US Inland Waterway Infrastructure: Riding a Good News Wave
The inland waterways have enjoyed several positive developments toward modernization of the system, particularly over the last two years.Annual appropriations that fund the U.S. Army Corps of Engineersâ Civil Works mission have been steadily on the rise for the last nine fiscal years, specifically the Construction and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) accounts have been funded at historic levels. The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in 2021 provided aâŚ
MARAD Awards $19.6 Million in Small Shipyard Grants
The U.S. Department of Transportationâs Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced $19.6 million in grant awards to 24 small shipyards in 19 states through the Small Shipyard Grant Program.The funds will help awardeesâmany of which being family-run businessesâmodernize, increase productivity and expand local employment opportunities while competing in the global marketplace, MARAD said.âSmall businesses are the lifeblood of the American economy, and small shipyards play a critical role in Americaâs maritime industry, helping us get the goods we depend on every day,â said U.S.
For Fireboats, The Heat is On
These days, cost-conscious municipalities across the fruited plain, from sea to shining sea, are ordering new waterborne assets to cover their many local responsibilities. When they do, they want âmore bang for their buck,â combining multiple missions â and the equipment that makes it all possible â onto one hull. Thatâs a tall order on the typically compact patrol boat style hulls that tend to be big on performance, but short on space for equipment that can demand a significant physical footprint. One such shipbuilder stepping up to plate to deliver on a raft of promises is Gulf Coast-based Metal Shark. Significantly expanding its presence in the fireboat market with a diverse range of fireboats currently in production for multiple customersâŚ
Jensen Maritime Provides Design for Shaver's New Tugboat
Jensen Maritime, Crowley Maritime Corp.âs Seattle-based naval architecture and marine engineering company, has provided the detailed design for Shaver Transportation Companyâs new, Z-drive tug â Samantha S. The multi-purpose tug was built at Diversified Marine Inc., in Portland, Ore., and is operating along the West Coast. The tug is ABS-classed and carries a FFV1 firefighting notation.The 112-foot by 44-foot tug has a 22-foot draft, was built for escort, ocean towing and ship assist, and has firefighting capabilities if needed. The tug features a raised pilot house and a squared forward end.
Subchapter M Casts Off
Initial reports show that the towing industry is adjusting well to the new normal on inland rivers. In fact, it is business as usual for most.July 20, 2018 was a critical date for tow boat operators. That was the deadline for all U.S.-flag towing vessels â over 26 feet, or less if used to assist with transport of oil or hazardous materials â to be in compliance with Subchapter M, the U.S. Coast Guardâs towing vessel safety regulations. Itâs been a long time coming. As a regulatory programâŚ
USCG Aiding Preparation for Subchapter M
U.S. Marine Inspectors from Marine Safety Unit (MSU) Portland conducted a field dry dock examination, Wednesday, to educate and train the towing vessel community on new regulatory standards that will come into force in the summer of 2018. Shaver Transportation Company suggested the field outreach event during a U.S. Coast Guard initiated information session the previous week. The information session held at MSU Portland was the second in a series of national outreach forums designed to educate towing vessel operators on the new regulationsâŚ
Shaver Launches New Ship-Docking Tug
On May 18th 2012, at a ceremony on the banks of the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, Capilano Maritime Design Ltd. was pleased to attend the christening of their latest design of an 80âfoot Columbia Class ASD ShipâDocking Tug, SOMMER S, for Shaver Transportation Company of Portland, Oregon. The tug was built by Diversified Marine Inc., also of Portland, and is the most powerful in Shaverâs fleet. The 80âfoot ASD vessel is a twin Zâdrive, dieselâpowered shipâdocking tug designed for maximum efficiency in the performance of shipâhandlingâŚ
Columbia Class Tug for Shaver Transportation
Capilano Maritime Design Ltd. has recently completed the design of an 80âfoot Columbia Class ASD ShipâDocking Tug for Shaver Transportation Company of Portland, Oregon. The tug is currently being built by Diversified Marine Inc., also of Portland, and will be the most powerful in Shaverâs fleet when delivered in 2011. The Columbia Class is a new series of tug designs by Capilano Maritime Design Ltd. Power will be provided by two highâspeed MTV/Detroit Diesel 16V4000 M61 main engines, each rated 2,680 bhp at 1,800 rpm.