Port NOLA Bests Container-on-barge Record
The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) said 2023 was a record year for container-on-barge shipping.During the last calendar year, Port NOLA marked 20,500 container moves by barge, the highest since launching the container-on-barge networkâthe nation's largestâin 2016 with the Port of Greater Baton Rouge and Ingram Marine Group. Container-on-barge moves containers by water rather than by truck on roads to reduce air emissions; moving an average of 30,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) per year between New Orleans, the Port of Greater Baton Rouge, Memphis and St. Louis.
Newport News Begins Topside EMALS Testing on John F. Kennedy (CVN 79)
HII announced today that its Newport News Shipbuilding division (NNS) recently began topside testing of the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) on aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79).EMALS, first integrated into USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), replaces the existing steam catapults currently in use on the U.S. Navyâs Nimitz-class aircraft carriers.Following successful âno-loadâ testing on catapults one and two, known as the âbow cats,â the NNS team, alongside the John F. Kennedy crew, has now started âdead-loadâ testing.
Royal Caribbean Orders New Cruise Ship at Chantiers de lâAtlantique
Royal Caribbean Group announced it has entered into an agreement with French shipbuilder Chantiers de lâAtlantique to order a seventh Oasis Class ship for delivery to its Royal Caribbean International fleet in 2028.âWhile we eagerly anticipate the debut of Royal Caribbeanâs Utopia of the Seas this summer, weâre already dreaming up her sister ship and the next installation in the brandâs extremely popular Oasis Class,â said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group.
Letâs Set Some Standards for Micro Cargo
As zero carbon cargo efforts are progressing, it is becoming more apparent that the lowest hanging fruit is in the last few miles. This is where a large amount of carbon is expended in delivering small parcels to stores and consumersâ doors.This is particularly apparent in dense pack cities like New York City, where delivery vans clog streets and water crossings. The NYC Economic Development Commission recently issued a Request For Expression of Interest in waterborne micro cargo delivery.
Carnival Orders Another Cruise Ship from Meyer Werft
German shipbuilder Meyer Werft reports it has secured an order from U.S.-based Carnival Corporation for the construction of a new cruise ship for Carnival Cruise Line. The newbuild order is the first placed by Carnival Corporation in five years.Slated for delivery in 2027, the Excel-class ship will be a sister vessel to the 183,200 GT Carnival Jubilee, which was handed over at the end of 2023."Our Excel-class ships have been a tremendous addition to the Carnival fleet and proven very popular with our guests," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
Americas Cup Innovation & a Carbon-Free Shipping Future
The Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC) represented by BMW Oracle Racing and the Société Nautique de Genève (SNG), the Americas Cup defending champion, represented by Team Alinghi were entwined in a 2.5-year legal battle over multiple court cases, including hearings in the New York Supreme Court and the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court, prior to the 33rd edition of the race, due to take place in 2010.The parties disagreed about the location, format, and restrictions on boat design, all of which were changed by the courts prior to the race.
St. Johns Ship Building Names Joe Rella as President
St. Johns Ship Building announced it has appointed Joe Rella as president, succeeding Jeffery Bukoski, who left the role at the close of 2023.Rella brings over four decades of U.S. Navy and commercial maritime experience to his new position at the Palatka, Fa. shipyard. He was previously president and COO at Austal USA and has held executive roles at International Marine and Industrial Applicators. Rella received his undergraduate degree in marine engineering from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and earned an MBA from Spring Hill College.
Seafarer Abandonment Is on the Rise
Seafarer abandonment is on the rise, according to latest figures from the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF).In 2023, a total of 132 vessel abandonments were reported, which is 13 more than in 2022 â an increase of 10.92%. IFT said it made 129 of those reports.Under the Maritime Lamour Convention 2006 (MLC), a seafarer is deemed to have been abandoned if the shipowner fails to cover the cost of repatriation; or has left them without the necessary maintenance and supportâŚ
Shipbuilders Council of America Names New Board Leaders
The Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA), the national association representing the U.S. shipbuilding, maintenance and repair industry, announced its new Board of Directors leadership and the incoming chairs of the SCA Partners Committee. The announcements kicked off the Associationâs Annual Meeting on May 17 in Washington, D.C.Brad Moyer, Vice President of BAE Systems Ship Repair, is ascending from his Vice Chairman post to Chairman of the Board, assuming the position from Ben BordelonâŚ
Tidal Transit Starts Works on âWorldâs Firstâ Retrofit E-CTV
Tidal Transit, a supplier of purpose-design crew transfer vessels for the offshore wind industry, has begun the design and engineering phase of a project to deliver what is said to be the worldâs first retrofit electric crew transfer vessel (E-CTV).Over the next 15 months, Tidal Transit will retrofit a diesel-powered Mercurio 20-meter vessel, Ginny Louise, with over two megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery capacity, electric motors and propulsion pods.The finished product, e-GinnyâŚ
Marine News' Top Vessels of 2023
The November edition of Marine News magazine highlighted a selection of the most notable American newbuilds delivered of 2023âfrom a first-of-its-kind green towboat, to the lead vessel in a series of game-changing ships to train U.S. mariners.Empire StateAs the lead vessel in a series of five new training ships being constructed to serve America's state maritime academies, Empire State is easily one of the most important U.S.-built vessels delivered in recent memory.Built by Philly Shipyard for the U.S.
Allen Marine Tours to Repower Two Vessels with Scania Engines
Scania was selected by Allen Marine Tours to power a pair of their eco tour vessels. The two 78-foot QUAD powered vessels will each be repowered with Scania V8 DI16 082M, 800 HP engines delivered by Cascade Engine Center. The custom-built catamarans are capable of 30 plus knots at their full capacity of 150 passengers, and speeds in excess of 35 knots with a lighter load.âWe have seen a lot of interest in our V8,16-liter engines by tour operators in ecologically sensitive areas like Alaska due to their low environmental impactâŚ
First Turbine Installed at South Fork Wind Off New York
The first turbine has been installed at the South Fork Wind Farm offshore New York, developer Ørsted announced on Monday.The first of South Fork Windâs 12 Siemens Gamesa wind turbine generators was hoisted into place by the offshore construction team at the project site 35 miles off Montauk, N.Y. Van Oordâs offshore installation vessel, the Aeolus, is installing the turbines. Turbine installation involves using a crane to place the steel turbine tower onto the foundation. The nacelle and rotor are then installed on top of the tower.
Maritime Technology Firms NAVTOR and Voyager Worldwide Set to Merge
NAVTOR, an e-Navigation and performance technology provider to the maritime industry, and Voyager Worldwide, a provider of maritime technology solutions, have agreed to merge.The combined company will deliver products and solutions to approximately 18,000 vessels globally. The transaction is expected to close by December 2023.Both companies provide maritime technology solutions that enable shipping companies to improve safety, efficiency, compliance, and operational performanceâŚ
IMRF Announces 2023 SAR Award Winners
The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) has announced the winners of this yearâs IMRF Awards, which recognize all those involved in global maritime search and rescue (SAR) efforts.The IMRF Awards acknowledge those that have shown excellence in their field, developed innovative technology and equipment, or acted as a role model to inspire others. The awards also shine a light on those colleagues who offer the tireless support, training, and planning that enables SAR crews to do what they doâŚ
John Rowley Appointed Next CEO of Wallem
The Board of Directors of Wallem Group have announced that John-Kaare Aune will be stepping aside as Wallem Groupâs CEO and after a period of transition will leave in January 2024.The Wallem Board has appointed John Rowley to succeed him, with effect from January 1, 2024. Rowley is currently Senior Vice President Global Food and Transportation Divisions at NSF, prior to which he was CEO SAI Global Assurance following eight years on the executive team at the Lloyd's Register GroupâŚ
Blakeley BoatWorks Building New Tug for Crescent Towing
Mobile, Ala. shipbuilder Blakeley BoatWorks is building a new EPA Tier 4 ship assist tugboat for fellow The Cooper Group company Crescent Towing. Upon completion, Crescent will operate the new tug in New Orleans as part of its Mississippi River ship assist fleet.âThe addition of this new 6,000-hp z-drive in support of our Mississippi River operations highlights our continued commitment to providing our customers with the most powerful and technologically advanced equipment in the industry,â said Scott H.
NAMEPA Announces Winners of its Marine Environment Protection Awards
The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) has announced the winners of the Marine Environment Protection Awards for 2023.Winners include MSC Cruises for Sustainability, Tote Services for the Industry Award, Captain Bridget Cooney as an Individual, Dr. Jason Zuidema for Seafarers, New York Harbor Middle School led by example this year for Maritime Academies, Port XChange for Innovation, Maritime Blue in the Non-Profit category, and NOAAâs OR&R for Government.The Awards will be presented at NAMEPAâs Annual Marine Environment Protection ConferenceâŚ
Newport News Authenticates Keel of Virginia-class Attack Submarine Oklahoma
HIIâs Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division authenticated the keel today for Virginia-class attack submarine Oklahoma (SSN 802).âWe enjoy participating in Navy traditions like this one because they remind us of the important role we play in our nationâs defense,â NNS President Jennifer Boykin said. âThe nuclear submarines we build help ensure our peace and freedoms, and we take great pride in being a nuclear shipyard.âThe shipâs sponsor is Mary âMollyâ Slavonic, an Oklahoma native. Slavonic has long supported both the state of Oklahoma and the Navy.
Edison Chouest Offshore Building 'Mini' CTV
U.S. offshore vessel operator, builder and owner Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) is constructing the U.S. offshore wind industryâs first ever mini-crew transfer vessel (CTV), designed by U.K.-based Chartwell Marine.Set to enter service in summer 2024, the 39-foot catamaran will serve as a daughter craft deployed from ECO's ECO Edison, the first U.S.-built service operation vessel (SOV). The vessel has capacity for up to 12 personnel and is designed to be deployed from ECO Edison during extended offshore staysâŚ
Second LNG-fueled Containership Delivered to Pasha Hawaii
Hawaii-based Pasha Hawaii announced it has taken delivery of the second of two new âOhana Class, 774-foot liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered containerships built at the Keppel AmFELS shipyard in Brownsville, Texas.The new vessel, Janet Marie, joins Pasha Hawaiiâs fleet serving the Hawaii/U.S. mainland trade lane, following the companyâs first âOhana Class vessel, George III, which entered service on August 17, 2022.Operating on LNG from day one, the new Jones Act vessel surpasses the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2030 emission standards for ocean vessels.
US Invests Nearly $10 Million to Advance Marine Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced nearly $10 million for seven projects that will accelerate development and testing of marine energy technologies. These investments advance research on wave-powered technology for use in seawater desalination and support a feasibility study for a potential ocean current test facility. âMarine energy technologies have incredible potential to provide clean electricity as well as clean water,â said Alejandro Moreno, Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
Lake Michigan Carferry's SS Badger Out for the Season
A historic Great Lakes car and passenger ferry will be sidelined the rest of the season due to damages it suffered in July. Lake Michigan Carferry said Tuesday that the SS Badger's daily crossings between Ludington, Mich., and Manitowoc, Wis., have been suspended indefinitely.âWe have made the difficult, and unfortunately unavoidable, decision to suspend our daily crossings for the remainder of the season,â said Mark W. Barker, president of Ohio-based Interlake Maritime Services, parent company of the Lake Michigan Carferry.