Put in perspective the downturn now vs. traditional downturns. That’s a very good question.

Port of Los Angeles officials announced the development of its Energy Management Action Plan (E-MAP) initiative designed to improve energy efficiency at America’s busiest container port. Included in the plan will be the nation’s largest port energy assessment. The E-MAP, unveiled during an energy workshop with representatives of the Port, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), marine terminal operators and others, will serve as the Port’s blueprint to identify…

Alaris Companies last month announced it is working with the U.S. Coast Guard to help it decrease energy use and emissions via its fleet energy management program. Maritime Reporter recently visited with Alaris CEO, Bobbi Wolff, and Executive VP of Engineering, Michael Gaffney, to discuss the company, its system and the global trend to minimize maritime’s carbon footprint. Alaris recently won a contract to help the U.S. Coast Guard decrease energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Can you give us an overview of the vessels studied and the findings?