Maritime News – Page 8 – Professional Mariner

Climate researchers find surprising effects from IMO sulfur cap

Climate researchers working for NASA have determined the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2020 sulfur fuel cap has succeeded in cutting pollution from ocean shipping. But it isn’t all good news. A team of scientists led by Tianle Yuan determined lower sulfur content in heavy maritime fuels reduced and sometimes eliminated entirely a cloud phenomenon known as ship tracks. Ship…

MarAd leader focused on bolstering maritime workforce, promoting equity at sea

Smoothing supply chain, building port infrastructure and supporting U.S.-flagged fleet are other top priorities America’s maritime industry must adapt and change to retain its current workforce and attract a new generation of mariners, according to the new leader of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd). Although that responsibility lies with the operators themselves, U.S. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips believes MarAd can…

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.”…