Investments In New Equipment News

Morton S. Bouchard III pulls no punches discussing the maritime business and the spate of over-regulation infecting U.S. industry. Morton S. Bouchard III has served as President of Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc., the nation’s largest independently-owned oceangoing petroleum barge company, since 1996 and CEO since 1999, the fourth generation of the Bouchard family to helm the company since its incorporation in 1918. The Bouchard name is iconic in North American maritime circles, and Mr.

The regulatory advisory has been posted to the Shore Power website. This regulatory advisory describes steps the Air Resources Board (ARB) is taking to assist vessel fleets with the transition to the 2014 compliance requirements under the Airborne Toxic Control Measure for Auxiliary Diesel Engines Operated on Ocean-Going Vessels At-Berth in a California Port (Regulation). California’s ports, terminals, and most of the vessel fleets have made substantial investments in new equipment and practices to transform their operations and meet the requirements of the Regulation. These vessel fleets need some flexibility during the transition period from January 1 June 30, 2014, to implement the new practices.

Foss Maritime Company announced that it has agreed to sell selected assets, including two tugs and twenty barges currently operating on the Columbia Snake River system, to based Tidewater Barge Lines. Foss made the decision to sell selected assets in order to focus its efforts and investment in its strategic lines of business including ship assist, ocean towing and special projects. The sale will help the company maintain its strategic focus and standards of quality, said Scott Merritt, Foss’ Senior Vice President of Operations, citing the need for additional vessels and upgrades on its existing upriver tugs as contributing to the sale’s timing. “The most important thing for Foss is to ensure that we provide our customers with the highest quality service,” said Mr. Merritt.