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Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Warren News

17 Mar 2024

Launch Ceremony Held for A-O-S' New Jones Act CTV Gripper

(Photo: American Offshore Services)

An official launch ceremony was held to celebrate the commissioning of a new Jones Act compliant crew transfer vessel (CTV) built for American Offshore Services (A-O-S)—the company's first.Constructed by Blount Boats in Warren, R.I., the 100-foot-long aluminum catamaran is owned and operated by A-O-S, a joint venture formed in 2020 by leading European CTV operator Northern Offshore Services (N-O-S) and U.S.-based investment firm OIC.The vessel will support Ørsted and Eversource’s portfolio of offshore wind farms in the Northeast…

17 Mar 2024

American Offshore Services Takes Delivery of Its First CTV

(Photo: American Offshore Services)

American Offshore Services (A-O-S) has taken delivery of its first crew transfer vessel (CTV), Gripper, purpose built to support the U.S. offshore wind industry. The vessel is scheduled to be christened during an official ceremony later this month.The Jones Act compliant aluminum catamaran was built by Blount Boats in Warren, R.I., based on Northern Offshore Services' (N-O-S) 30-meter G-class design. The newbuild features Volvo Penta's IPS propulsion system and is said to be "hybrid-ready"…

17 Oct 2023

Rolls-Royce to Cut Up to 2,500 Jobs

© thomathzac23 / Adobe Stock

Rolls-Royce (RR.L) said on Tuesday it would cut up to 2,500 jobs as its new chief executive seeks to build a more efficient business, the latest boss to attempt to revamp one of Britain's most prestigious engineering companies.Over the last decade, Rolls-Royce, whose engines and systems are used on the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 as well as ships, submarines and in power generation, has been through several restructurings, axing more than 13,000 jobs.Tufan Erginbilgic, who took over in January, is the latest CEO to try to tackle the company's inefficiencies.

28 Aug 2023

Offshore Wind: US Shipbuilders Answering the Call

From left to right: Lasse Petterson, CEO of Great Lakes Dredge and Dock; Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa.; President Joe Biden; and Steinar Nerbovik, CEO of Philadelphia Shipyard (Photo: Philly Shipyard)

It’s a big deal when a U.S. president visits an American shipyard, and these trips always send a message. When President Obama spoke at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding in 2013, he warned of the consequences of sequestration. President Trump’s 2020 speech at Fincantieri Marinette Marine touted a $5.5 billion naval contract that gave a welcome boost to the Wisconsin shipyard and its supply chain partners. Most recently, President Biden traveled to Philadelphia’s Philly Shipyard…

13 Jul 2023

NASSCO Delivers USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206)

(Photo: General Dynamics NASSCO)

The General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego on Tuesday delivered the future USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206) to the U.S. Navy.The ship is the second of the Navy’s John Lewis-class fleet oiler program, following the series' lead vessel, USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205), delivered in July 2022.Operated by Military Sealift Command (MSC), the 742-foot-long oilers are designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy carrier strike group ships operating at sea. They have capacity to carry 157,000 barrels of oil…

23 May 2023

NASSCO Awarded $736 Million to Build T-AO 213

(Photo: General Dynamics NASSCO)

San Diego shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO announced it has been awarded a $736 million modification to the existing T-AO contract for construction of a ninth ship (T-AO 213) in the John Lewis-class fleet oiler program. Construction is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2025.In 2016, the U.S. Navy awarded NASSCO with a contract to design and build the first six ships in the next generation of fleet oilers, the John Lewis-class (T-AO 205), previously known as the TAO(X).The latest exercised option comes in addition to the earlier awarded eight ships…

18 May 2023

US Maritime Industry Working to Solve the People Puzzle

(Photo: Crowley)

For companies active in all parts of the commercial maritime sector, finding and holding onto the workers they need to build, operate and service the industry’s wide range of vessels has been challenging. Simply put, the labor market is tight, and the problem is not getting any easier to solve.Mike Ellis, CEO at American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL), said a continued shortage of qualified personnel has been the most pressing issue for ACBL—and probably for the barging industry as a whole. “There's been so much demand on people.

31 Mar 2023

US Coast Guard Cutter Warren Deyampert Commissioned

(Photo: Amber Howie / U.S. Coast Guard)

The U.S. Coast Guard’s newest cutter, the Coast Guard Cutter Warren Deyampert (WPC-1151), was commissioned at Coast Guard Base Boston, March 30.Chief Warrant Officer Lance DeFoggi, assumed command of the cutter during a ceremony presided over by Vice Admiral Kevin Lunday, the Coast Guard Atlantic Area commander. The Warren Deyampert is the second of six Fast Response Cutters that will be homeported in Boston, serving along the 1st Coast Guard District.Built by Louisiana-based Bollinger Shipyards…

16 Feb 2023

2023 Shipbuilding Report: US Passenger Vessels

Casco Bay Line selected the Senesco to build a double ended hybrid electric ferry to replace an existing diesel boat. (Image: EBDG)

With travel and tourism nearing pre-2020 levels, and transit systems benefiting from a return to work, passenger vessels have seen renewed activity. In its year-end review, John Groundwater, Executive Director of the Passenger Vessel Association (PVA), which advocates for the sector in Washington, D.C. wrote: “As we are nearing the end of the calendar year, we are delighted to report that our industry, and our members, are reporting far and wide that they have experienced very…

21 Aug 2022

Conflict in the South China SeaThreatens Australia’s Fuel Imports

© Patrick / Adobe Stock

China’s saber-rattling around Taiwan underlines the need for Australia to be prepared for conflict in the South China Sea.With its growing navy and air force, and the bases it has built throughout the area, China is increasingly capable of disrupting shipping lanes crucial to Australia’s exports and imports.Chinese military bases across the South China Sea (© OpenStreetMap contributors)Of particular concern is our reliance on liquid fuels imported via South China Sea shipping routes. This reliance has become more pronounced over the past few decades as all but two local refineries have closed.

15 Aug 2022

American Offshore Services Hires Romano as Vessel Superintendent

Michael Romano (Photo: American Offshore Services)

American Offshore Services said it has hired Michael Romano as vessel superintendent focused on new building and operations as the Massachusetts-based crew transfer vessel owner/operator ramps up to support America's burgeoning offshore wind industry.Romano graduated summa cum laude from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 2014. Since graduation, he has earned his Master Unlimited license sailing on a variety of vessels supporting offshore oil and gas. Romano has also gained vessel management experience in his previous marine operations role.Formed in 2020…

08 Aug 2022

Shipyards Adapt to help Navy, Coast Guard Recapitalize Fleets

The first Offshore Patrol Cutter, USCGC Argus (WMSM 915) takes shape at Eastern Shipbuilding Group’s Panama City, Fla., shipyard.  The Coast Guard plans to build 25 OPCs. (ESG photo)

U.S. shipyards are making improvements to building ships for the Navy and Coast Guard today and in the future. In some cases, it means phasing out one class of ship and getting ready for the next. Or, it can be a drastic make-over.The yards include mid-tier yards all the way up to very large facilities devoted exclusively to warships. The ships range from the 353-ton Fast Response Cutter to the 100,000-ton nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Wisconsin…

05 Aug 2022

NASSCO Awarded $1.4 Billion to Build US Navy Ships

(Image: General Dynamics NASSCO)

Shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO, a subsidiary of aerospace and defense company General Dynamics (GD), announced on Friday that it received $1.4 billion in U.S. Navy contract modifications for construction of a sixth Expeditionary Sea Base ship (ESB 8) and two additional John Lewis-class fleet oilers (T-AO 211 and 212). This award comes in addition to $600 million already received to procure long-lead time materials for the same ships. The contract modification also provides an option for the Navy to procure an additional oiler…

29 Jul 2022

US Navy Takes Delivery of USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205)

USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205) is the lead ship of the U.S. Navy's new class of fleet replenishment oilers. (Photo: US. Navy)

The U.S. Navy announced it has accepted delivery of the lead ship of its new class of fleet replenishment oilers, USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205), built by General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego.T-AO 205’s July 26 delivery follows the completion of Acceptance Trials with the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey to test the readiness and capability of the craft and to validate requirements.“USNS John Lewis will provide much needed capability to the fleet as the primary fuel pipeline at sea,” said John Lighthammer, program manager, Auxiliary and Special Mission Shipbuilding Program Office.

28 Jul 2022

Blount Delivers Buoy Tender/icebreaker to Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Eddie Somers (Photo: Blount Boats)

Warren, R.I. shipbuilder Blount Boats announced it has delivered a new buoy tender/ice breaker built for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.Eddie Somers was handed over on May 19 at Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield, Md. The 94- by 227-foot shallow draft vessel will replace the J. Milliard Tawes, which has been in service for nearly 50 years.Designed by BMT Designers and Planners, the Eddie Somers is powered by Cummins QSK19, Tier III marine engines, each producing 750HP at 1,800RPM, Twin Disc MGX-5202SC marine generator sets and, two 42x27, 5 blade NIBRAL propellers.

26 Jul 2022

Rolls-Royce Names Erginbilgic CEO

Tufan Erginbilgic (Photo: Rolls-Royce)

Rolls-Royce named former BP executive Tufan Erginbilgic as its new chief executive to replace outgoing boss Warren East, a move analysts say will help drive profits at the British engine maker.East, whose seven years at Rolls were marked by costly troubles with the blades on its engines and the COVID-19 pandemic, will step down at the end of this year, with Erginbilgic taking over on Jan.

22 Jul 2022

MARAD Awards $19.6 Million in Small Shipyard Grants

(File photo: Gladding Hearn)

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s 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 awardees—many of which being family-run businesses—modernize, increase productivity and expand local employment opportunities while competing in the global marketplace, MARAD said.“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the American economy, and small shipyards play a critical role in America’s maritime industry, helping us get the goods we depend on every day,” said U.S.

15 Jul 2022

U.S. Coast Guard Medevacs Offshore Vessel Crewmember with Heart Attack Symptoms

Credit: U.S. Coast Guard

A 52-year-old man was medevaced Thursday from an offshore supply vessel about 36 miles southeast of Grande Isle, Louisiana.Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a call stating a crewmember aboard the offshore supply vessel Warren Thomas was reportedly experiencing heart attack and stroke-like symptoms. The watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to assist.The helicopter crew arrived on the scene, safely hoisted the patient, and transported him to University Medical Center in New Orleans.

01 Jul 2022

Shipbuilding: Ingram Marine Christens Four Towboats in One Day

Image courtesy  Ingram Marine Group

On June 24, Ingram Marine Group held a special christening ceremony for four vessels: M/V Capt. Roy Daniels, M/V Randy Hooper, M/V Debbie L. Owen and M/V Harold B. Warren. The M/V Debbie L. Owen and M/V Capt. Roy Daniels are new builds. The M/V Randy Hooper and M/V Harold B. Warren are refurbished vessels.“The people we are honoring today are a testament to the kind of company we’ve worked hard to build. They really represent the ‘Ingram Way’ which is why it is so fitting to christen some of our vessels in their honor…

29 Jun 2022

NASSCO Wins LLT Contracts for Three US Navy Ships

(Photo: General Dynamics NASSCO)

San Diego shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO said it has been awarded $600 million in U.S. Navy contract modifications for long-lead-time material to support construction of the seventh and eighth ships in the John Lewis-class fleet oiler (T-AO) program, as well as the sixth ship in the Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) program.The contract modifications for long-lead-time material provide $500 million for T-AO 211 (Thurgood Marshall) and T-AO 212 (Ruth Bader Ginsburg), and $100 million…

26 May 2022

Delaware Bay Barge Fire Extinguished

Thumbnail photo credit: Memorial Fire Company Sta 89/Facebook

The fire on board the barge in the Delaware Bay that started burning on Monday, has been extinguished Tuesday, and Northstar Environmental and Marine Services has been contracted to assess the integrity of the vessel and manage salvage operations, U.S. Coast Guard said Wednesday.A Unified Command consisting of representatives from Eastern Metal Recycling, New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, Cumberland County Office of Emergency Management, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the U.S. Coast Guard has been established to oversee salvage operations.According to the U.S.

11 Mar 2022

2022 US Shipbuilding Report

Gladding Hearn is currently building four pilot boats, including a 70-foot pilot boat for the Galveston Pilots. (Photo: Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding)

It’s a common story in the U.S. shipbuilding industry today. A piece of equipment that used to be available for delivery on short notice—maybe in one or two weeks—now must be ordered months or more in advance, and it costs double. Add to this rising steel prices and the labor issues that have pervaded nearly all industrial sectors since the early days of the pandemic, and it’s clear that business is far from usual for American shipyards.Bollinger Shipyards president and CEO, Ben Bordelon…

14 Feb 2022

Orion to Fund Construction of American Offshore Services' CTV Fleet

Rendering of AOS Wind Farm Crew Transfer Vessel

American Offshore Services, a crew transfer vessel owner/operator has entered a strategic partnership with Orion Infrastructure Capital to build "state-of-the-art CTVs designed to transport technicians and materials in varied offshore conditions."Under the arrangement, OIC will provide financing to build a series of CTVs at Blount Boats to service the United States’ emerging offshore wind industry.Formed in 2020, A-O-S is a joint venture between European CTV operator, Northern Offshore Services (N-O-S), and U.S. offshore logistics company, SEA.O.G Offshore, to provide services to the U.S.