Professional Mariner Staff – Professional Mariner

17 Jan

Derecktor launches two hybrid-electric ferries for Savannah

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsHybrids, propulsion, shipbuilding

(MAMARONECK, N.Y.) — Derecktor Shipyards has announced the launch of two hybrid-electric passenger ferries, Juliette Gordon Low II and Susie King Taylor II, for Chatham Area Transit (CAT) in Savannah, Ga. These vessels represent the culmination of advanced engineering, sustainable practices, and a commitment to meeting the future needs of marine transportation. With six hybrid-electric commercial vessels launched in the…

17 Jan

Final rule details Coast Guard cybersecurity requirements

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsCyberthreats, Security, U.S. Coast Guard

(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. Coast Guard on Friday published a final rule in the Federal Register concerning cybersecurity in the nation's marine transportation system. Here is a summary of the document: The maritime industry faces increasing cybersecurity threats as it increasingly relies on cyberconnected systems. The purpose of this final rule is to safeguard the marine transportation system (MTS) against…

17 Jan

Bollinger settles case with U.S. over ‘ineligible’ workers

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime Newsshipbuilding, U.S. Coast Guard

(WASHINGTON) — Bollinger Shipyard, a Lockport, La.-based company, has agreed to pay $1,025,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly billing the U.S. Coast Guard for labor provided by workers who were not eligible to work in the United States. Bollinger manufactures ships for the United States, including the Coast Guard’s fast response cutter (FRC).…

15 Jan

Piracy down in 2024, but more mariners taken hostage

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsSecurity, shipping

(LONDON) — The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) annual Piracy and Armed Robbery Report recorded 116 incidents against ships in 2024 compared to 120 in 2023 and 115 in 2022. It reveals that 94 vessels were boarded, 13 were subject to attempted attacks, six vessels were hijacked and three fired upon. While the number of reported incidents in 2024 remains similar…

15 Jan

Safety alert: Awareness and marking of onboard hazardous zones

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime Newscasualties, Safety alert, U.S. Coast Guard

(WASHINGTON) — A recent marine incident involving a tri-fueled vessel (liquefied natural gas, diesel, battery) that resulted in a fire and severe injuries to crewmembers highlights the dangers of working in hazardous zones. Despite being aware of nearby crankcase and LNG purge vents in their work area, the crew did not know that the vessel was actively using methane as…

14 Jan

Burger to build new tour boat for Chicago’s Wendella

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime Newsshipbuilding

(MANITOWOC, Wis.) — Burger Boat Company announced Tuesday that it has been awarded a contract to build an 89-foot passenger vessel for Chicago-based Wendella Sightseeing Co. Inc. The vessel is designed to enhance Wendella's commitment to providing exceptional experiences on Chicago’s iconic waterways, accommodating a wide range of tours and private events. "We are honored to partner with Wendella Sightseeing…

13 Jan

Phillips steps down as head of U.S. Maritime Administration

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News

(WASHINGTON) — Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips, U.S. Navy rear admiral (retired), departed the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) on Sunday. Phillips, who was sworn in as MarAd’s 20th administrator in May 2022, guided a team of nearly 900 professionals, orchestrating 33 wide-ranging responsibilities that provide critical infrastructure and support for the nation’s commercial and military maritime sectors. In addition to prioritizing…

13 Jan

Washburn & Doughty launches new tractor tug for McAllister

Professional Mariner StaffTugboats & Towingshipbuilding

(EAST BOOTHBAY, Maine) — Washburn & Doughty Associates launched a new tractor tugboat, Isabel McAllister, for New York-based McAllister Towing during a ceremony Saturday at the Maine shipyard. The 93-by-38-foot tug, generating 6,770 horsepower, features Caterpillar 3516E Tier 4-compliant engines linked to Schottel SRP 490 FP z-drives. Bollard pull is 84 tons. The newbuild is also equipped with 99-kW John…

12 Jan

Bulker refloated with incoming tide on Delaware River

Professional Mariner StaffCasualty NewsSalvage, U.S. Coast Guard

(PHILADELPHIA) — The bulk carrier Algoma Verity was refloated Saturday and is moored at Tioga Marine Terminal approximately 2 miles north of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge on the Delaware River. At 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay watch standers received a report from the pilot aboard Algoma Verity stating the vessel had run aground with no injuries. The…

09 Jan

Bulk carrier grounds outside channel near Philadelphia

Professional Mariner StaffCasualty Newsshipping, U.S. Coast Guard

(PHILADELPHIA) — The U.S. Coast Guard and partners responded to the aground 623-foot motor vessel Algoma Verity approximately a mile north of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge in the Delaware River on Wednesday night. As of 8 a.m. Thursday, Algoma Verity is aground outside the main shipping channel. A team from Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay and the vessel’s representatives are…