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Vessel Communications: Inland Comms Evolve
SATCOM’s Availability, Pricing and Utility tempts marine users left unsatisfied by limitations of cellular communication. The inland operator hoping to survive in…
The ABCs and 123s of the EPA’s VGP
If you are following along and keeping a scorecard, then pay attention. Summer School is officially in session. The first iteration of the Vessel General Permit (VGP) expires on December 19, 2013. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a replacement VGP permit under its authority from the Clean Water Act (CWA). The CWA and its implementing regulations contain standards that govern EPA’s imposition of National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit conditions.
Laying the Keel; Carefully
Looking toward the future and with a weather eye on what could come next, Oregon-based Vigor Industrial launched a six-month training program this July in welding, fabricating and fitting with South Seattle Community College at a new center on Harbor Island. Vigor acquired the site overlooking downtown Seattle when it bought Todd Pacific Shipyards in 2011. And, as an active bidder for the U.S. Coast Guard’s coveted Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) program…
Good News Comes in Threes
Caterpillar, Wärtsilä and Volvo Penta introduce new, efficient and environmentally compliant engines. A crowded market becomes even more competitive. Forget all…
U.S. Maritime Strategy: a Time for New Beginnings
The imperative for a holistic United States maritime strategy has never been greater. This is not news to many of you, but the call must be raised more persistently…
Cellular Signal Boosters: Relief for Inland & Coastal Mariners
Wilson Electronics, a U.S.-based manufacturer of cellular signal boosters, is targeting inland and coastal waterway users with a new marine initiative. The development…
Insights: John Lotshaw, Gulf Coast Director of Training and Workforce Development Ingalls Shipbuilding
When it comes to training, recruitment and retention issues – serious matters facing all maritime employers today – John Lotshaw probably knows better than most; what’s best for you. And, no matter what end of the maritime business model that you hail from, the challenge of hiring good people, training them and keeping them on payroll is an ongoing problem. Lotshaw joined Ingalls Shipbuilding in August of 2002 as the Director of Trades at the Avondale Site…
By the Numbers: Boats, Cargo & the Environment
U.S. The latest statistical roundup of the U.S. flag fleet (2012) shows some interesting trends. We know that the U.S. blue water, deep draft fleet continues to dwindle in size and numbers – albeit some exciting recent orders for tankers and containerships. But virtually 99 percent of our commercial fleet is now represented by inland and coastal pushboats, barges and offshore service vessels. Or, in other words, the demographic represented by the readership of MarineNews magazine.
The Ballast Water Treatment Solution
Early planning, engagement with competent partners will be the key to timely compliance. The May announcement that W&O Supply had been named as the exclusive distributor…
SubM & EPA’s VGP Drive Green Trend on Workboats
Thordon Oil Free Propeller Shaft Bearings and Grease Free Rudder Bearings for Workboats produce two kinds of green. The final 2013 EPA VGP language is out. If you’ve got a Controllable Pitch Propeller and Thruster Hydraulic Fluid and other Oil-to-Sea Interfaces, including Lubrication Discharges from Paddle Wheel Propulsion, Stern Tubes, Thruster Bearings, Stabilizers, Rudder Bearings, Azimuth Thrusters…
A New Direction for DP
GE pioneers a friendlier operating system for mariners. GE’s Power Conversion business is bringing enhanced operability to the company’s Dynamic Positioning (DP) system.
Shortsea Shipping: Poised for a Comeback
The idea that cargo, moved from deep draft ports to smaller, niche destinations, can be accomplished without trucks is something that has taken a backseat over the past five years.
Cracking the Boat Buying Nutshell
New work boats are never purchased out of want, but rather need – imminent need. Such a need prompts buyers to scour the web and perhaps their favorite maritime magazines for information on potential designs that appear to be a good fit. The next step is simply to make contact with a boatbuilder and request a price based upon the similar vessel shown via the website or marketing materials. Go ahead – ask for the price, but will it truly be meaningful?
WRDA to the Wise
May 15, 2013 was a very good day for the nation’s barge and towing operators, as well as shippers of grain, coal, chemicals, petroleum products, aggregate materials, and agri-input products. It was also a good day for our nation’s economy and for its consumers. The Senate passed, by a vote of 83-14, a long-overdue Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), last reauthorized in 2007. Six years may not seem like a long time to await action on Capitol Hill.
Insights: Kurt J. Nagle, President and Chief Executive Officer Association of Port Authorities
Kurt Nagle needs no introduction to MarineNews readers. With more than 30 years of experience in seaports and international trade, he has since 1995 served as President and Chief Executive Officer for the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). Mr. Nagle began working at AAPA, the alliance of the leading public port authorities throughout the Western Hemisphere, in 1985. And, although some may associate him more with ‘bluewater’ issues, Nagle also knows that the health of all U.S.
Risky Business
Underwriting your newbuild program is only one half of the sea passage. That’s because the construction phase is fraught with danger. Congratulations! You’ve run the due-diligence/underwriting gauntlet successfully and now you have your lender’s credit approval in hand. You are satisfied with the terms and conditions of the loan or lease and the lender or lessor is happy with you. Don’t celebrate quite yet, though. You are only about half of the way home.
Honda’s Flagship BF250 Engine
Innovative four stroke engine is Honda’s most powerful and now its flagship entry in the crowded outboard propulsion markets. The new BF250 horsepower (hp) four-stroke engine…
Pumps and Piping: A Curious Turn to the Right
Owners and shipyards come to the realization that alternative composition piping and pumps represent the way forward. You cannot put a vessel to work without pumps, valves and piping.
Unique Propulsion for Unique Workboat Applications
Customized application for multi-missioned workboats recognizes that all workboats have more than one job. In an increasingly expensive market for workboats, any…
Budget Battles Bumping Backlogs?
Patrol And Combat Builders Fret About Budget Cuts But See Bright Spots. So far; so good. U.S. companies building patrol and combat craft aren’t happy about federal, state and city budget cuts but say they do see positive, demand-side factors. Much of their overseas business depends on the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program. The FMS, which transfers defense equipment and services to other nations, is retrenching now, however.