Here’s what’s coming up in the March issue:
Propulsion News: Intertanko and the U.S. Coast Guard have issued warnings about fuel switching after low-sulfur fuels have caused engines to stall at sea.
Industry Outlook: Offshore Wind Power The construction and operation of offshore wind farms, both shallow-water or deepwater, would require a variety of commercial vessels.
Ballast Water Testing: A California Maritime Academy vessel will be the site of trials to determine the effectiveness of various ballast water treatment systems.
Towing Industry: The new U.S. Coast Guard rules provided for towing vessel inspections were supposed to be announced in April 2010, but the Department of Homeland Security is delaying them indefinitely.
Shipbuilding News: A contract to build three Jones Act product carriers is in jeopardy because three of the participants have filed for bankruptcy protection.
Employment News: Port Dolphin The operator of a proposed liquefied natural gas terminal to be built off the coast of Florida has pledged to employ some U.S. mariners on the foreign-flag ships that will use the terminal.
Training News: STCW Changes A decade in waiting, new U.S. Coast Guard training and certification standards soon will bring significant changes in how licensed mariners qualify to move up in the ranks.
American Tugboat Review Update: A small towing company on the Great Lakes is displaying unique entrepreneurial activities.
Marine Electronics Technology: LORAN-C The U.S. Coast Guard is preparing to terminate the Long-Range Aids to Navigation system in January 2010.
Vessels at Work: AEP Buckeye State The 6,000-hp towboat transporting coal on the Ohio River for American Electric Power is one of 10 new fuel-efficient vessels the company has ordered from two Louisiana shipyards.
Photo Feature: Seattle Bunkering Harley Marine recently took delivery of Nathan Schmidt for its bunkering operations in Seattle. Meeting or exceeding all of the EPA requirements, the 31,500-barrel double-hulled tank barge affirms the company’s commitment to quality, safety and the environment.
A Mariner’s Notebook: Addressing the confusion and uncertainty following the Maersk Alabama pirate attack, the U.S. Coast Guard now allows weapons onboard U.S.-flagged merchant ships in high-risk areas.
