Maritime News – Page 16 – Professional Mariner

Subchapter M compliance deadline arrives, marking new era for towing industry

The deadline for compliance with Subchapter M inspection rules has come and gone, signaling a new era for America’s towing industry. Operators had until July 19 to obtain a U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection (COI) indicating the vessel meets basic safety standards. The COI demonstrates the vessel has undergone a Coast Guard inspection, supplemented for most vessels by an…

Eastern Shipbuilding protests cutter award to Austal USA

Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) is challenging the U.S. Coast Guard’s contract with Austal USA to build up to 11 offshore patrol cutters (OPCs), alleging performance issues with the Alabama shipyard and irregularities in the bidding process. Eastern, based in Panama City, Fla., said the Coast Guard leaked its pricing data, putting Eastern at a distinct disadvantage for the Stage 2…

Inflation, labor shortages push Soo Locks upgrades past $3 billion

Inflation and higher demand nationwide for contractors has nearly tripled the estimated cost of Soo Locks renovations to more than $3 billion. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is now seeking additional money for the project that will add a third functioning lock to a facility known as “the linchpin of the Great Lakes.” “There are a few [factors]…

‘Midshipman X’ and second female USMMA cadet sue Maersk Line Ltd.

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) student who described her rape aboard a merchant ship in an online essay has filed a lawsuit against Maersk Line Ltd. The woman, who wrote under the name “Midshipman X,” identified herself as Hope Hicks. A second USMMA student using the name “Midshipman Y” also is suing the shipper, alleging she faced sexual…

Coast Guard highlights risk from unsafe pilot boarding arrangements

The U.S. Coast Guard is warning pilots, ship operators and foreign flag states to be vigilant about unsafe gate arrangements at the top of a pilot boarding ladder. In a safety alert issued this spring, the service highlighted a fatal fall from a pilot ladder on a ship with a gateway arrangement that did not meet International Maritime Organization…

Delays expected as WSF re-opens bidding on electric ferry project

Washington State Ferries (WSF) will seek new bidders for its hybrid-electric ferry project after failing to reach agreement with Vigor, one of its longtime shipbuilding partners in the Seattle area. The two sides confirmed separately that they could not come to terms on key aspects of a proposed contract for final design work and construction of five battery-electric/diesel hybrid…

Fight between Centerline, Harley Franco reaches the courtroom

Both sides are claiming victory after an initial courtroom battle involving Harley Franco and the towing company he founded more than 30 years ago. In June, a 12-person Seattle jury ruled Macquarie Capital, Macquarie Marine Services and a company executive must pay Franco $75.1 million in damages stemming from claims of defamation and tortious interference that Franco raised in a…

Survey shows most mariners aren’t all that happy on the job

The latest Seafarers Happiness Index found the lowest levels of fulfillment among oceangoing mariners since the project launched in 2015. “Seafarers continue to work with dedication, professionalism, care and resolve,” according to the quarterly index compiled by Mission to Seafarers. “However, many are facing a time like never before, with a pandemic, a war and commercial decisions all impacting them.”…

Congress passes law targeting shipping fees, port congestion

President Joe Biden has signed a bipartisan law aimed at addressing port congestion, skyrocketing overseas shipping costs and other issues amplified during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) updates shipping regulations last modified in 1998. The law gives the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) new oversight and enforcement tools to target unfair shipping practices or pricing. “There…

Women take the helm at U.S. Coast Guard, Maritime Administration

The U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) are both under new leadership. President Joe Biden instated Adm. Linda Fagan as Coast Guard commandant during a change-of-command ceremony on June 1 in Washington. About three weeks earlier, the U.S. Senate confirmed retired Navy Rear Adm. Ann Phillips as MarAd administrator. Fagan is the first woman to lead any…