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21 Feb 2021

Offshore Wind Firm Atlantic Shores Signs Deal with Six Unions to Train and Hire New Jersey Workers

Credit: Zentilia/AdobeStock

Offshore wind developer Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind -  a U.S. joint venture between Shell and EDF, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with six unions operating in New Jersey as part of its bid submission, "committing to help develop and employ a productive, safe, well-trained local workforce."The company in December 2020 submitted its bid to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to supply the state with up to 2,300 MW of renewable wind energy. New Jersey seeks to award between 1…

01 Jul 2019

PROPULSION: ‘Power’ to the People

Interstate-McBee brings affordable aftermarket replacement parts to a marine sector thirsting for new ways to bolster the bottom line. As freight rates, subchapter M and the advent of EPA Tier IV requirements all impact the market, an affordable overhaul of an existing engine is one way to find real relief. A recent report, entitled “Impact of Updated Service Life Estimates on Harbor Craft and Switcher Locomotive Emission Forecasts and Cost-Effectiveness,” found the average Category 2 workboat remains in service for 50 years, instead of the 23-year lifespan estimated by the EPA in the 2008 Heavy Duty Locomotive and Marine Rule. A longer service life reduces the fleet’s turnover rate to cleaner…

06 Oct 2017

MMPAC October 2017 Meeting Set

The Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC) and its working groups are scheduled to meet October 26-27, 2017, at United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center in Martinsburg, WV.   Although the meetings are open to the public, attendees must pre-register to be admitted. Additional details about the location, point of contact, how to submit comments, and the agenda can be found in the Federal Register in notice document 82 FR 44433, published on September 22, 2017

08 Mar 2017

Interview: Rear Admiral Paul Thomas, USCG

Rear Admiral Paul Thomas develops and maintains policy, standards and program alignment for waterways management, navigation safety, boating, commercial vessels, ports and facilities, merchant mariner credentialing, vessel documentation, marine casualty investigation, inspection and port state control activities. He serves as the Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy overseeing three Coast Guard directorates: Inspections and Compliance, Marine Transportation Systems, and Commercial Regulations and Standards. A specialist in Marine Safety, Security and Environmental Protection, he has served at the Marine Safety Center in Washington, DC and many others before that. His other tours include, among others, service as Commanding Officer of USCGC CAPE ROMAIN.

01 Sep 2016

MN100: Tri-State Coating and Machine Co., Inc.

(Image: Tri-State Coating and Machine Co., Inc.)

Tri-State Coating And Machine Co., Inc. began operation in March 1987 with the goal of producing long-lasting parts to service the coal mine industry while creating jobs for a depressed economy. The company is located along the Guyandotte River just 15 miles south of Huntington, West Virginia. Opportunity opened in the marine industry. The hard-coated tail shaft sleeves were very much in demand but very competitive. Eventually, the firm became one of the world’s largest producers of hard-coated liner sleeves.

21 Oct 2015

Naming USN Ship After "Woody" Receives Applause

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today applauded the U.S. Navy’s decision to name a Navy ship after West Virginia World War II veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, Hershel “Woody” Williams. The decision comes after Senator Manchin sent a letter to U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus recommending that a Navy ship be named after Woody Williams for his outstanding sacrifice and dedication to the nation. “I am thrilled the U.S. Navy will name a Navy ship after World War II Medal of Honor recipient and my dear friend, Woody Williams. Naming a ship after Woody is a lifelong tribute to Woody’s brave actions and his dedication to public service. Woody…

09 Jun 2015

Insights: Capt. Novotny, Commanding Officer, USCG National Maritime Center

Captain Jeffrey P. Novotny is Commanding Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center in Martinsburg, WV. He is responsible for all activities related to professional credentialing, training and assessments of the nation’s 215,000 merchant mariners. He graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy with a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. Prior to commanding the NMC, he was the Deputy Commander at the Coast Guard’s Deployable Operations Group. His duties included the oversight and responsibility for all personnel…

23 Feb 2015

Powering Ahead with a Clean Design

The Shearer Group and Conrad Shipyard collaborate on an ABS approved LNG Towboat Design. What happens next could change inland shipping forever. The December announcement that Conrad Shipyard, L.L.C. and The Shearer Group, Inc. (TSGI) had worked together to develop the design of a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) powered 4,200 horsepower towboat utilizing a proven TSGI design was, perhaps, exciting enough on its own merits. That the team had also been awarded an “Approval in Principle” (AIP) by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for the design was especially significant for the nation’s inland waterfront. Packing clean LNG power into an inland towboat was no easy task. And yet, the potential for the concept to blossom in this largely fixed, point-to-point market is very real.

06 Feb 2015

Cargo Ship Runs Aground Off Guimaras

Cargo ship MT King Andrew ran aground in Siete Picados, Guimaras, February 4 when strong winds and currents southwest off the Light Station forced the vessel off course, the Philippines Coastguard reported. The ship master said MT King Andrew departed Lapuz Wharf in Iloilo around 11 p.m. February 3 bound for Calaca, Batangas when they encountered unfavorable weather conditions. The ship was laden with roughly 1,480 metric tons of cane molasses and 21 crew when it ran aground. Upon being notified of the incident by the ship master, Coast Guard Station (CGS) Iloilo, Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Dumangas and Marine Environmental Protection Unit-Western Visayas (MEPU-WV) personnel immediately proceeded to the area.

08 Dec 2014

USCG Credentialing and Mariner Medical Evaluations

MarineNews contributor (Captain) Jeff Cowan handicaps the current system of medical evaluations and credentialing by the U.S. Coast Guard. It’s not all smooth sailing. “While the U.S. Coast Guard regrets any hardship merchant mariners may experience to maintain their credentials, we must maintain the safety of the Marine Transportation System through a comprehensive MMC (Merchant Marine Credential) evaluation process. This allows the U.S. The U.S. Coast Guard issued these words in response to a query made by a congressional representative on behalf of a prospective mariner regarding incorrect Medical Credential date of expiration after three weeks of no response from the National Mariner Center (NMC) in Martinsburg, WV.

23 Sep 2014

In Support of Affordable Energy

As its key mission, Waterways Council, Inc. (WCI) advocates for a modern and well-maintained system of inland waterways and ports. WCI’s top issues areas include the implementation of waterways’ improvement legislation in the recently enacted WRRDA; remembering Rivers (the Fourth “R”) among Rail, Roadways and Runways; improving the reliability of the waterways system and properly funding its Operations & Maintenance; assuring navigation reliability during times of flooding and drought; and supporting a balanced approach to invasive aquatic species. But WCI has added another critically important issue to its portfolio: supporting affordable energy options. American consumers deserve affordable options for electricity, including our nation’s ever-abundant supply of coal.

20 Sep 2014

Vessel Discharge Legislation Awaits Congressional Nod

The American Waterways Operators, a 350-member trade association representing the U.S. tugboat, towboat and barge industry, hailed the House introduction of critical vessel discharge legislation yesterday, praising the leadership of sponsors Duncan Hunter (R-CA), Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman, and Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD), a senior member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. Bipartisan cosponsors include Reps. Jim Cooper (D-TN), Bill Enyart (D-IL), Gene Green (D-TX), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), David Jolly (R-FL), Walter Jones (R-NC), Blaine Leutkemeyer (R-MO), Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), and Don Young (R-AK). H.R.

08 Apr 2014

AEP Barges into the Liquid Transport Markets

Answering the needs of longstanding clients, bulk transport giant AEP dips its toes into the liquid transport arena. AEP River Operations needs no introduction for most MarineNews readers. One of the true river giants operating on America’s domestic inland waters today, AEP is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, and is primarily known as a barge company that provides transportation of dry bulk commodities throughout the inland river system. AEP River Operations is owned by American Electric Power, one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, delivering electricity to more than 5.3 million customers in 11 states. The current AEP fleet includes more than 79 towboats ranging up to 11,000 horsepower and more than 2,900 hopper barges, moving more than 65 million tons annually.

14 Mar 2014

Industry Urges Senate for Vessel Discharge Legislation

On March 13, a diverse coalition of 59 national and regional organizations representing a wide array of business, maritime and labor interests signed on to a letter to Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee leadership, Chairman John Rockefeller (D-WV) and Ranking Member John Thune (R-SD), thanking them for cosponsoring S. 2094, a bill that would establish a uniform national framework for the regulation of ballast water and other vessel discharges, and urging swift Committee consideration and approval. S. 2094, introduced on March 6 by Sens. Mark Begich (D-AK) and Marco Rubio (R-FL), has 23 bipartisan co-sponsors, nearly one-quarter of the Senate.

22 Jan 2014

Boxer, Shuster to be AAPA’s 2014 ‘Port Persons of Year’

U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster  (R-PA) have been jointly selected to receive the American Association of Port Authorities’ (AAPA) 2014 “Port Person of the Year” award. The bi-partisan nomination for AAPA’s most prestigious annual award was submitted by the California Association of Port Authorities (CAPA). Marking its 102nd year as the Western Hemisphere’s leading trade association representing port authorities, AAPA selected Sen. Boxer and Cong. Shuster based on their dedication to improving America’s water resources, infrastructure and freight transportation policy. Their work toward reforming federal water resources development legislation…

24 Oct 2013

AWO Hails House WRRDA Passage

Tom Allegretti, AWO President & CEO

The American Waterways Operators, the national trade association representing the U.S. tugboat, towboat and barge industry, praised yesterday’s bipartisan passage of H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform Development Act, as a clear commitment to improving the nation’s ports and waterways and recognition of the tremendous value of our water transportation network. “The overwhelming support from both sides of the aisle is an example of what our democracy was meant to do – set aside partisan politics to help secure the nation’s collective success,” stated Tom Allegretti, AWO’s President & CEO.

24 Oct 2013

AAPA Commends House for WRRDA Bill

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA)  lauded leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, leaders of its Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee and Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) for their efforts in advancing H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA). The House passed the legislation by a vote of 417 to 3. “AAPA commends T & I Committee Chairman (Bill) Shuster (R-PA), Ranking Member (Nick) Rahall (D-WV)…

19 Sep 2013

Harbor Maintenance Legislation Supported by TTD President

“The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee today will consider a critical, bipartisan water infrastructure bill that will boost American competitiveness and create middle-class jobs. The legislation contains needed and long overdue reforms to harbor maintenance funding that will result in a substantial increase in investments in our nation’s ports and harbors. If approved by the Committee, it will then be up to the House leadership to bring this jobs creating bill to the floor for a vote and closer to final legislation that meet’s the nation’s needs. “Passage of this bill cannot come soon enough as our nation faces a $2.2 billion backlog in harbor maintenance projects that hampers international commerce and stifles job creation.

13 Sep 2013

WCI, AWO Welcome Process to Reauthorize WRDA

The Waterways Council, Inc. (WCI) and The American Waterways Operators (AWO) expressed their support of the bipartisan process to move a long overdue Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). House efforts, led by House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA), along with Ranking Member Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV), as well as Water Resources and Environment Committee Chairman Bob Gibbs (R-OH) and Ranking Member Rep. Tim Bishop (D-NY), culminated in this week’s introduction of H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform Development Act (WRRDA). WCI and AWO are urging the inclusion of provisions in H.R. 1149, the WAVE 4 Act…

11 Sep 2013

AAPA Commends U.S. T&I Committee for Advancing Water Resources Legislation

Nagle Kurt

Following an announcement today by the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) President and CEO Kurt Nagle lauded the leaders of these committees for championing legislation that moves the nation closer to a final water resources bill to spur vitally needed maintenance and improvements in America’s seaport-related infrastructure and waterways.

04 Feb 2013

AAPA to Honor Hahn, Poe

U.S. Representative Ted Poe (R-TX)

U.S. Reps Janice Hahn & Ted Poe to Accept AAPA’s ‘Port Person of Year’ Award at March 19 Event in D.C.; AAPA’s 2013 ‘Spring Conference’ to focus on key seaport priorities: infrastructure, security, trade. U.S. Representatives Janice Hahn (D-CA) and Ted Poe (R-TX) will be honored on March 19 as the American Association of Port Authorities’ (AAPA) 2013 “Port Persons of the Year” during the association’s annual Spring Conference event, March 18-19, at The Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel.

10 Dec 2012

CEACT River Navigation Software Updated

Exact configuration with graphical interface, showing the barge configuration

SevenCs and CEACT Information Systems Inc. have announced the latest development of their inland navigation system CEACTTM. The new version includes two new major functionalities. The new version will be available in November 2012. Multiple CPA enables the user to track several AIS targets simultaneously. The operator can toggle between the most relevant targets without re-acquiring. Dangerous targets don’t get lost and the situational awareness is significantly improved. The second functionality not only improves safety, but also allows the user to save fuel.

24 Jul 2012

Cummings, Landry Lead Effort to Save American Maritime Jobs

U.S. Representatives Elijah E. Cummings (D, MD-07)

SEAS Act to Repeal Section 100124 of Highway Bill. U.S. Representatives Elijah E. Cummings (D, MD-07) and Jeff Landry (R, LA-03) today introduced the Saving Essential American Sailors (SEAS) Act, H.R. 6170, which would ensure American food aid is transported by American workers. The bill repeals Section 100124 of the highway bill, MAP-21. Additional original co-sponsors include Congress members Nick Rahall (D, WV-03), Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Bennie Thompson (D, MS-02), Colleen Hanabusa (D…