Maritime News – Page 7 – Professional Mariner

Trade groups embrace Biden administration’s decarbonization plan

The U.S. Department of Energy released a plan earlier this year aimed at sharply reducing emissions across the transportation system by 2050, including the maritime industry. The National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization calls for research into cleaner energy sources and exhaust treatment for vessels. It pledges to stay engaged with shipping companies, dock and port operators and energy providers, and…

West Coast port study aims for harmony among many ocean users

The U.S. Coast Guard has embarked on a multiyear study aimed at creating harmony and order among the many interests vying for limited space along the increasingly busy coastline. The Pacific Coast Port Access Route Study (PARS), which began in 2021, intends to obviate potential navigational challenges before they become problems. Its authors looked at traffic patterns to understand…

Congress mandates fixes to federal ‘Military to Mariner’ program

It seems only logical that retiring military personnel who want to continue seagoing careers should be able to transition smoothly to the commercial shipping industry. But the process of transitioning skills and sea time has been a difficult one, burdened by red tape, expense and a long and winding credentialing process. An amendment to the U.S. Coast Guard Authorization Act,…

Professional Mariner names new editor

Publisher Dave Abrams has hired veteran journalist Michael White to be the next editor of Professional Mariner magazine. White replaces Casey Conley, who joined the magazine more than seven years ago and held the role of editor for nearly two years. Conley will continue to contribute to the magazine as a correspondent. “Michael is not only an experienced and talented…

Defense bill funds maritime objectives, contains new regulations

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has long sought new rules to enhance safety on amphibious “duck tour” boats. The agency got its wish with passage of the year-end defense spending bill. The $857 billion National Defense Authorization Act requires the Coast Guard to begin rulemaking within six months on a host of new safety measures that arose during investigations…

Methanol fuel gives operators another option to cut emissions

As the shipping industry looks to reduce emissions, methanol is gaining a foothold as an alternative fuel source. Maersk has ordered 19 container vessels fitted to burn methanol. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), which last year surpassed Maersk as the world’s largest shipping company, joined the Methanol Institute, the trade association for the methanol industry, signaling an interest in the fuel…

Great Lakes pilotage groups defend proposed rate increases

The U.S. Coast Guard has proposed a 5.78 percent increase for Great Lakes pilotage rates for the 2023 shipping season. The new hourly rate structure would raise shipping costs by about $4.5 million over the 2022 season, or about 14 percent, according to the Coast Guard. Shipping industry representatives expressed concern over the steady rise in rates over the past…

Centuries-old maritime nonprofit is looking for retired mariners to help

For 20 years, Roger Flaherty worked in the galley on Great Lakes freighters as a member of the Seafarers International Union. It was a career he enjoyed with a union that treated him fairly. Now 77, he stopped working about 15 years ago after suffering a stroke and heart attack. It was earlier than he expected, leaving him with a…

Historic low water in the Mississippi Valley tests river pilots and their patience

Lack of rain in the central United States has caused unprecedented low water levels along the Mississippi River throughout the fall, contributing to a rise in groundings and other disruptions on the vital waterway. The low water levels have frustrated shipping and agriculture industries, which were preparing to ship the country’s seasonal grain harvest. “For the soybean industry, it’s…

Captain accused of drugging, assaulting female cadets surrenders credential

The captain of the oceangoing ship accused of drugging two female cadets in his stateroom and then raping one of them has surrendered his license. John C. Merrone, 50, is accused of drugging the two female U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) cadets several years ago aboard the U.S.-flagged bulker Liberty Glory. Documents released by the U.S. Coast Guard allege Merrone…