SF Bay Ferry Secures $12.5 Million Grant for Zero-emission Ferry Service
The San Francisco Bay Ferry announced on Thursday that it has received a $12.5 million grant from the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) to establish a zero-emission, battery-electric ferry service at the Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal in Alameda.This funding will significantly enhance SF Bay Ferry’s Rapid Electric Emission-Free Ferry (REEF) Program, aimed at transitioning the agency’s fleet to zero-emission propulsion.
Staten Island Ferry and NYC Ferry Trialing Renewable Diesel
Staten Island Ferry and NYC Ferry will begin testing renewable diesel fuel as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional diesel. This initiative is expected to slash carbon emissions by 60% or more, providing nearly 30 million annual riders with a cleaner way to traverse the city's waterways.The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) is currently testing renewable diesel on the Marchi Staten Island Ferry, which will replace the Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel now used in the fleet.
Shipping is Entering the Fifth Industrial Revolution, Says ABS Chief
Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize shipping by enhancing safety and efficiency, Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO, said, while also noting the growing importance of the human touch in this high-tech era.“Maritime 5.0 will be defined by the ever-expanding capabilities of artificial intelligence, driving our complex industry to be safer, more efficient and more optimized…
Some Vineyard Wind Blades to be Removed After Quality Checks
GE Vernova will remove some turbine blades installed at the Vineyard Wind offshore wind farm off the coast of Massachusetts following quality checks prompted by the failure of a blade in July, the company said on Wednesday.Progress on the still-unfinished project is being closely watched since it was barred from producing power or completing construction after a turbine blade broke and sent debris…
Eastern Shipbuilding Group Launches Second 'Coastline Initiative'
Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) has kicked off its second annual Coastline Initiative, a creative competition inviting local students to design innovative artificial reefs aimed at restoring coastal ecosystems. This initiative, in collaboration with the Bay County Artificial Reef Association (BCARA) and the University of Florida IFAS Extension, emphasizes environmental preservation while enhancing…
BOEM Wraps Environmental Review for New York Bight
The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has finalized an extensive environmental review concerning wind development activities across six lease areas in the New York Bight, covering more than 488,000 acres off the coasts of New York and New Jersey. This initiative is projected to yield up to 7 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy—enough to supply power to approximately two million households.BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement…
Golding Barge Line Commissions New Towboat
Vicksburg, Miss. based Golding Barge Line has commissioned its newest vessel, Scott Golding, built by Vessel Repair, in Port Arthur, Texas.The new towboat features a pair of Mitsubishi EPA Tier 4 engines supplied by Laborde Products, each delivering 1,260 HP at 1,600 RPM.“Golding Barge Line is proud to welcome our first Mitsubishi propulsion system to the fleet. The experience with Laborde Products has been exceptional,” said Austin Golding, President of Golding Barge Line.
FloCloud: Making Welding More Efficient, Cost-Effective
InduSuite introduced FloCloud, its latest application in its line of welding and cutting digital software solutions. FloCloud includes a combination pressure and flow sensor system that digitally tracks the pressure, temperature, consumption and complete flow of gas from the manifold start to the welding operator’s arc, and automatically communicates this data. FloCloud’s dashboard and reporting system…
Austal USA Breaks Ground on New Manufacturing Facility for Submarine Modules
**Austal USA Breaks Ground on New Submarine Module Facility in Mobile, Alabama**Mobile, Ala. shipbuilder Austal USA announced the commencement of construction on a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility dedicated to submarine modules, known as MMF3. Set to be operational by late 2026, this new building will significantly enhance the company’s capacity to support the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base (SIB).The facility will span 369…
Did You know? Fancy Bear, Cozy Bear, Stately Taurus More Menacing Than They Sound
What drives cyber attackers and what are their main motives for malicious online activities? Who are the most prominent attackers in the maritime industry and how do they do it?According to the report from Marlink’s Security Operations Center on cyber security threats, cyber attackers targeting the maritime industry had a few main motives.Two of the main are operational disruption and financial fraud…
Hapag-Lloyd Raises Outlook on Stronger-than-expected Demand
International shipping company Hapag-Lloyd raised its full-year earnings guidance on Thursday citing stronger-than-expected demand and higher freight rates.Despite increased expenses from the diversion of vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, Hapag-Lloyd says it now expects earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) for 2024 of between $4.6 billion and $5 billion, up from previous guidance of $3.5 billion to $4.6 billion.However…
OSV 2Q Recap: Entering the Capital Distribution Phase
The OSV sector has concluded its second quarter earnings season, marking another quarter with strong profitability and favorable market conditions. However, negative oil market sentiment, with the Brent price down by 19% since the start of July, has impacted the overall oil services market with the wider PHLX Oil Service Index trading down 4% year-to-date. The OSV sector has returned 5% year-to-date at the time of writing…
"K" Line puts Inmarsat NexusWave to the Test
Later this month Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) will conduct a trial of Inmarsat Maritime's new bonded network service NexusWave on “K” LINE's fleet. “In recent years, there has been an increase in data transmission to enhance safety and quality. As such, we require connectivity services that are fast, reliable and global. Furthermore, high-speed internet connectivity will greatly contribute to reforms to onboard workstyles and automated ship navigation…
Two DDW Offshore’s AHTS Vessels Set to Sail for Australia Job
Norwegian offshore vessel owner DDW Offshore, a subsidiary of Akastor, has secured work for two of its anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessels with an international oil company offshore Australia.DDW Offshore has secured two one-year contracts, each with a further 24-month priced option structure, for its Skandi Peregrino and Skandi Atlantic AHTS vessels.The vessels will provide anchor handling and towage services in Australia for an unnamed oil company…
Cruise Tourism Expenditure Reaches Record Levels in the Caribbean
The Florida-Caribbean Association (FCCA), a cruise and destination trade group, has announced that the 2023-2024 cruise year brought record economic contributions to the region.According to the study released by Business Research & Economic Advisors (BREA), cruise tourism generated $4.27 billion in direct cruise tourism expenditures, about 27% higher than the record set by the previous study in 2018…
INTERCARGO Elects New Leadership Team
INTERCARGO, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners, has announced significant changes to its leadership following its annual general meeting. The new appointments will take effect from January 1, 2025.In recognition of their distinguished service, Dimitrios Fafalios has been appointed Honorary Chairman following six years as Chairman. Fafalios, President of Fafalios Shipping, has led INTERCARGO through significant developments in the shipping sector since 2019…
Fueltrax Announces Smart Financing Option
Fueltrax has launched a smart financing program designed to help vessel operators take advantage of its electronic fuel management systems without the obstacle of an initial capital investment.Fueltrax has signed an agreement with Malaysia-based Vestera in which the two companies work together to help expedite the installation of the systems. Vestera is a technology-based solutions provider serving…
Illegal Foreign Fishers Have Vessel Destroyed
Nine Indonesian nationals who pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters at Darwin Local Court have had their vessel destroyed.On September 19, 2024, Australian authorities apprehended the them as they fished illegally for sea cucumber in the vicinity of Augustus Island, Western Australia.Authorities seized 350 kilograms of sea cucumber worth up to approximately A$30,000 ($20,000 or more…
Did You Know? TOP 5 Vulnerabilities Exploited by Ransomware Groups
Cyber Security in the maritime and offshore energy space has come front and center, with new Cyber Security rules expected soon from the U.S. Coast Guard.How will these new rules impact your bottom line? If you are in New Orleans on November 13, 2024, sign up now for a free lunch and moderated conference discussion on new United States Coast Guard (USCG) cyber security rules and their impact on the vessel owner/operators, OEMs and shipyards. Featured speakers include:Rear Admiral Wayne R.
BRIX Marine Announces Facility Expansion
Boatbuilder BRIX Marine announced the expansion of its manufacturing facility in Port Angeles, Wash.The new facility, spanning over 35,000 square feet will enable BRIX Marine to increase its overall production capacity and expand its product portfolio, the company said. Located along Marine Drive in Port Angeles, the new location will have direct access to the Port Angeles Boat Haven via Marine Travelift.Additionally…