MarAd – Professional Mariner

23 Jun

AMP: Time to put Americans first and end Jones Act waiver

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsJones Act, MarAd, regulations, shipping

(WASHINGTON) — A 60-day Jones Act waiver was issued at the start of Operation Epic Fury under a statutory provision (46 USC 501(a)) designed to address military logistics needs. It was subsequently extended until Aug. 17. Now that President Trump has signed an agreement ending the conflict, the statutory basis for the waiver is null. It’s time to end the…

27 May

MarAd honors Crowley tanker crew for allision response

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, MarAd, safety, shipping

(JACKSONVILLE, Fla.) — Crowley mariners who served aboard the U.S.-flagged tanker Stena Immaculate were honored with the U.S. Maritime Administration’s (MarAd) Gallant Ship Award during the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Maritime Day observance in Washington, D.C. The award, one of the maritime industry’s highest distinctions, recognizes the 23-member crew’s extraordinary professionalism, courage and commitment to safety. The award recognizes…

08 May

MarAd launches nuclear initiative for commercial shipping

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsMarAd, propulsion, shipping, technology

(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) on Thursday launched an initiative to develop small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) for commercial shipping. As a first step, MarAd is calling on innovators and industry stakeholders to help develop an SMR model that revitalizes U.S. shipbuilding, cuts costs, and secures energy dominance. The request for information (RFI) is seeking input from industry…

30 Apr

37 port projects receive MarAd grants totaling $774 million

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsMarAd, Ports

(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) has announced $774 million in grants to American ports to strengthen the nation's supply chain and restore U.S. maritime dominance. The 37 projects receiving awards are at coastal seaports, Great Lakes ports, and inland river ports in 16 states and U.S. territories. “U.S. ports keep our grocery store shelves stocked, our energy supply…

31 Mar

$35 million available in new grants for small shipyards

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsMarAd, shipbuilding

(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) announced on Tuesday that it will invest $35 million into revitalizing America’s small shipyards. The investment will go toward upgrading ship repair and construction facilities; purchasing new equipment, including cranes, plasma cutters and welding systems; and bolstering maritime training programs to supercharge the maritime workforce. “This 200 percent increase in shipyard investments underscores…

30 Mar

Eleven projects in seven states receive marine highway funds

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsMarAd, Marine highways, Ports, shipping

(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) on Thursday announced that it was investing $13.2 million in 11 marine highway projects across seven states through the U.S. Marine Highway Program. The funding will support public and private partners in developing supply chains on marine highway routes – including the transportation of waste in Oregon and the improvement of barge docks in…

26 Mar

U.S. to invest $488 million to revitalize nation’s ports

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsMarAd, Ports, shipping

(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) has announced $488 million in funding to restore American maritime dominance and revitalize American ports, shipyards and maritime capabilities. The funding will support projects that: • Improve ports' ability to load and unload goods. • Streamline supply chain movements. • Modernize ports’ infrastructure and operations. • Support America’s vibrant seafood and seafood-related businesses.…

03 Mar

U.S.-flagged tanker damaged in Bahrain port attack

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsMarAd, Security, shipping

(WASHINGTON) — A Monday morning attack by Iran on a port in Bahrain killed a shipyard worker, injured two more and damaged a U.S.-flagged tanker, USNI News reported. Stena Imperative, an oil tanker that is part of the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Tanker Security Program, suffered damage after it was hit at about 2 a.m. Atlantic Standard Time, according to a…

02 Mar

MarAd alert: Military action, retaliatory strikes in Mideast

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsMarAd, Security, shipping

(WASHINGTON) — On Feb. 28, significant military activity commenced in the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Arabian Sea. It is recommended that vessels keep clear of this area if possible to avoid military operations and potential retaliatory strikes by Iranian forces. Any U.S.-flagged, -owned, or -crewed commercial vessels that are operating in these areas should maintain…

27 Feb

MarAd advisory: Black Sea, Sea of Azov shipping threats

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsMarAd, Security

(WASHINGTON) — Since February 2022, and as recently as January 2026, commercial vessels have reportedly been struck by projectiles and experienced explosions in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov. Vessels have also reportedly been struck by drones and unmanned vehicles. Additionally, there have been reports of moored and drifting naval mines. While some past actions may have targeted specific…