Marine Link
Thursday, March 28, 2024
SUBSCRIBE

Niagara Falls News

31 Jul 2023

Greening the U.S. Federal Fleet

(Credit: U.S. Navy)

The international shipping industry as a whole is responsible for 2% to 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and if nothing changes, those will increase by 250% by 2050, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Sobering numbers like these have made reducing emissions across the sector a focus for governments, shipbuilders, environmentalists, vessel owners and technology suppliers alike.The United States federal ship fleet, excluding combat ships, consists of various types of vessels utilized for civilian purposes. This fleet of vessels makes the U.S.

18 Nov 2021

Leading the Charge

Crowley’s new eWolf will be the first all-electric tugboat in the U.S. (Image: Crowley)

Alternatives to fossil fuels are emerging throughout the maritime universe, and vessels working in U.S. rivers, waterways and harbors are at the cusp on this trend. While the alternative fuels spectrum is wide, battery power and electrification—a technology that has seen a decade of shipboard applications already—is particularly suited for smaller vessels.Crowley Maritime Corp will be taking delivery of a completely electric tugboat, dubbed eWolf; the boat- which will include kit for advanced vessel control tied to an electric propulsion system from ABB…

21 May 2021

The Shipping Industry Embraces Battery Power

Photo courtesy Flagships project

The past decade has seen tight restrictions on emissions from vessels, notably with a 2015 move to a .10% sulfur maximum in Emission Control Areas (ECA) in North America and in northern Europe. As the International Maritime Organization (IMO) now shapes shipping’s decarbonization future, shipowners are looking at transitions away from fossil fuels. Among the myriad of alternatives are lithium ion batteries and some early forays into hydrogen fuel cells.To date, large batteries are used on short runs…

09 Mar 2021

Casco Bay Lines Orders Hybrid-electric Ferry

(Image: Elliott Bay Design Group)

Maine ferry operator Casco Bay Lines has committed to an integrated hybrid-electric power and propulsion solution for its new vessel, in a technology step change along one of the longest-established ferry routes in the United States.The new 50-meter ferry will feature ABB Marine & Ports’ hybrid power, propulsion and a shore charging system, supporting diesel-electric and zero-emissions battery-powered modes, as well as a combination of both. With the ferry operating in zero-emission mode, the passengers will benefit from a smoother, quieter and cleaner ride.

30 Dec 2020

Marine News' Top Boats of 2020: James V. Glynn and Nikola Tesla

(Photo: Maid of the Mist)

Christopher Glynn had known for some time that he wanted to build all-electric vessels for his Niagara Falls tour boat company Maid of the Mist. In January 2018 he decided in earnest that he was going to make it happen.But where to begin? Fully electric ferries had never been built in North America, so Maid of the Mist would be plying uncharted waters. Glynn, the company’s president, said he and his team started by doing their research—a lot of research—and by hiring a team of consultants to help weigh their options.Inspired by the world’s first all-electric ferry…

30 Nov 2020

Interview: John Batten, CEO, Twin Disc

John Batten (Photo: Twin Disc)

How have major events such as the U.S./China trade war, oil price fall and COVID-19 impacted Twin Disc’s commercial marine business to date, and what adjustments have you made in response?These are the three things that I’ve been highlighting in employee communications and with investors over the last few months. For us, COVID was just the third punch after the other two. China is typically our second largest market after the U.S., and we lost lots of orders to our competitors as the trade war started to affect us. It’s rebounding a little, but it definitely impacted our sales into China.

06 Oct 2020

New All-electric Niagara Falls Tour Ferries Enter Service

One of Maid of the Mist's two new all-electric tour ferry Nikola Tesla (Photo: New York State Parks)

A pair of first-of-their-kind passenger vessels installed with all-electric propulsion will bring Niagara Falls sightseers to experience one of the wonders of the natural world undisturbed by exhaust fumes, engine noise or vibrations.The zero-emissions ferries, named the James V. Glynn and the Nikola Tesla, respectively in honor of the Maid of the Mist chairman and the renowned energy pioneer – are the first all-electric vessels built in the U.S., with power drawn from a high-capacity battery pack supplied and integrated by ABB.

18 Mar 2020

Rewrite the Rules: The Path to Zero Emissions

First-of-its-kind cargo vessel Captain Ben Moore delivers local produce and food across Long Island Sound. Built by Derecktor Shipyards, the aluminum catamaran is powered by two Cummins QSB 6.7 diesels, and lithium batteries connected to a pair of BAE Systems HybriDrive electric motors.  (Credit: Harbor Harvest)

With social media updates and conference agendas addressing the subjects of climate change, emissions reductions and alternative fuels, it’s a wonder we are not climbing the Himalayans in search of the Jedi Master that will provide us with the magic potion. Yoda’s blessing with a calming breath, “You have chosen wisely.”Government emissions intervention started with a move to reduce energy and fuel consumption measured in greenhouse gas (GHG), at a time when the world and our politicians spoke about global warming.

10 Mar 2020

Maritime's 'Path to Zero': The Case for Ferries

Image courtesy of Maid of the Mist Corp.

Ferries have pioneered zero-emission technology deployment for good reason. Short routes and regular port visits provide opportunities for shipboard stored energy technology, and it is the commercial case that is turning the tide towards zero emissions where the ferry market is concerned. Supported by shoreside charging infrastructure, a fully charged battery pack can be used to propel a ship along a predictable route at relatively low operating cost and little wear and tear,…

06 Sep 2019

MN100: ABB

Niagara Falls tour operator Maid of the Mist recently ordered two new passenger vessels sailing on pure electric power, enabled by ABB’s technology. IMAGE: ABB

At the very cutting edge of clean, modern and ultra-efficient propulsion and automation solutions, ABB takes its rightful place amongst MarineNews' prestigious 2019 MN100 winners.The Case:ABB believes that modern ships will be built on the foundation of electricity. This expands their range of viable energy sources beyond traditional fuel to for instance batteries and fuel cells. The electrical backbone, integrated with automation and control systems, will also transform the industry…

12 Jul 2019

INSIGHTS: Edward C. Schwarz, ABB VP of Sales, New Builds

Edward C. Schwarz, ABB VP of Sales, New Builds

Based in Miramar, FL, ABB Vice President Ed Schwarz is today responsible for developing and leading the newly created new sales team for ABB in North America.He is the firm’s leading advocate for new build opportunities in US and Canada and more importantly, developing the business strategy necessary for bringing hybrid and electric solutions to North America market. A graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering and Shipyard Management in 2000.

03 May 2019

All-Electric: ABB Powers Niagara Tourist Boats

Image Credit: Maid of the Mist Corp.

Niagara Falls tour operator Maid of the Mist orders two new passenger vessels sailing on pure electric power, enabled by ABB’s technologyVisitors to the iconic Niagara Falls will soon be able to experience one of the USA’s top landmarks emission-free. Two new Maid of the Mist passenger vessels will be powered entirely by high-capacity battery packs, becoming the first all-electric vessels ever built in the US.The new vessels will benefit from ABB’s zero-emission technology when they start operating later this year…

16 Apr 2019

Shannon Insulation Solutions for Passenger Vessels

Maid of the Mist VII engine room showing silencer and exhaust line fitted with Shannon reusable insulation.

Shannon Enterprises of W.N.Y. a designer, and maker of reusable thermal and acoustic insulation, has put in place a custom-designed insulation system for Maid of the Mist Corp.'s two vessels, Maid of the Mist VI and Maid of the Mist VII, to improve engine efficiency, safety and acoustics on board each vessel.As part of a modernization program for the boats' lighting and climate controls, Maid of the Mist's engineering team installed a new generation set - including two, 38 kW Northern Lights marine generators - for both vessels.

12 Feb 2018

Interview: Terry MacRae - CEO, HMS Global Maritime

Terry MacRae, President & Chief Executive Officer, HMS Global Maritime

Terry MacRae founded Hornblower Yachts, LLC (doing business as Hornblower Cruises & Events) in 1980, and serves as Chief Executive Officer, the President and is also its owner. MacRae is the Co-founder of HMS Global Maritime and the American Queen Steamboat Company, and serves as Chief Executive Officer of Alcatraz Cruises, LLC, Statue Cruises, LLC, Hornblower Canada Co., Hornblower Cable Cars, Inc. and HNY Ferry, LLC (doing business as NYC Ferry). He leads one of the largest and fastest growing charter, dining cruise, and ferry operating companies in the nation.

16 Dec 2014

Safety is Job One

Maritime safety products and systems can entail everything from a sophisticated integrated bridge system down to cleaning products for the galley. Here are a few recent introductions that appear particularly topical in the never-ending push for safer ships and crews. Under normal circumstances it would be hard to imagine a a mariner or rig worker who would want to be in the freefall lifeboat to the left, but in an emergency that blaze orange tube is likely the most beautiful ride at sea.

28 Oct 2014

Sea-Fire Systems Aboard Niagara Falls Tour Boats

Photo: Sea-Fire Marine

When it came time to retire the iconic Maid of the Mist Niagara Falls tour boats, Hornblower Niagara Cruises sought replacements that would raise the standard of forward-thinking performance, without sacrificing safety. The two new 86' x 36' catamarans built by Hike Metal, christened Niagara Wonder and Niagara Thunder, each has a capacity of 700 passengers and navigates the churning, rock-strewn waters 6,000 times a year. Featured aboard the vessels is Sea-Fire's FireStop Detection System and H-Series Engineered Fire Suppression.

24 Sep 2014

The No-Emissions Workboat (Really!)

There’s no debate about LNG in New York. ELCO, New York State Canals team up to retrofit 86-year old tugboat with an electric motor. In June, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the launch of an all-electric dredge tender work boat on the Erie Canal in the Utica area of New York. The project, a partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), utilized an electric motor supplied and installed by Elco Motor Yachts, LLC, of Athens, New York. Significantly, the New York State Canal Corporation collaborated with Yorkville-based New West Technologies, LLC, in order to determine how best to transition the State’s work boat fleet to a cleaner propulsion system.

26 Aug 2014

Two Rescued from Disabled Boat near Niagara Falls

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG ) rescued two people from a disabled boat near Niagara Falls late Monday night. At about 9:15 p.m., a search-and-rescue (SAR) coordinator from USCG Sector Buffalo, New York, responded to a call for help from the boaters via cell phone. The distressed boater reported two people were aboard a disabled 19-foot boat, 700 yards inside the Niagara Falls Exclusion Zone. The boater also reported that the boat was anchored. The Sector Buffalo SAR coordinator issued an urgent marine information broadcast, which broadcasts the location and nature of distress to mariners and asks who can offer help if they are able. The SAR coordinator also launched a rescue boat crew from Coast Guard Station Buffalo aboard a 25-foot response boat…

13 Aug 2014

Hornblower Cruises Hires Special Projects Manager

After graduating from the California Maritime Academy with a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Transportation, Scott began a sea-going career with Chevron Shipping. He continued with Chevron in various at-sea positions until July of this year when he joined Hornblower Cruises & Events. In his new position, Scott will work on a number of special projects ranging from feasibility studies, energy and cost savings, risk management, regulatory concerns, procurement projects, business process improvement, SAFECRUISE efforts and Respect our Planet Programs. Hornblower Cruises & Events has been a leading charter yacht and public dining cruise company in California for over 33 years.

10 Jul 2014

Citizens Academy by Border Patrol

The U.S. Border Patrol will conduct a Citizens Academy beginning Aug. 1, at the Niagara Falls Border Patrol Station. This program is designed to provide local residents an opportunity to learn about the U.S. Border Patrol and its role in the community, as well as provide an open dialogue with participants. The Citizens Academy program is a free outreach program designed to educate the public on the Border Patrol’s history, legal authority, mission, operations, and partnerships. Attendees receive approximately 15 hours of instruction, tours and hands on training from Border Patrol agents. The sessions will begin at 6:00 p.m., each Friday, for six consecutive weeks with the final session on Sept.

09 Jul 2014

EBDG-designed Passenger Vessel Launched

Hornblower Guardian (Photo courtesy of EBDG)

Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG), a naval architecture and marine engineering firm with offices in Seattle, New Orleans and Ketchikan, today announced that the passenger vessel Hornblower Guardian, built to its design, is now in service. EBDG partnered with Hornblower Cruises and Events of San Francisco to engineer the multipurpose vessel for that company's Niagara Falls operation. The new 68-foot long monohull vessel carries up to 150 passengers and has a unique, dual purpose…

22 Jun 2014

Great Lakes Coast Guard Rescue 9

Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary  crews across the Great Lakes rescued 9 people during multiple cases from different locations across the Coast Guard 9th District Saturday. The names of those rescued are not being released and there is no imagery or video for any of the cases. Among other cases, watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Buffalo, New York, received a report just after 10:30 a.m. of two people in the water near Lock 5 in the Oswego River in Oswego, New York, during a kayaking event. A Coast Guard Auxiliary crew was in the area doing a safety patrol for the event. The crew and a local fire department boat retrieved both of the people from the water and took them to shore. It is unknown if they were wearing life jackets and there were no injuries or medical concerns reported.

04 Nov 2013

Coast Guard, Park Police, Sign Niagara Operational Agreement

Capt. Brian Roche & Maj. David Page

The Coast Guard and the New York State Park Police have formally signed a cooperative agreement to clarify agency roles for operations in the Niagara Falls River. This historic cooperative agreement spells out the roles each agency will play during future operations between Niagara Falls and the whirlpool in the Niagara River gorge. Capt. Brian Roche, commander of Coast Guard Sector Buffalo, and Maj. David A. Page, commanding officer of the NYSPP Western Region, entered into the cooperative agreement to further enhance coordination of maritime incidents along the Niagara River.