Addressing the M/V Dali Incident: Infrastructure, Trade and the Future of U.S. Maritime Policy
![Image courtesy Glosten](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/image-courtesy-glosten-156360.jpg)
On March 26, 2024, the M/V Dali, a massive Neopanamax (the terms for the size limits for ships travelling through the Panama Canal, 1201 ft. long and 168 ft. wide) container ship, collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge,an incident that highlights the growing tension between U.S. maritime infrastructure and modern shipping practices. This accident is poised to create ripple effects across infrastructure, trade regulations, and even maritime law, especially in terms of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (the Jones Act).The collision serves as a stark reminder that the United StatesâŠ
Remembering the service, sacrifice of the Merchant Marine
![From left, retired Merchant Marine chief engineer Byron "Andy" Anderson, Anacortes resident Elsie Bowers, and Xochitl Castaneda of the U.S. Maritime Administration participated in the Nov. 10 unveiling of the U.S. Merchant Marine plaque at Veterans Memorial Plaza in Anacortes, Washington. Bowers's late husband, Harlan, was a Merchant Marine able seaman during World War II and saw action in the South Pacific. (Photo: Richard Walker)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/from-left-retired-merchant-marine-155788.jpg)
It was my pleasure on Nov. 10 to participate in the dedication of the U.S. Merchant Marine emblem alongside the emblems of the Armed Services of the United States at Veterans Memorial Plaza in Anacortes.I canât think of a more auspicious time to have made this dedication than on Veteranâs Day weekend.We are a maritime nation.For those of you who donât know, the U.S. Maritime Administration â MARAD for short -- is an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation. Our mission is promoting waterborne transportation.
A tribute to our nationâs Fourth Arm of Defense
![Veterans Memorial Plaza in Anacortes pays tribute to America's war veterans. Merchant Mariners who served during war time are now represented in the plaza. (Photo: Richard Walker)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/veterans-memorial-plaza-in-anacortes-155787.jpg)
On Nov. 10, the day before Veterans Day, I had the honor of participating in a celebration of another group of veterans whose contributions as the nationâs Fourth Arm of Defense is not widely known: The Merchant Marine.The U.S. Merchant Marine emblem was added to Veterans Memorial Plaza in Anacortes in a brief ceremony attended by Xochitl Castaneda, Pacific Northwest and Alaska Gateway director of the U.S. Maritime Administration.The contribution of the Merchant Marine to our nationâs defense is a story that is not told enough.
Crowley Awards Scholarships to USMMA Students
![Pictured (left to right): John Berry, Crowley Wind Services; U.S. Merchant Marine Academy cadets Elizabeth Kay, Gianna Russo, Draygan Colonese, Charles Lausten; Joe St. Pierre, Crowley Wind Services (c) Crowley](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/pictured-left-to-right-john-155773.jpg)
Four students from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) â Draygan Colonese, Elizabeth Kay, Charles Lausten and Gianna Russo â have been awarded Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial Scholarships in recognition of their success and commitment to careers in the maritime industry.They were selected based on their academic achievements and performance during the cadet training periods aboard Crowley-operated or -managed vessels.Colonese, a senior from Colorado Springs, Colorado, is pursuing a degree in maritime logistics and security.
SHIPS for America Act rolled out on the Hill
The bipartisan, bicameral bill will fuel U.S. economy, strengthen national security by responding to Chinaâs threat over the oceans. Currently, the number of U.S.-flagged vessels in international commerce is 80; China has 5,500.Today, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Senator Todd Young (R-IN), Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-8), and Representative Trent Kelly (R-MS-1) introduced the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act, comprehensive legislation to revitalize the United States shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries. After decades of neglect, the United States has a weakened shipbuilding capacity, a declining commercial shipping fleet that is dwarfed by China, and a diminished ability to supply the U.S. military during wartime.
Laino named VPS MD for the Americas
![VPS appointed Steve Laino to the role of Managing Director -Americas](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/vps-appointed-steve-laino-to-155566.jpg)
VPS appointed Steve Laino to the role of Managing Director -Americas. Most recently, Laino was Global Head of Environmental Solutions with Poten & Partners/BGC. He has a strong background in shipping, having graduated fromthe US Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, sailing as an officer in the US Merchant Marine as well as serving as Lieutenant Commander in the US Naval Reserve.
Pettengill Tapped to Lead Maine Port Authority
![Chelsea Pettengill (File photo: MaineDOT)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/chelsea-pettengill-file-photo-mainedot-153604.jpg)
Chelsea Pettengill has been selected to serve as interim Executive Director Maine Port Authority (MPA), taking over for Matthew Burns, who has decided to leave his position at the helm of the MPA to return to the Maine Department of Transportation in a new role.Beginning on September 23, Burns became the Deputy Director of MaineDOT's Office of Freight and Business Logistics. Under the leadership and guidance of Nathan Moulton, Director of Office of Freight and Business Logistics, Burns will expand his scope of work to include all freight modes, including freight rail, trucking, and ports.
Video: USMMA Cadet Medevaced from Maersk Box Ship off Texas
![(Image: U.S. Coast Guard)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/image-us-coast-guard-152787.jpg)
A U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) cadet was airlifted to safety after suffering an injury on board a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Mexico.The U.S. Coast Guard said it medevaced the a 20-year-old female cadet who sustained an arm injury aboard the U.S. registered Maersk Ohio. USMMA cadets sail aboard commercial vessels as part of their training to gain practical, hands-on experience in the maritime industry.The ship captain requested the medevac to Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston at 5 p.m.
Deflating Mythology: New Book Unpacks the History Behind the Jones Act
![(Image courtesy Charlie Papavizas)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/image-courtesy-charlie-papavizas-150595.jpg)
The impacts of Section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, today commonly referred to as the Jones Act, are often debated in maritime circles. But the well-known U.S. law, which requires vessels that transport goods between U.S. ports to be American-built, -flagged, -owned and -crewed, hasnât always been a hot button issue, according to Charlie Papavizas, author of a new book on the subject, Journey to the Jones Act: U.S. Merchant Marine Policy 1776-1920.A leading maritime attorneyâŠ
Help Wanted: US Maritime Industry Struggles to Fill Key Gaps
![(Credit: Joseph DeLuco / U.S. Army)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/credit-joseph-deluco-us-army-150364.jpg)
A shortage of U.S. mariners presents a major threat to the United Statesâ national and economic security, and the problem is growing day by day.According to a 2017 study prepared by the Maritime Workforce Working Group and released by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), the estimated pool of U.S. mariners actively sailing with unlimited tonnage credentials was comprised of 11,768 mariners. Assuming that all these mariners would be both willing and available to sail as neededâŠ
Rear Adm. Philip Sobeck: MSC Needs More Mariners, New Ships
![Rear Adm. Philip Sobeck (right) Commander of U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) explains the tradition of the Navy âlooping ceremonyâ. Lt. Robert P. Ellison assumes the title of MSC's Flag Aide during the ceremony. The looping ceremony took place aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) during MSCâs change of command ceremony held aboard the ship on Sept. 8, 2023. (U.S. Navy photograph by Brian Suriani/Released)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/rear-adm-philip-sobeck-right-149551.jpg)
Founded as the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) and renamed Military Sealift Command in 1970, MSC today not only support the Navy, but we are the Department of Defense's provider of all sealift. Maritime Reporter & Engineering News recently interviewed Rear Adm. Philip Sobeck, U.S. Navy, for insights on the service today and itâs needs to grow in the future.What makes MSC so vital to the Navyâs fleet and our military forces around the world?When we look at the history of contested logistics in World War IIâŠ
Maritime Risk Symposium 2024 â Great Power Competition and Gray Zone Engagement
![Copyright Grispb/AdobeStock](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/copyright-grispbadobestock-149305.jpeg)
For 15 years the Maritime Risk Symposium (MRS), an annual three-day event, has brought together government and maritime industry leaders, port representatives, international and domestic researchers and solution providers to examine current and emerging threats to maritime security. World events highlight that maritime security is increasingly at risk during the current period of great-power competition and ongoing conflicts. The active competition between nations who are notâŠ
ARC Keeps the Cargo Rolling
![Flags on M/V ARC Defender.
Image courtesy ARC](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/flags-on-mv-arc-defenderimage-147884.jpg)
With a fleet of nine U.S.-flag RoRo ships, American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Group (ARC), is the U.S.â premier commercial RoRo carrier of U.S. government and military cargo. As the world becomes an increasingly contentious place, Eric P. Ebeling, President & CEO, ARC, discusses the vast capabilities of the ARC fleet and logistics network, as well as the challenges and opportunities ahead for U.S.-flag ships in the international trade.By the numbersâ is a simplistic means to gauge the size and shape of any shipping companyâŠ
Insights: Catherine Gianelloni, MITAGS
![Catherine Gianelloni, Director, MITAGS East Coast Campus (Photo: MITAGS)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/catherine-gianelloni-director-mitags-east-147808.jpg)
Catherine Gianelloni sailed with the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (IOMM&P) for about 10 years after graduating from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 2009. But in between times at sea, she would help out at the MITAGS (Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies). Operating simulators evolved into teaching opportunities, and Gianelloni took a full-time position in 2012. âBecause we are the union school, I was allowed to take breaksâleave of absencesâto go out and sail.
MARADâs Title XI Changes: Good News for Offshore Wind?
![© Maxim Khalansky / Adobe Stock](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/maxim-khalansky-adobe-stock-147609.jpg)
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) in December issued a final rule updating its financial requirements for the Federal Ship Financing Program, commonly referred to as Title XI. While the move applies to the U.S. maritime industry as a whole, it is seen as especially helpful for players looking to serve the U.S. offshore wind sector.Designed to promote the growth and modernization of the U.S. merchant marine and U.S. shipyards, Title XI provides for a full faith and credit guarantee by the U.S. government. The program essentially aims to encourage U.S.
St. Johns Ship Building Names Joe Rella as President
![Joe Rella (Photo: St. Johns Ship Building)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/joe-rella-photo-st-johns-147427.jpeg)
St. Johns Ship Building announced it has appointed Joe Rella as president, succeeding Jeffery Bukoski, who left the role at the close of 2023.Rella brings over four decades of U.S. Navy and commercial maritime experience to his new position at the Palatka, Fa. shipyard. He was previously president and COO at Austal USA and has held executive roles at International Marine and Industrial Applicators. Rella received his undergraduate degree in marine engineering from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and earned an MBA from Spring Hill College.
Great Lakes' MARAD Title XI Financing Application Completed
![(Image: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/image-great-lakes-dredge-dock-146470.jpg)
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation announced its MARAD Title XI Financing application for its offshore wind rock installation vessel, the Acadia, has been updated to the "completed" category, indicating the loan process is moving towards the final phase.Lasse Petterson, Great Lakes president and CEO, said, âWe have fostered a strong relationship with MARAD and are pleased to have reached this significant milestone in the application process. We continue to make great strides in our strategy to be a leading contributor in the evolving U.S.
The Man Behind the 'Jones Act'
![Senator Wesley Livsey Jones (Credit: Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, photograph by Harris and Ewing, [LC-DIG-hec-15427])](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/senator-wesley-livsey-jones-credit-146310.jpg)
Senator Wesley Livsey Jones gave his name to the famous âJones Actâ governing U.S. domestic maritime trade. But what do really know about him? It turns out that he was much more than a leading merchant marine policy maker. (i)Jones had a long career in the U.S. House of Representatives before he was a Senator, was an effective legislator, an astute politician, one of the hardest working legislators of his era, and always viewed as honest and forthright. His many maritime legislative successes included the Merchant Marine ActâŠ
St. Johns Ship Buildingâs Jeff Bukoski to Receive USMMAâs Admiral McCready Award
![Jeff Bukoski (Photo: St. Johns Ship Building)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/jeff-bukoski-photo-st-johns-144313.jpg)
Jeffery Bukoski, president of Palatka, Fla. shipyard St. Johns Ship Building, has been awarded the RADM Lauren S. McCready Award, which recognizes graduates of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) who have made significant technical achievements in the marine industry or who have contributed organizational or managerial support to making such technical achievements possible.Bukoski, USMMA class of 1986, is a 35 year veteran of the U.S. marine industry, having worked at several government and commercial shipyards on the EastâŠ
MARAD Finalizes Rules for Title XI Loan Applicants and Borrowers
![© Maxim Khalansky / Adobe Stock](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/maxim-khalansky-adobe-stock-146303.jpeg)
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) issued a final rule updating its financial requirements for the Federal Ship Financing Program, commonly referred to as Title XI. The final rule provides the application requirements for MARAD loan guarantees for construction or reconstruction of a U.S.-flagged vessel or shipyard modernization. Designed to promote the growth and modernization of the U.S. merchant marine and U.S. shipyards, Title XI provides for a full faith and credit guarantee by the U.S. government.
White House Appoints ARC CEO Eric Ebeling to Kingâs Point Board of Visitors
![Eric P. Ebeling (Photo: ARC)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/eric-p-ebeling-photo-arc-144267.jpg)
American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Group Inc. (ARC) President and CEO Eric P. Ebeling was appointed by President Joe Biden to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academyâs Board of Visitors.The Board of Visitors provides independent advice and recommendations concurrently to the President of the United States, the Secretary of Transportation, Congress, and Superintendent of the Academy on matters related to the state of morale and discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairsâŠ
MARAD Taps CNA to Help Inform New National Maritime Strategy
![(Photo: Bill Mesta / U.S. Navy)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/photo-bill-mesta-us-navy-143989.jpg)
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced it has selected the Center for Naval Analyses (CNA) to conduct a study that will help the agency create its new national maritime strategy.CNA is an independent, nonprofit Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) sponsored by the Department of the Navy with expertise in researching sealift needs for national security.MARAD is required under the National Defense Authorization Act of 2023 to select an FFRDC to identify the key elements and objectives it needs to develop a U.S.
14th Annual Maritime Risk Symposium to be Held Nov. 14-16 at SUNY Maritime
![](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/-143524.jpg)
The 2023 Maritime Risk Symposium (MRS) will be held Nov. 14-16, 2023, as an in-person event, hosted by Maritime College, State University of New York (SUNY) at the Maritime Academic Center. The theme of the 14th annual event is âManaging Impacts of Supply Chain Disruptors, Renewable Energy, Emerging Technology on the Maritime Transportation System (MTS)â with a focus on offshore infrastructure risk and disruptors. Founded in 1874, Maritime College is the oldest maritime college in the United States, providing mariner training for 150 years.