Inland Waterways: A Crucible of Issues
As 2022 appears on the not-so-distant horizon, we asked inland waterways executives to reflect on the major issues impacting their industry. Just how those issues evolve – and whether they present as challenges or opportunities – is, of course, unknown. Answers to some future questions will be relatively straightforward, confidently based on industry knowledge and experience. Other outcomes remain hazier, and next steps could be influenced by forces and players completely removed from the business of barges…
The Top 10 Maritime Stories for 2018
Choosing the ‘top stories of 2018’ was, this year, a difficult task. Many compelling story threads played out, dramatically impacting the North American waterfront, and in particular, the workboat sector – each in their own unique way. Read on to find out how and why.Autonomous Vessels: Ready or Not, Here They ComeFuturistic, remote-controlled autonomous marine vehicles aren’t coming. They are here. As the pace of change quickens, autonomous vessels are already providing service and value on the water. Out ahead of the rulemaking process, autonomous technology providers already churn out not just prototypes and designs, but also countless workboats, many already in service.
Olmsted: Online & Open
After more than 30 years of frustratingly slow progress, cost overruns and more than a few mistakes, Olmsted is finally poised for success. That’s something to celebrate.It is official: The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) wants Olmsted operational by October. After more than 30 years, the ribbon cutting to officially open the Olmsted Locks and Dam took place on August 30. The very old (1929) upstream locks and dams – Nos. 52 and 53, which Olmsted is replacing – will be dismantled by December 2020. Before that happens, Olmsted’s performance will be tested and confirmed.
Global Achieves 10,000 Dives on a Single Project
Global Diving & Salvage, Inc. has surpassed the 10,000 dives on a single project at Olmsted Locks & Dam in Illinois. Tom Cameron, a long-time diver with Global, performed the 10,000th dive. Wade Miller, Marine Construction Manager with AECOM for the Olmsted Dam Project, said, “The Global team has done an exceptional job. Global has been working at Olmsted since 2009 providing a variety of dive-related services. Olmsted is a significant, ongoing undertaking. The new locks and dam system will replace two outdated locks and dam systems on the Ohio River…
VT Halter Wins $16.3M Contract
VT Halter Marine Inc., signed a $16.3m contract to build a catamaran lift barge for Washington Group International (WGI) and WGI’s joint venture partner, Alberici Group. The vessel will be fitted with special lift equipment that will be used to transport and place precast concrete segments in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Olmsted Dam construction project. VT Halter Marine will build two 200 x 90 x 15-ft. units that will be assembled to form the catamaran lift barge. The vessel’s configuration will allow it to effectively assist in the Olmsted Dam construction efforts, which will take place near Olmsted, Illinois on the Ohio River. 2H 2006. The catamaran lift barge will be in service for approximately six years on this project. regard to structural hull design.
