Professional Mariner – April 2025

Threat of tariffs and port fees for Chinese vessels drives both uncertainty and cargo records

It’s impossible to take a snapshot of the current status of tariffs in the United States. New tariffs on China, Mexico and Canada went into effect in early March, but the levies on Mexico and Canada were almost immediately paused for one month. (A 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports was imposed in early February, with an additional 10 percent increase…

Colonial Oil takes delivery of new tug and barge

In late January, Colonial Oil Industries Inc., took delivery of a new tug and barge. “Soaring Eagle and its barge represent a strategic investment in the future of Colonial Oil’s marine fueling and towing capabilities,” Colonial Oil said in a press release. Built by Eymard Marine Construction & Repair in New Orleans and designed by Louisiana-based Entech Designs, Soaring Eagle is 67.5 by 28 feet…

Delta Marine to build Artemis foiling ferry for Seattle Area

Artemis Technologies, a company born out of the modern foiling America’s Cup yacht race, has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Seattle-based Delta Marine to manufacture trademarked electric-foiling ferries designed specifically for Washington’s Puget Sound. “Our collaboration with Delta Marine enables us to bring our market-leading eFoiler technology to one of the busiest ferry hubs in the U.S.,” said David…

All American delivers research cat to Cal Poly Humboldt

All American Marine (AAM) has delivered a 78-by-26.7-foot semi-displacement aluminum catamaran to Cal Poly Humboldt. The advanced research vessel North Wind will serve as a scientific exploration platform and support faculty for near-coastal and offshore research along the Northern California and Oregon coasts. The new vessel will support Cal Poly Humboldt’s research initiatives in oceanography, marine ecosystems and the emerging offshore wind industry. “R/V North Wind…

Panama plans to add lake to canal area for long-term stability

In March, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced plans for a new lake in its watershed that will increase water supply for canal operations and the country as a whole. The ACP board of directors has approved the necessary resources to dam the middle course of the Indio River, thus creating a new lake. Construction is expected to be completed…

Another California coastal city receives grant to build electric ferries

San Diego-based Flagship Cruises & Events has been awarded a $15.27 million grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to develop two fully electric zero-emission ferries for service on San Diego Bay. The projected capacity for the new vessels is 275 passengers, and construction on the $21 million project is expected to begin later this year, with an expected fall 2026 launch…

Project showcasing role of women in the maritime industry goes global

A program aiming to highlight women’s role in the maritime industry’s past, present and future is taking on an international scope. “Rewriting Women into Maritime History,” an initiative led by Lloyd’s Register and its nonprofit foundation, showcases the role of women in the maritime sector. The program debuted in the United Kingdom in 2023 and is now expanding to include…

SHIPS Act aims to bolster shipbuilding, mariners and tradespeople

Insisting it is critical for national security and military readiness, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is trying to pass a bill that would push for an increase in the number of privately owned U.S.-flagged ocean-faring ships, along with a bevy of other perks for the maritime industry. The Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act…

Scholarships expand opportunities for prospective mariners

Offering scholarships to students interested in maritime careers has become a major component of workforce development efforts by industry organizations, private companies and others trying to address the maritime workforce shortage. The American Maritime Partnership (AMP) — a coalition that represents the U.S. domestic maritime industry, including shipping companies, mariners, shipyards, pro-defense organizations and others — lists nearly 40 available…

United States towed to Alabama with much fanfare in preparation for sinking

After a 12-day, 1,800-mile tow from its longtime berth in Philadelphia, Pa., SS United States arrived at the Modern American Recycling Services shipyard in Mobile, Ala., on March 2 for preparation to become the world’s largest artificial reef. The former owner, the SS United States Conservancy, and fans of the famous liner that still holds the record for the fastest…