28 Jan

U.S. shipyards cope with shortage of skilled labor

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
(ERIE, Pa.) -- The U.S. shipbuilding industry is facing a shortage of skilled workers at a time when orders are healthy, the Associated Press reported. Erie Shipbuiling, Bollinger Shipyards and other domestic shipyards find it difficult to identify enough supervisors, planners, engineers, welders and shipfitters. Erie Shipbuilding has turned to robots, while Bollinger offers employee housing.   Click here to view the…
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25 Jan

Calif. city stuck with abandoned ship, barge

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
(ALAMEDA, Calif.) -- City taxpayers have paid $200,000 to a towing contractor to remove an abandoned ship from an estuary, the Alameda Sun newspaper reported. The 293-foot Faithful was abandoned by its owner and is considered to be a derelict ship. An abandoned barge has been moored to the vessel, too. With a lawsuit pending, city officials also pondered whether…
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23 Jan

Seattle, Tacoma port officials back plan to reduce emissions

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
(SEATTLE) -- Port commissioners at Seattle have approved a plan to reduce air pollution in cooperation with their counterparts at Tacoma and Vancouver Fraser Port, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer newspaper reported. Compliance requirements would be mostly voluntary for maritime companies. Officials hope to reduce diesel emissions by encouraging a switch to low-sulphur fuels and new, cleaner engines.   Click here to view the…
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