Industry News – Professional Mariner

23 Jul

Gunderson Marine & Iron names Tom Lee as president

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry Newsshipbuilding

(PORTLAND, Ore.) — Gunderson Marine & Iron (GM&I) has appointed Tom Lee as president, strengthening the company's executive leadership as it continues its growth across marine manufacturing, complex steel fabrication, and defense projects. Dee Burch will hold the role of chief executive officer and owner, where he will continue to lead the company's long-term strategic vision, customer relationships, and future…

20 Jul

Long Island ferry operator promotes four senior managers

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry Newsferries, Licensing and training, U.S. Coast Guard

(PORT JEFFERSON, N.Y.) — Bridgeport and Port Jefferson Steamboat Company President Brian Buckley McAllister recently announced senior management promotions at the ferry. Founded in 1883, the Bridgeport and Port Jefferson Steamboat Company continues to build on its long history of service by advancing experienced maritime leadership for the future. The company transports approximately half a million cars between Connecticut and…

29 Jun

Industry mourns Brandon Durar, founder of JonRie deck equipment

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry NewsDeck equipment, shipbuilding, Tugboats and towing

(SEATTLE) — Markey Machine on Friday announced the passing of Brandon Durar, a respected figure in the maritime industry and a dedicated leader whose career spanned more than four decades. Durar died on Sunday, June 21, at the age of 71. Durar built his career through hard work, persistence, and a practical understanding of marine deck equipment. He supported operators…

18 May

Eastern Shipbuilding receives SCA’s Improvement in Safety Award

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry Newssafety, shipbuilding

(PANAMA CITY, Fla.) — The Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA), the national trade association representing the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry, announced on Monday that Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) has received SCA’s 2026 Improvement in Safety Award for the 2025 calendar year. The annual awards recognize shipyards for their dedication to safety, operational excellence, and accident prevention. Through proactive safety…

15 May

Markey Machine appoints Eric Rose as president

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry NewsDeck equipment, Tugboats and towing

(SEATTLE) — Markey Machine, one of America’s longest-standing manufacturers of marine deck machinery, has announced the appointment of Eric Rose as president. Founded in 1907, Markey Machine has spent more than a century designing and manufacturing winches and deck machinery for operators who depend on that equipment to perform under the most demanding conditions in the world. Rose brings extensive…

08 May

Industry veteran Capt. Rick Iuliucci retiring at Vane Brothers

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry NewsTugboats and towing

(SALISBURY, Md.) — Vane Brothers has announced that Capt. Rick Iuliucci, vice president of operations, is retiring effective July 1. In a related move, the company is promoting three maritime professionals into key leadership positions that guarantee continued operational effectiveness. An official change of command takes place on June 1. At that time, Brendan MacGillivray assumes the role of Vane…

05 May

Master Boat begins fabrication of Navy towing ship modules

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry Newsshipbuilding

(CODEN, Ala.) — Master Boat Builders recently announced the commencement of module fabrication for the U.S. Navy's Navajo-class towing, salvage and rescue ship (T-ATS) program under its partnership with Austal USA. The start of fabrication marks a significant milestone as Master Boat advances its role in the Navy's effort to strengthen and diversify the domestic shipbuilding industrial base. "Starting fabrication…

04 May

Northstar Marine to add 600-ton heavy-lift derrick barge

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry NewsOffshore services, Salvage

(CLERMONT, N.J.) — Northstar Marine has announced the construction of a new heavy-lift twin boom derrick barge capable of lifts up to 600 tons. The vessel, which will be known as Northstar 600, is currently under construction and scheduled for delivery by the end of the third quarter of 2026. Northstar 600 will be built on an ABS-classed 230-by-65-foot deck…

27 Apr

Great Lakes task force honors Sen. Todd Young for maritime advocacy

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry NewsGreat Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System, shipping

(WASHINGTON) —The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) recognized U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., on Wednesday for his commitment to the Great Lakes Navigation System and the nation’s maritime revitalization. “Sen. Young understands the importance of U.S. shipping on the Great Lakes with interconnected harbors that depend on each other and a healthy maritime highway. He has advocated for another…

23 Apr

Hornbeck, Helix merging to provide integrated offshore services

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry NewsOffshore services

(HOUSTON and COVINGTON, La.) — Helix Energy Solutions Group and Hornbeck Offshore Services have entered into a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock transaction, establishing a premier integrated offshore services company. Upon closing of the transaction, Hornbeck shareholders will own approximately 55 percent and Helix shareholders will own approximately 45 percent of the combined company on a fully diluted…