High water, ineffective comms cited in New Orleans grounding
14 Apr

High water, ineffective comms cited in New Orleans grounding

Rich MillerCasualty News,
(WASHINGTON) — The decision to overtake a tow in a large river bend occupied by multiple vessels during high-water conditions led to the grounding of a tanker and contact with river intake fender systems in New Orleans, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said Thursday. Marine Investigation Report 22/11 details the NTSB’s investigation into the March 16, 2021, grounding of…
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Captain’s sleep inertia led to tow striking lock gate
05 Apr

Captain’s sleep inertia led to tow striking lock gate

Rich MillerCasualty News,
(WASHINGTON) — A captain assuming a watch immediately after waking led to a tow striking a lock gate in the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said in Marine Investigation Report 22/09 released Tuesday. On March 22, 2021, the towing vessel Ava Claire was transiting westbound pushing two fully loaded tank barges in the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway…
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Eymard delivers new towboat for Crescent Marine fleet
01 Apr

Eymard delivers new towboat for Crescent Marine fleet

Rich MillerShipbuilding, Tugboats & Towing,
(HARVEY, La.) — Eymard Marine Construction & Repair has delivered the 1,200-hp towboat Captain Walter to Crescent Marine Towing. The new vessel was christened Feb. 19 at the Harvey shipyard. The 60-by-26-foot towboat, designed by Entech, has a depth of 9 feet, 6 inches. It is named for Walter O’Connor, a longtime captain with Crescent Marine. The towboat has two…
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Strong outdraft, wind cited in Illinois lock strike
31 Mar

Strong outdraft, wind cited in Illinois lock strike

Rich MillerCasualty News, ,
(WASHINGTON) — The contact between a tow and a section of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam in Alton, Ill., was caused by the pilot of the towing vessel not effectively compensating for a strong outdraft and wind, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said Thursday. Marine Investigation Report 22/08 details the NTSB’s investigation into the March 19, 2021, contact…
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Master Boat Builders delivers hybrid Tier 4 tug to Seabulk
28 Mar

Master Boat Builders delivers hybrid Tier 4 tug to Seabulk

Rich MillerShipbuilding, Tugboats & Towing,
(MOBILE, Ala.) — Master Boat Builders has delivered Spartan, an electric-hybrid tugboat, to Seabulk. This modern and unique vessel was built at the shipbuilder's yard in Coden, Ala.. “The Spartan is the latest addition to our fleet and constitutes the first of two hybrid diesel-electric vessels commissioned from Master Boat Builders," said Daniel Thorogood, chief executive officer of Seabulk. "She…
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Chouest floats out new river cruise ship for Viking
08 Mar

Chouest floats out new river cruise ship for Viking

Rich MillerMaritime News, Shipbuilding,
(LOS ANGELES) — Viking announced Monday that the new 386-passenger Viking Mississippi was floated out in Louisiana, marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Set to debut in June, Viking Mississippi will sail on the Lower and Upper Mississippi River, between New Orleans and St. Paul, Minn. The traditional float-out took place at…
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NTSB: Uninsulated exhaust surface led to fire that destroyed towboat
08 Mar

NTSB: Uninsulated exhaust surface led to fire that destroyed towboat

Rich MillerCasualty News,
(WASHINGTON) — An engine room fire aboard a towing vessel was the result of spraying diesel fuel hitting an uninsulated section of the engine’s exhaust system, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said in Marine Investigation Report 22/05 released Tuesday. On March 17, 2021, the towing vessel Miss Dorothy was pushing 14 barges upbound on the Lower Mississippi River, north…
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Marine Highways get $25 million appropriation
03 Mar

Marine Highways get $25 million appropriation

Rich MillerMaritime News,
(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MarAd) on Wednesday announced the availability of $25 million in funding for America’s Marine Highway Program (AMHP), which supports the development and expanded use of America’s navigable waterways and will help improve the nation’s supply chains and the movement of goods. These new resources represent the largest single appropriation of funding…
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AMP president: Support in Washington for Jones Act ‘never higher’
24 Feb

AMP president: Support in Washington for Jones Act ‘never higher’

Rich MillerMaritime News, Shipbuilding, ,
(WASHINGTON) — Newly elected American Maritime Partnership (AMP) President Ku'uhaku Park on Thursday provided closing remarks on day one of the Capital Link Jones Act & U.S. Flag Shipping Forum. “I’m happy to report that overall support for the Jones Act in Congress and the administration has never been higher than it is today," Park said. "An overwhelming majority of…
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