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Circle Line News

24 Nov 2022

Sail Freight: Fair Winds or Grassroot Sustainability?

(Photo: Hudson River Maritime Museum)

Climate change advocates and seafarers recently gathered for a small conference at the Hudson Valley Maritime Museum in Kingston, N.Y., to discuss the shipping industry’s struggle to achieve sustainability and environmental compliance.The setting, the hamlet of Rondout, N.Y. (within Kingston), holds significance as it was, ironically, a Hudson River port once considered the largest coal port in the world (yes, the world). In 1828, the opening of the Delaware and Hudson Canal enabled coal to be delivered from Pennsylvania to New York City.

30 Aug 2021

Circle Line Relaunches Bear Mountain Cruises

(Photo: Circle Line)

New York Cruise Lines' Circle Line is relaunching its annual Bear Mountain Cruises on the Hudson River.The eight-hour round-trip excursions take passengers from New York City to Bear Mountain and back, launching Saturdays and Sundays from September 18 through October 31, plus Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, October 11.The 50-mile cruise up the Hudson includes sights of Hook Mountain, the Hudson River Palisades, the George Washington Bridge, and the Mario Cuomo Bridge…

25 May 2021

KOTUG Invests in the Future, Launching Inland Shipping Unit

Image courtesy KOTUG

KOTUG International B.V. (KOTUG) established an inland shipping division to provide electric powered pusher tugs and smart AI-driven dispatch and route planning applications for the inland water transportation industry, aiming to support the worldwide energy transition and the modal shift from road transport to waterways while meeting the growing demand for electric-powered vessels. "The inland shipping market offers a great opportunity for sustainable logistical solutions," says Ard-Jan Kooren, CEO of KOTUG International B.V.

27 Jul 2020

Blount Boats: Ferries, Offshore Wind both Dominate Present, Future

Marcia Blount, President of Blount Boats

Marine News recently visited the Blount Boats facility in Warren, Rhode Island. While the year 2019 might be the ‘year of the woman’ in the eyes of the International Maritime Organization, the two women at the head of Blount Boats – Marcia & Julie Blount– have been a driving force in the U.S. boatbuilding market for decades. As Blount’s celebrates its 70th anniversary, read about the storied yard’s promising future.Founded in 1949, Blount Boats is a full-service shipyard with a customer base comprised of a variety of commercial and government entities including the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S.

27 Mar 2018

Gladding-Hearn Delivers Ferry for NYC's Circle Line

(Photo: Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding)

Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation, delivered again for New York City-based Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, Inc., this the sixth 165-ft., 599-passenger sightseeing vessels. Designed by DeJong and Lebet, N.A. and builf from steel, the 165 x 34 x 12.8 ft. vessel has a top speed of 14 knots powered by twin Cummins QSK-38M1 diesel engines delivering a total of 2600 hp and connected to ZF W3355 gear boxes, spinning 60-inch, 5-bladed bronze propellers. For dockside maneuvering, the vessel is equipped with a 125 hp Wesmar bow thruster, powered by an electric motor.

29 Dec 2017

Best Workboats of 2017

Marine News showcases the best of North America’s 2017 workboat deliveries. There is something for everyone. Notwithstanding the lingering offshore energy downturn, there were plenty of bright spots for North American shipyards in 2017. If a hull was delivered in 2017, we took a look at it, with several areas as a focus for inclusion into this edition. For starters, it is always exciting when a domestic yard delivers a vessel – or multiple vessels, for that matter – to foreign buyers. We can compete in a foreign arena; on price, quality and on-time delivery. This year was no different. No less important is the environmental footprint of a vessel, and there was plenty to report on from that angle in the past 12 months. The domestic waterfront is indeed getting greener and cleaner.

09 Jan 2017

Gladding-Hearn Delivers NYC Sightseeing Vessel

Circle Line Bronx (Photo: Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding)

Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation, said it has delivered Circle Line Bronx, the first of three new sightseeing vessels for Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, Inc., in New York City. “The new vessels will offer guests an enhanced sightseeing experience on every level,” according to Costas Markou, president and chief operating officer of New York Cruise Lines. Gladding-Hearn previously delivery three sister ships to Circle Line in 2009. Like the earlier vessels, the new 600-passenger all-steel vessel Circle Line Bronx…

18 Aug 2016

MN100: Blount Boats, Inc.

Marcia Blount (Photo: Blount Boats)

Over time, the Blount shipyard has built more than 365 vessels. Today, Blount Boats’ clients include Fire Island Ferries, Casco Bay Island Transit District, Puerto Rico and Municipal Islands Maritime Authority, Spirit Cruises, Circle Line Statue of Liberty (Hornblower), South Ferry on Shelter Island, Long Island, and the Kwajalein Army Base on the Marshall Islands. Blount has been building high quality, innovative shallow draft designs for 66 years. Blount’s designs have created…

26 Aug 2015

MN 100: Blount Boats, Inc.

Over time, the Blount shipyard has built 363 vessels, including such iconic designs as the 130-foot, 600-passenger Miss Liberty. Built in 1952, the vessel is believed to have carried more total passengers than any other vessel in the world. Hull number 93, built in 1955, the “Blount 65’ made its debut and was an immediate success with ferry, commuter and excursion operators. Just under 65’ long, it was an important “break point” in Coast Guard regulations. During the late 1950s, Blount designed the Botruc for the offshore oil and gas industry.

30 Mar 2015

NYC Ferries: Gladding-Hearn Building Three New Vessels

Photo courtesy of Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding

Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation, has begun construction of the first of three new sightseeing vessels for Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, Inc., in New York City. A keel-laying ceremony at the Somerset-Mass., shipyard in January, was held in commemoration of the Circle Line’s 70th anniversary year. The new boat order follows the shipyard’s delivery of three sister- ships for the company in 2009. Delivery of the first new vessel is scheduled for 2016. According to Costas Markou…

17 Mar 2015

Bow Thrusters Ordered for New NYC Ferries

Photo courtesy of WESMAR

WESMAR (Western Marine Electronics) announced that its heavy duty Bow Thrusters have been selected for three new 165-foot, 600-passenger excursion and sightseeing ferries operated by Circle Line Cruises, the New York City sightseeing company. Circle Line Cruises made the announcement in January as part of its 70th Anniversary celebration. They currently operate a dozen boats in New York Harbor and move more people in the city than anyone else, including thousands of school children and visitors from all around the world.

13 Nov 2014

NY-Area Seafarers to Join MM&P

Ron Tucker, Secretary Treasurer of Local 333 and Captain Don Marcus, who serves as President of the Masters Mates & Pilots.

New York Harbor Tug Boat Captains and Crews, Staten Island Ferry Workers, Circle Line and Other Tourist Boat Crews Vote to Join New Union. New York-area watermen who operate tugboats, dredges, tourist boats and ferries, members of Staten Island-based Local 333, have voted by an overwhelming margin to support a merger between Local 333 and the Maryland-based International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots. By a more than 2 to 1 margin, 1,300 New York and New Jersey mariners voted to affiliate with the larger national union of deck officers who serve on ocean-going ships…

28 Oct 2014

AMS Presents 2014 Safety Awards

Bouchard Transportation Company, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, General Dynamics/American Overseas Marine Corporation, Patriot Contract Services and U.S. Shipping Corporation receive 2014 Maritime Safety Awards (Photo: AMS)

Nonprofit maritime trade association American Maritime Safety (AMS) held its 25th Annual Membership Meeting at The Yale Club of New York City on Thursday, October 23, honoring five member companies with Maritime Safety Awards in recognition of their dedication to promoting safe vessel navigation, preserving the marine environment and for their proactive efforts toward achieving safe maritime working practices. Bouchard Transportation Company, Inc. received the Tug and Barge Safety Award…

19 Sep 2014

MM&P Hopes to Pad Ranks with Brown Water Mariners

Ron Tucker, Secretary Treasurer of Local 333 and Captain Don Marcus, who serves as President of the Masters Mates & Pilots.

Uniting with the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots will bring added clout, resources and training to local mariners and open the door to opportunities beyond the East Coast, the union said. Ballots are arriving in the mail this week at the homes of 1,300 area mariners for an election to decide whether local watermen will join a large national union of deck officers who serve on ocean-going ships, and which also represents captains and crews on inland waterways beyond New York Harbor. Ballots will be tabulated and results announced in mid-November.

11 Sep 2014

American Maritime Safety Award Recipients Announced

American Maritime Safety, Inc., (AMS), announced today that Bouchard Transportation Company, Inc., Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, General Dynamics/American Overseas Marine Corporation, Patriot Contract Services and U.S. Shipping Corporation would be the recipients of the 2014 AMS Maritime Safety Awards. AMS is a nonprofit maritime trade association, which facilitates the maritime industry's compliance with international shipping protocols and U.S. Coast Guard regulations. The AMS consortium is comprised of more than 400 vessel owners and operators.

19 Aug 2014

Great North River Tugboat Race and Competition

Photo: Working Harbor Committee

More than 15 tugboats are expected to participate in the Working Harbor Committee’s annual Great North River Tugboat Race and Competition Sunday, August 31 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The race features nose-to-nose pushing contests and a line-throwing competition by tugboat crew members. Immediately following the water competitions will be a spinach-eating contest and a tattoo competition on Pier 84 in Manhattan. A spectator boat, provided by Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, will…

08 Aug 2014

Another Ferry Chooses WESMAR Thrusters

Norcon Galatea

WESMAR announced that another ferry, the MV Norcon Galatea, has installed WESMAR’s commercial bow thrusters. The 387-ton, 125-foot Ro-Ro Passenger Ferry, owned by Norcon Marine Services, Clarenville, Newfoundland, provides support for the provincial ferry fleet serving Bell Island and Portugal Cove, Newfoundland. The Galatea has capacity for 70 passengers and 20 cars. The 40-year-old Ferry was previously the MV Hamilton Sound and owned by the Provincial Government, but in 2011 they sold her, and after extensive upgrades by its new owner the Provincial Government leased her back.

29 May 2014

The OPC Sweepstakes: Three for the Money

Artist’s conception of the Eastern Shipbuilding Group’s OPC concept

In February, the U.S. Coast Guard chose three finalists to design its new Offshore Patrol Cutters, with awards to Bollinger Shipyards in Lockport, La., Eastern Shipbuilding Group in Panama City, Fla. and General Dynamics’ Bath Iron Works in Maine. Each company was awarded a Phase I design contract valued at between $21 million and $22 million. At the end of the 18-month Preliminary and Contract Design Phase I, the Coast Guard will choose one company’s team for a Phase II Detailed Design and Construction contract for the lead OPC.

18 Aug 2011

New York Cruise Lines Appoints of New President, CEO

Gus Markou, President & CEO

New York Cruise Lines, parent company of internationally celebrated tourism companies Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, The Beast and World Yacht today announced the appointments of Gus Markou to President and Chief Operating Officer reporting to Samuel Cooperman, Chief Executive Officer. Promoted from Vice President of Operations, Mr. Markou is a 25 year veteran of New York Cruise Lines and has been instrumental in the growth of Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, The Beast and World Yacht. As a long-standing member of the board of directors since 2005, Mr.

27 Aug 2010

Annual Great North River Tugboat Race

<p>Fifteen to 20 tugboats, the maritime 18-wheelers that normally dock ships and push barges, will roar down the Hudson River Sunday morning, September 5, as they vie to be named the fastest boat in their class. The race typically draws thousands of spectators, which is one of the reasons the tug companies enjoy participating. <br /> <br /> &ldquo;New Yorkers sometimes forget they are surrounded by water and that there is a whole maritime industry working here. This tug competition is the one time a year people can really see what we do,&rdquo; said Craig Rising of McAllister Towing and Transportation, one of the largest and oldest tug companies in the country. It is also a field day for the tug crews, many of whom bring their families aboard.

26 Aug 2009

Gladding-Hearn Third Vessel for Circle Line

Photo courtesy SmithOBrien

Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation, has completed construction of the last of three new sightseeing vessels for Circle Line Sightseeing Yachts, Inc., in New York City. A staple of harbor cruises on the lower Hudson and East Rivers, Circle Line Sightseeing’s three new vessels are the first in more than 60 years, according to Costas Markou, director of marine operations. The company’s fleet of eight steel, 165-foot sightseeing boats consists of converted LCIs (Landing Craft Infantries) and Coast Guard cutters, built between 1930 and 1943.

01 Apr 2008

Circle Line to go Solar

Last year, Circle Line unveiled a state-of-the-art solar and wind powered hybrid electric ferry named Miss Statue of that it predicts will join their Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island fleet and will bring a green revolution to waterborne transportation in . Circle Line, the New York City ferry operator that provides millions of visitors with trips to the both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island each year, unveiled a model of the solar and wind powered hybrid vessel, which uses a solar sail covered in solar panels to collect energy from both the sun and wind and emits almost no noise, vibration or fumes. The solar vessel is being constructed in partnership with 's Solar Sailor Holdings, Ltd.

10 Jan 2008

Circle Line Orders Three

New York’s Circle Line Sightseeing has the first of three new steel mono-hulled sightseeing boats under construction at Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding of Somerset, Massachusetts. The first of the 165 x 36-ft. vessels will be delivered in April 2008 with the second to follow in August and the final boat in March 2009. A pair of Cummins KTA38M1 main engines developing 1100 hp at 1800 RPM will power the first vessel. The engines will be linked to ZF W3350 gears with 4.497:1 ratios.