Three River News

Numerous barges have run aground on the lower Mississippi River, and grain barge shipping rates are soaring to historic highs this week, as drought has dropped inland waterways to levels not seen in decades.And with little rain in the forecast, the low water levels are hampering already sluggish grain exports at the U.S. Gulf Coast, where some 60% of U.S. corn, soybean and wheat exports exit the country.The logistical snarls come as the Midwest harvest progresses and the busiest crop export season starts…

A recent dry dock rehab project in Chicago provides new options and money saving opportunities for inland and Great Lakes stakeholders alike.From software to steel plating, Indiana-based TPG Marine Enterprises provides a range of services in the Great Lakes and inland waterways markets. River based tug and barge services are based in Jeffersonville and Mt. Vernon, IN, on the Ohio River, as well as on Kentucky’s Green River. The company also owns TPG Chicago Dry Dock, located on the Calumet River.

The influx of ships and rigs sailing into and out of Brazilian ports since the discovery of large pre-salt plays off Brazil in 2007, and the opening of new ports and shipyards during the past decade has led to a sharp increase in towing operations in Brazil. MR spoke to Sergio Guedes, Director of Operations at Wilson Sons Towage, about the towage and salvage markets in Brazil. Wilson Sons Group is one of the largest integrated operators in port and maritime logistics in Brazil. The company has more than a century of experience and is also present in shipbuilding and offshore support services. Its towage fleet is present in ports all along Brazil’s lengthy coast.

BAE Systems said it will cut first steel for the U.K. Royal Navy’s Type 26 Global Combat Ships in Glasgow in summer 2017, subject to final contract negotiations with the U.K. Ministry of Defense (MOD). “Backed by Britain’s rising defense budget, the Type 26 Program will deliver a new generation of cutting-edge warships for our Royal Navy at best value for taxpayers,” said Defense Secretary Michael Fallon during a visit to BAE Systems’ shipyard in Glasgow. “The U.K. Ian King, Chief Executive…

Construction has begun on a new warship for the U.K. Royal Navy as the Minister of State for Defense Procurement, Philip Dunne MP cut the first steel in Glasgow today. HMS Trent is the third of three River Class Batch 2 Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) designed and constructed by BAE Systems. Employees, as well as representatives of the Royal Navy and local community, joined the Minister as he switched on a plasma cutting machine in a formal ceremony in Govan. “These new ships will…

Construction of the U.K. Royal Navy’s second new Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) has begun, marked by a ceremony led by Defense Secretary, Michael Fallon, at BAE Systems in Glasgow. The Secretary of State formally started construction of HMS Medway, the second of three River Class Batch 2 vessels, by operating the plasma steel-cutting machine at a June 8 event attended by representatives from the Royal Navy, the local community and BAE Systems employees. “These new ships are an important part of the £160 billion we are investing over the next decade in the equipment our armed forces need…

Indiana-based TPG Mt. Vernon Marine, LLC purchased Chicago Dry Dock, a Chicago area shipyard founded in 1979. Chicago Dry Dock operates on the Calumet River and offers unencumbered access to both the Great Lakes (via Lake Michigan) and the Inland River System (via the Calumet/Des Plaines/Illinois Rivers). Founded as Kern Barge Cleaning and Repair, CDD purchased its first dry dock in 1995 and was renamed and incorporated as Chicago Dry Dock in 1996. Operating from seven acres less than three river miles from Lake Michigan…

Wynn marine has won the contract to supply the window wiper systems for three offshore patrol vessels (FOPV) currently under construction at Vosper Thornycroft, UK. The contract is to supply 13 Type C Straight Line Wipers to each vessel, which will be operated by the Wynn Series 2000 Controller. The Type C offers the most advanced design of linear action window wiping systems available and is one of the most popular systems in the world for providing clear viewing areas for commercial, naval and fishing vessels. Construction of the first of the three River Class FOPV's commenced at Vosper Thornycroft's Woolston shipyard in May 2001 and the first vessel will enter service with the Royal Navy in November 2002.

HMS Tyne, the first in a new generation of fishery protection vessels for the Royal Navy has been launched at Vosper Thornycroft’s Woolston, Southhampton, Shipyard. HMS Tyne was launched by Lady Squire, wife of Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire, Chief of the Air Staff, and is expected to be handed over to the Fishery Protection Squadron (FPS) in November this year. The 80 m. Offshore Patrol Vessel is one of three River Class ships that are being procured in an agreement that is believed to be unique in modern times. Thought to b e the first time the RN has operated ships under such an agreement with private industry and at the end of the fie years the Ministry of Defense will have the option to extend the charter, hand the ships back or purchase them outright.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the Mississippi River is now open in one direction to ships with a draft of 35 feet during daylight hours. Now that a route has been re-established to the Port of New Orleans and other ports on the lower Mississippi River, the port is bringing together all of the pieces that will allow it to be a major force in the reconstruction of New Orleans. "The Port of New Orleans' riverfront terminals survived Hurricane Katrina in fairly decent shape," said Port President and CEO Gary LaGrange. "In the next several weeks, almost all of the Port of New Orleans will be dedicated to military relief vessels. He added that many repairs will be needed though to bring the Port back to full capacity.