Tech Feature: (No) Rocking the Boat
Seakeeper’s motion control technology can improve the performance of even the most impressive of workboats. Partnering with Seakeeper and Gladding-Hearn, the Charleston Pilots did just that, once again setting the bar for excellence.On a beautiful Autumn afternoon in Charleston, SC, way back in 2014, MarineNews had the good fortune to attend the christening on the nation’s first dual purpose, rapid response vessel and pilot launch.
Trelleborg Acquires NuFlow Technologies
Trelleborg Group has, through its Trelleborg Industrial Solutions business area, signed an agreement to acquire the US-based pipe repair specialists NuFlow Technologies.NuFlow…
USCG Safety Alert: Understand the Explosion Hazards of Shipping Coal
On November 27, 2024, approximately 100 nautical miles off the coast of Virginia, a bulk carrier shipping a type of coal called “Bailey High Vol Coking Coal” experienced consecutive explosions in the two forward cargo holds. While still under investigation, the explosions are likely a result of the accumulation of methane gas that created an explosive atmosphere and resulted in significant damage to the two associated cargo holds.
1924 Time Capsule Shows Navy's Newport Presence
A century-old time capsule, buried in 1924 to commemorate Newport’s naval history, was recently unearthed and opened in a live event at the Newport Public Library. Originally placed under Settlers’ Stone at the Naval Training Station on Coasters Harbor Island, the capsule was a joint effort between the city of Newport and the U.S. Navy.The discovery was made in 2021 by Naval War College Museum researchers, who used ground-penetrating radar to confirm its location.
KCC Closes Fourth Quarter 2024, Marking a Historically Strong Year
Klaveness Combination Carriers (KCC) delivered higher Time Charter Equivalent (TCE) earnings per on-hire day than standard market rates in Q4 2024, the company reported: despite weaker product tanker and dry bulk markets in late 2024 and early 2025, KCC reported an EBITDA of $20.2 million and an Earnings Before Tax (EBT) of $8.6 million for the quarter.KCC operates a fleet of 16 combination carriers designed for transporting both wet and dry bulk cargoes.
Tech File: Scantrol’s mTrack AHC Controller
Scantrol’s mTrack AHC Controller, combined with Bosch Rexroth Secondary Controls, is designed to ensure smooth and safe operation for TravOcean’s new 15-ton cable laying winch. This winch is used to lay wind turbine power cables on the seabed. “We need Active Heave Compensation (AHC) to have smooth operation and not to damage the cable during landing. The function increases the weather window and reduces the weather standby…
Aircraft Carrier, Commercial Vessel Collide Near Egypt
The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) has collided with a merchant vessel near Egypt, the U.S. military said on Thursday, though the nuclear-powered carrier was stable and there were no injuries.In a statement, the U.S. Navy said the carrier Harry Truman collided with the Besiktas-M late Wednesday night while operating near Port Said in Egypt."The collision did not endanger the Harry S. Truman as there are no reports of flooding or injuries.
Japanese Firms Use Laser Tech for Rust and Coating Removal from Vessels
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), MOL Drybulk, Furukawa Electric, and Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, have tested the InfraLaser system on the outer hull of an actual vessel, successfully stripping down rust and coatings with industrial laser technology.Furukawa Electric, with the cooperation of MOL and MOL Drybulk, has been developing a rust and coating removal system for onboard maintenance since 2021, utilizing…
MOL, Fukada to Collaborate on T&I Vessels for Floating Wind Turbines
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Fukada Salvage & Marine Works have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore collaboration on transportation and installation (T&I) vessels for floating offshore wind turbines.Under the MoU, MOL and Fukada will launch a study of efficient transportation and installation methods for floating offshore wind turbines.In anticipation of accelerating the introduction of floating offshore wind turbines in the Japanese market in the 2030s…
Subsea Global Solutions Appoints Eric Smith as CCO
Subsea Global Solutions, an underwater maintenance and repair services specialist, has named Eric Smith as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO).With a career spanning leadership roles in maritime operations, commercial management, and strategic business development, Smith brings a wealth of industry expertise to the Subsea Global Solutions team.Prior to joining Subsea Global Solutions, Smith served as Director of Shared Resources at Resolve Marine…
CBP and Royal Caribbean Use Biometric Facial Recognition Technology in Puerto Rico
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in collaboration with Royal Caribbean, conducted the first biometric debarkation for Royal Caribbean cruise passengers on Feb. 2 when Rhapsody of the Seas was the first Royal Caribbean vessel to utilize this technology at the San Juan Seaport’s Pier 4 in Puerto Rico.CBP’s biometric facial comparison technology streamlines the debarkation process, reducing clearance…
In 2025 AI Won’t Just be a Tool
Some expert thoughts on AI in 2025:“In 2025, AI won’t just be a tool; it will be a collaborator.”“In 2025, the most productive employees will work alongside AI agents.”AI agents are an advance on large language models (LLMs). LLMs at present are popularly used as creative and conversational search engines. They can’t directly interact with external tools or data processing system or autonomously set up systems to monitor and collect ongoing data.
MARAD Not Ready for Workforce Challenges Ahead
The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found that the Maritime Administration (MARAD) needs to take action to help address workforce challenges.MARAD has about 800 employees, but the agency is facing staff turnover, high numbers of employees eligible to retire and vacancies in critical positions. And it doesn't have a strategic human capital plan to address how it will hire and retain employees.As of September 2024…
Seaspan Invests $2.5 Million in Indigenous Shipbuilding Training
Seaspan has made a $2.5 million investment to create new skills training and apprenticeship opportunities for Indigenous People in Greater Vancouver.The five-year funding program is a continuation of a longstanding partnership with the non-profit Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services (ACCESS).The ACCESS program helps prepare Indigenous community members for a career in shipbuilding by providing industry-recognized skills training through local colleges…
Mega Machines & Manson Construction
In this episode of Maritime Matters:Manson Construction is a U.S. Jones Act dredging and marine construction firm, founded in 1905 and family owned until converting to an employee-owned company in 2012. Fred Paup, Chairman of the Board, EVP, discussed with Maritime Matters: The MarineLink Podcast, to drivers for this multi-billion dollar company in 2025 and beyond, from finding and retaining the best crews, to the construction of the $200 million+ 15,000 cu. yd.
Navigating the Stormy Seas of U.S. Offshore Wind
Companies that once committed to investing in U.S. offshore wind infrastructure and supply chains are now scrapping their plans as the industry experiences significant challenges. These setbacks stem from project delays, soaring costs, and the potential loss of federal support under former President Donald Trump’s proposed policies.The downturn in the offshore wind sector over the past two years has led to prolonged project delays…
Patrolling the Baltic, Estonian Navy is Prepared to Stop Vessels
Estonia's navy is prepared to act against vessels that pose a danger to Baltic Sea infrastructure even if they are in international waters, a senior official patrolling the busy Gulf of Finland shipping lane said.The Baltic Sea region is on alert and the NATO alliance has boosted its presence after a series of power cable, telecom and gas pipeline outages since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Most…
New Ferry Design for Caribbean Tourist Route
Incat Crowther designed a new 24-m passenger fast ferry for Caribbean operator Smith's Ferry Services. Built by Australian shipyard Aluminium Marine in Brisbane, the new ferry will transport 149 passengers at speeds of up to 28 knots and has been designed for the busy Charlotte Amalie (U.S Virgin Islands) to Road Town (British Virgin Islands) tourism route.The main deck can transport 118 passengers in air-conditioned comfort. It boasts a large service kiosk, two bathrooms, and luggage space.
NextWave Seafarers Project Launches to Address Global Seafarer Shortage
A groundbreaking initiative led by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) aims to address the global seafarer shortage…
ASRY Designates Repair Berth for Building Material Shipments
The Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY) has designated one of its repair berths to handle large shipments of construction materials, working with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Ministry of Works, and the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, along with the national building firms. The move comes as demand for these materials continues to grow.The aim is to ensure a steady supply and avoid disruptions, keeping construction and infrastructure projects on track.
