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San Diego Bay News

10 Aug 2023

Crowley Breaks Ground in San Diego for All-electric Tugboat Charging Station

(Photo: Crowley)

Crowley and the Port of San Diego broke ground for the shoreside charging station designed to provide clean energy for the company’s forth-coming zero-emissions tugboat, eWolf.The charging station is a microgrid charging facility that will allow vessels to recharge quickly while reducing peak loads on the community energy grid. It is equipped with two containerized energy storage systems provided by Corvus Energy. The station is designed to operate on off-peak hours from the community’s energy grid, and it includes a solar power array to support renewable energy use.

14 Feb 2023

Austal USA Opens San Diego Ship Repair Facility

(Photo: Austal USA)

Austal USA celebrated the opening of its new San Diego waterfront ship repair facility.The shipyard, located adjacent to Naval Base San Diego, will provide full-service repair, maintenance and modernization services for small surface combatants, unmanned and autonomous vessels, and auxiliary ships.Since finalizing an agreement for the property over a year ago, Austal USA has invested more than $100 million in facility upgrades and a new floating dry dock to transform the facility. The 15-acre site now provides 678 ft. of improved San Diego Bay shoreline, 80,000 sq. ft.

04 May 2021

Port of San Diego to Double Shore Power at Cruise Terminals

(Photo: Port of San Diego)

The Port of San Diego is doubling shore power capability at its B Street and Broadway Pier cruise ship terminals to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions on and around San Diego Bay.The Board of Port Commissioners approved $4.6 million in funding for the project as well as various agreements related to equipment purchasing, construction and installment of additional shore power equipment that will allow two cruise vessels calling on San Diego to connect to shore power outlets at the same time.

06 Jul 2020

Matson's New ConRo Ship Matsonia Christened

(Photo: Matson)

Matsonia, the second of two Kanaloa Class combination container/roll-on, roll-off (con-ro) vessels being built for U.S.-based carrier Matson, was christened at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, on Thursday.Peggy Forest, wife of Matson's President Ron Forest, officially christened the vessel by breaking a ceremonial bottle of champagne against its hull. Immediately after the bottle was broken, the vessel was released from its build ways and slid backward into San Diego Bay.

12 Feb 2020

Titan Acquires HII's San Diego Shipyard

(U.S. Navy photo by Adam Ross)

One the United States' largest fleet service and ship repair sites is changing hands.Ship repair and commercial- and defense-related fabrication services provider Titan Acquisition Holdings announced on Wednesday it has reached a deal to acquire San Diego Shipyard from Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII). Financial terms were not disclosed. The transaction, expected to close in the second quarter, is subject to customary closing conditions.The San Diego Shipyard, formerly Continental Maritime of San Diego…

26 Aug 2019

GD NASSCO Wins $1.6 Billion Navy Contract

Photo: General Dynamics NASSCO

General Dynamics NASSCO, a subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), was awarded a contract by the U.S. Navy worth up to $1.6 billion for the construction of the sixth and seventh ships of the Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) program, as well as an option for ESB 8.The contract, announced by the Department of Defense today, provides $1.08 billion as a fixed-price-incentive modification to a previous contract for the design and construction of the two ships, with an option for the third that…

25 Aug 2019

GD Bags $1.6Bln Shipbuilding Contract

General Dynamics NASSCO, a subsidiary of General Dynamics, has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Navy worth up to $1.6 billion for the construction of the sixth and seventh ships of the Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) program, as well as an option for ESB 8.According to the Department of Defense, the contract provides $1.08 billion as a fixed-price-incentive modification to a previous contract for the design and construction of the two ships, with an option for the third that, if exercised, would bring the total cumulative value to $1.63 billion.“We are pleased to be building ESB 6 and 7 for our Navy,” said Kevin Graney, president of General Dynamics NASSCO.

09 Oct 2017

San Diego Expecting Larger Cruise Season

The Port of San Diego is preparing to welcome 83 cruise calls during the 2017-2018 cruise season, with a wide variety of itineraries visiting this inspiring destination. This season Holland America Line remains a strong presence on San Diego Bay along with continued growth from Disney Cruise Line. On Thursday, October 5, the Disney Wonder will be in port, along with Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam. Approximately 242,000 passengers are expected this year, up from last year’s 224,000. The number of cruise calls remains about the same. Passengers this season will be able to experience a relaxing California Coast cruise, an adventurous voyage around the globe, South Pacific cruises and much more.

24 Feb 2017

Voices: Todd Roberts, President, Marine Group Boat Works

Todd Roberts (Photo: Marine Group Boat Works)

"As a kid, I worked for our sister company, Flagship Cruises (formerly San Diego Harbor Excursion),” said Roberts. “I wanted to be a deckhand on the ferry but I was told that I was too young, so I started out sweeping the floors in the boathouse, and doing just about anything, from loading the boats to hauling line. Going to work for me was like other kids going to the Little League field. And so starts the story of Todd Roberts’ maritime career some three decades ago. Roberts graduated Cal Maritime…

12 Sep 2016

Role of ScanFish ROTV in Waste Water Monitoring Surveys

All populated coastlines share a variety of pollution-related challenges. Those municipalities in the USA who engage in the discharge of waste water through ocean outfalls are subject to state and federal regulations requiring them to monitor the quality of the water near those structures and the marine environment beyond them. The City of San Diego in southern California is one such municipality. With two vessels and a wide array of oceanographic sensors, they continually inspect and report on two waste water outfalls; Point Loma Ocean Outfall (PLOO) near the mouth of San Diego Bay and South Bay Ocean Outfall (SBOO) near the US/Mexico border.

29 Aug 2016

NASSCO Christens LNG-ready Tanker Constitution

(Photo: General Dynamics NASSCO)

On Saturday, August 27, shipbuilders at General Dynamics NASSCO celebrated the christening and launch of the Constitution, the sixth ship in a series of eight eco-friendly tankers constructed or under construction at the company’s San Diego-based shipyard. The ship, the Constitution, is a 610-foot, 50,000 deadweight-ton, and LNG-conversion-ready ECO Class product tanker with a 330,000 barrel cargo capacity. As part of the ceremony, the ship’s sponsor, Cristin Thorogood – wife of Dan Thorogood…

24 Feb 2016

Boaterz N’ Bikerz Hull of a Tour 3 is West Bound

After two previous successful motorcycling and boating events in 2013 and 2015, organizers of the Boaterz N’ Bikerz of America Hull of a Tour are back this summer for “Pacific Coast Rush,” a nine-day escorted motorcycle ride from Seattle to San Francisco, including a two-day swing down to Big Sur and Monterey. This summer’s Hull of a Tour 3 event runs July 22 – 30 and is sponsored for the second year by Freedom Boat Club, along with marine media sponsor Soundings Trade Only, platinum sponsor Regal Boats, event, producer/publicist Kenton Smith Marketing, and boating host/marine retailer Alexander Marine USA, with locations in Seattle and Newport Beach, Calif.

14 Dec 2015

NASSCO Launches ECO Class Tanker Independence

Photo: General Dynamics NASSCO

U.S shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO launched the first ship in a series of ECO Class tankers for the SEA-Vista fleet at a christening and launch ceremony at the company’s shipyard in San Diego on Saturday, December 12. The ship, the Independence, is a 610-foot, 50,000 deadweight-ton, and LNG-conversion-ready product tanker with a 330,000 barrel cargo capacity. According to the shipbuilder, the new ECO Class tanker symbolizes the emerging direction of the shipping industry in the U.S. toward cleaner, more fuel-efficient modes of transporting product.

01 Sep 2015

LNG-fueled Box Ship a 'Momentous Step Forward'

Perla del Caribe, the second of two LNG-fueled Marlin Class ships built by General Dynamics NASSCO for Tote, was launched at NASSCO’s yard in San Diego. (Photo: General Dynamics NASSCO)

On Saturday, August 29, 2015, the world’s first series of energy efficient containerships welcomed its second LNG-powered vessel in San Diego, fueling the U.S. maritime industry with cutting edge economic and environmental efficiencies powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). “The launch of Perla del Caribe marks a momentous step forward for the future of U.S. maritime, using green technology to ensure the products we deliver are transported safely and efficiently, all while using the most environmentally friendly mode of transportation…

31 Aug 2015

TOTE’s 2nd LNG Containership Launched

Perla del Caribe, the second of two LNG-fueled Marlin Class ships built by General Dynamics NASSCO for Tote, was launched at NASSCO’s yard in San Diego. (Photo: General Dynamics NASSCO)

Shipping company TOTE and shipbuilder NASSCO on Saturday launched Perla del Caribe, the second of two Marlin Class ships – the first containerships in the world to be powered by natural gas. The christening and launch ceremony took place at General Dynamics NASSCO’s shipyard in San Diego. The 764-foot-long Perla del Caribe and sister ship, christened Isla Bella, are Jones Act vessels built for the Puerto Rican trade for TOTE Shipholdings and will be operated by TOTE subsidiary Sea Star Line out of Jacksonville, Fla.

17 Jun 2015

MCC Looking into San Diego Terminal Development

The Port of San Diego's Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal specializes in three cargo areas: Break Bulk, Refrigerated Containers and Bulk. The Port has entered a conditional agreement with Mitsubishi Cement Corporation for potential future operations. (Photo: Port of San Diego)

As part of strategic efforts to increase cargo business at the Port of San Diego, the port has entered into a conditional agreement with Mitsubishi Cement Corporation (MCC), one of the largest cement companies in California, for potential future operations at Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal. The conditional agreement, which was approved by the Board of Port Commissioners on June 11, 2015, will allow the port to conduct a project review under the California Environmental Quality Act in anticipation of MCC's potential operations at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal on San Diego Bay.

20 Apr 2015

World’s First LNG-Powered Containership Launched

General Dynamics NASSCO launched the 3,100 teu Isla Bella, the world’s first LNG-powered containership. More than 3,400 shipbuilders, their families, and others attended the special event at the San Diego-based shipyard. After christening by Sophie Sacco — wife of Michael Sacco, president of the Seafarers International Union — the 754-foot-long Isla Bella slid into San Diego Bay on the high tide at 9:10 p.m. Fireworks erupted as the ship floated. The containership, part of a two-ship contract, was built for TOTE at what is the last major yard still in existence on the US west coast. The Isla Bella was also NASSCO’s 100th launch. The 233 m long ships, equipped with MAN engines, are scheduled to operate between Jacksonville, (Jaxport) Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico, NASSCO said.

20 Feb 2015

USCG Commandant Visits Port of San Diego

Lleft to right: Robert Monson, Port Auditor; Thomas Russell, Port General Counsel; Thomas Gresham, Port Technology Security Supervisor; Dan Malcolm, Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners, Admiral and Mrs. Zukunft; John Bolduc, Acting President/CEO; Mark Stainbrook, Acting Chief of Police and Captain Jonathan Spaner, Commander, Coast Guard Sector San Diego (Photo: Arash Afshar)

Admiral Paul Zukunft, Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, visited the Port of San Diego’s administrative offices on February 12. The Commandant was in town to participate in the 2015 Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association /U.S. Naval Institute Conference held at the San Diego Convention Center. During his visit to the port, the Commandant participated in a briefing that included Dan Malcolm, Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners; Acting President and CEO John Bolduc; Acting Chief of Harbor Police Mark Stainbrook and other senior Port staff members.

04 Mar 2015

Harbor Police Rescues Stranded Sea Lion

Harbor Police officers found a sea lion wandering a roadway on February 18, 2015. After it was evaluated by SeaWorld specialists and deemed healthy, it was returned to the Pacific Ocean on February 26. (Photo: Port of San Diego)

Sea lions are a common sight in San Diego Bay, but a sea lion wandering a busy roadway and then ending up in the back of a patrol car is slightly rarer. The San Diego Harbor Police Department received a call on February 18 of a sea lion in the roadway of Harbor Island Drive, near a local restaurant. Encountering the uninjured sea lion, responding officers Christine Sperry and Luis Martinez used salmon to lure the adult female sea lion into the water. Within minutes the wayward sea lion was back up on the sidewalk and nudging Officer Sperry in with her nose.

16 May 2013

New Scripps RV Honors Sally Ride

U.S. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus said the nation’s newest research vessel will be named R/V Sally Ride, in honor of the former UC San Diego faculty member who was the first American female astronaut and the youngest American to fly in space. The ship is owned by the U.S. Navy, will be operated by Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, and will have its home port at the Scripps Nimitz Marine Facility in Point Loma on San Diego Bay. “Scripps has a century-long history of seagoing excellence that is vital to the well-being of our planet and its pressing environmental challenges…

10 Oct 2013

TMA Names Greg Cox 'Supporter of the Year'

Greg Cox: Photo courtesy of TMA

'Blue Champion' Chairman Greg Cox of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors has been a member of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors since 1995 and on September 9, 2013 was appointed to serve on the California Coastal Commission. Over the last 7 years The Maritime Alliance has briefed dozens of elected and appointed officials about Blue Tech and the Blue Economy. Every so often we encounter folks who just get it -- they immediately recognize the economic and social value of maritime to the region and the nation.

09 Apr 2014

Rescued Family Returns Safely aboard Navy Ship

A family of four rescued from their sailboat after their infant daughter became seriously ill at sea returned safely to San Diego on Wednesday aboard a U.S. warship that picked them up in the Pacific over the weekend, a Navy spokeswoman said. The parents, Eric and Charlotte Kaufman, and their two daughters, 3-year-old Cora and 1-year-old Lyra, left the Navy frigate Vandegrift after the ship arrived in port around 10 a.m. local time and proceeded to their family doctor, according to Lieutenant Lenaya Rotklein of the Third Fleet. Rotklein declined to give any further information about the arrival of the Kaufmans at Naval Air Station North Island on San Diego Bay except to say all four family members were "stable when they departed" and were met at the port by relatives.

17 Apr 2014

CA Port Seeks Public Feedback on Expansion

Port for All logo

The Port of San Diego apprises it is to host separate open house events for the public to provide feedback on its long-range vision and 'Integrated Port Master Plan Update' process. The Port of San Diego, the fourth largest in California, is in the midst of developing a 50-year Vision Plan as part of the Port Master Plan Update to help set the course for future land and water uses in San Diego Bay. At each open house, port consultants will present an overview of the Vision process and input received over the last six months during the first-phase visioning effort.