Workboat articles from December 2003

Workboat archives from December 2003

Tugs save taxpayers money.(Editor's Watch)
December 1, 2003... Yes, you read that correctly. Tugs are saving you, me and other taxpayers some bucks. At least that's what the U.S. Navy says. Back in 1997, the Navy made a wise, and to some an obvious, observation--they said it would be cheaper to hire...

Feds can help pay for OPA '90 salvage regulations.(Sound off)
December 1, 2003... On Oct. 1, President Bush signed the first-ever Homeland Security appropriations bill--$37.6 billion. A great deal of this money is earmarked to protecting our nation's "critical infrastructures" such as energy and transportation. The recent...

Coast guard should help mariners seeking MMDs.(Mail Bag)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2003... The September Mail Bag contained a letter from the commanding officer (Capt. E.J. Fink) of the U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center in Arlington, Va., on the new national security plans that require mariners to report to a Regional Exam...

Unlicensed mariners must deal with fatigue too.(Mail Bag)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2003... Commenting on your Sept. 3 and Sept. 17 WorkBoat.com E-newsletters, the matter of "fatigue" is not limited to licensed mariners that work on towing vessels. Fatigue can be even more pervasive among unlicensed engineers, deckhands, and tankermen...

More on non-U.S. crews.(Mail Bag)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2003... With much interest I read the letter from Jonny Weelman (August 2002 Mail Bag, "Are illegal vessel crews working in the Gulf?") and the interesting and telling reply from Capt. Ed Walker (March 2003 Mail Bag, "Who's crewing all those new...

Other liftboats have heliports.(Mail Bag)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2003... In your October cover story on SEMCO's new liftboat, the Dixie Patriot, I would just like to point out that I know of two other liftboats that have heliports that can accommodate Bell 212s. These two boats have been around for at least 20...

On the water: navigation: part II.(At a Glance)
December 1, 2003... Last month, we discussed maintaining charts published by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. But some mariners, mostly those that sail internationally, use charts issued by the less known National Imagery and Mapping...

Captain's table: expand Capital Construction Fund eligibility.(At a Glance)(Industry Overview)
December 1, 2003... The cost of new vessels that operate within U.S. waters could be reduced significantly if more operators were to have access to Capital Construction Fund financing. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The CCF program encourages the construction,...

WorkBoat Composite Index: index gains 5 percent in October.(At a Glance)(Industry Overview)
December 1, 2003... Led by shipyards and suppliers, the WorkBoat Composite Index gained over 5 percent in October. For the month, winners topped losers by a ratio of more than 2 to 1. Shipyards were up over 8 percent and the Suppliers Index gained over 7 percent....

Inland insider: more money for inland maintenance?(At a Glance)(Industry Overview)
December 1, 2003... When cars get old, they need more maintenance in order to keep them running. If maintenance is deferred, eventually the car will need major repairs in order to operate efficiently. The same holds true for roads, bridges, highways, and many of...

OSV day rates: there's good news, and plenty of bad news.(At a Glance)(Industry Overview)
December 1, 2003... Service vessel utilization in the Gulf of Mexico was up slightly in October along with day rates in all categories except large OSVs. That's the good news. The bad news is that U.S. Gulf rig utilization continues to decrease, falling to...

Legal talk: understand the Incident Command System.(At a Glance)
December 1, 2003... The Incident Command System (ICS) was originally developed to coordinate response to wildfires in the West. It was a way that responders from different locations and jurisdictions could come together and quickly organize themselves to fight the...

Finance talk: capital cost and risk.(At a Glance)
December 1, 2003... Workboat operators often have a hard time figuring out how to best allocate scarce financial resources throughout their fleets. How can you make the most of your fleet investment or maintenance and repair dollars during these difficult times?...

Q&A: a talk with Arnold Witte, former president of the American Salvage Association and president and CEO of Donjon Marine Co. Inc.(At a Glance)(Interview)
December 1, 2003... WorkBoat: Most marine industry sectors have had national associations to represent their interests for years. Why did the salvage industry wait so long to start one? Arnold Witte: Until recently, the salvage industry was highly competitive...

N.Y. Ferry accident investigation continues.(News Log)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... On Oct. 15, the 310' passenger ferry Andrew J. Barberi struck a pier at the St. George's Terminal on Staten Island, N.Y., killing 10 people and injuring 70 others. Staten Island Ferry is the operator of the ferry. Three weeks after the...

Conrad to build first aluminum vessel.(News Bitts)(Diamond Services Corp.)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... In November, Conrad Industries Inc., Morgan City, La., announced that its subsidiary, Conrad Aluminum LLC, had been awarded a $2.8 million contract to build a 175'X32'X14'6" aluminum crew/supply vessel for Diamond Services Corp., Amelia, La....

Maine port to screen ferry passengers.(News Log)
December 1, 2003... The Port of Portland, Maine, is moving forward with a pilot program to require security screening of all cruise ship and international ferry passengers, despite being rejected for funding from the Transportation Security Administration. TSA is...

Voters approve funding for Seattle fireboats.(News Log)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Seattle voters gave the thumbs-up on Nov. 4 to a citywide levy proposal that includes funding for the construction of a new large-platform fireboat. At the same time, Kitsap County voters scuttled a proposal that would have raised local taxes...

Hornbeck to build two double-hull .(News Bitts)(tank barges.)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Hornbeck Offshore Services (HOS) has signed agreements with two unnamed shipyards to have the first two new double-hulled tank barges delivered to Hornbeck Offshore Transportation's fleet by December 2004. The HOS subsidiary operates 12...

TEA-21 extended.(News Bitts)(Transportation Equity Act for the Twenty-First Century of 1998.)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Congress approved and President Bush signed an extension of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). TEA-21 was extended until Feb. 29, 2004. The move was necessary since TEA-21 was set to expire Sept. 30. This means that...

Team effort needed in maritime security.(News Log)
December 1, 2003... Security is everyone's responsibility, and communication and cooperation are essential to ensuring that the marine environment is secure. Those were just a few of the themes officials discussed at the Maritime Security Expo and Conference...

Washington surplus ferry sells on eBay.(News Bitts)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... With the discontinuation of most passenger-only ferry service, Washington State Ferries turned to eBay, the Internet auction site, to sell the Tyee, a 94'X31' passenger-only catamaran built in 1985. The state set a minimum bid of $500,000, and...

Baltimore shipyard sold for $11 million.(News Log)(Barletta Willis Investments LLC acquires Baltimore Marine Industries)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Barletta Willis Investments LLC, Boston, is going into the shipyard business with its purchase of Baltimore Marine Industries at auction on Nov. 5. Dr. Robert Willis won with a bid of $11.25 million at the live auction held at the yard....

First ship built in Philly in 34 years.(News Log)(Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard Inc./Matson Navigation Company Inc. container ship contract)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 1, 2003... Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard Inc. has delivered the first new ship built in Philadelphia in 34 years. The 712-foot Manukai is part of a $220 million two-vessel contract with Matson Navigation Co. Inc. "It's a high-risk venture, very high...

Improve barge safety, Shell official says.(News Log)
December 1, 2003... The barge industry's safety record is not good enough for Shell officials, and those who want the oil giant as a client would do well to start showing improvement. That was the message sent by Harry Lee, Shell Trading Co.'s manager,...

In the navy: agency officials pleased with move to privatize tug operations.(Navy Ship Assist)
December 1, 2003... The U.S. Navy's tug privatization program has been a rousing success. From Hawaii to Florida, tug companies across the U.S. have benefited from the Navy's decision to replace its yard tugboats (YTB) at a number of ports with tugs chartered from...

Unusual suspects: workboat operators are being tapped as an important source of maritime intelligence.(Marine Security)
December 1, 2003... The cruise boat operator was suspicious. A passenger was acting strangely. The guy should have been taking pictures of the movie stars' homes, but instead he had his video camera fixed on Miami's bridges. The passenger asked questions...

Teamwork: Corps' proposed revamp is all about 'business.'.(Focus: Corps of Engineers)(Army Corps of Engineers)
December 1, 2003... The Army Corps of Engineers' latest reorganization plan sets in motion a private-sector, business-like approach designed to move it from a hierarchical government agency to a system of "highly integrated teams." The goal, as in all revamps, is...

It's a gas: Moran and McAllister team up to assist LNG tankers.(In Business LNG Ship Assist)(Moran Towing Corp./McAllister Towing and Transportation Company Inc. Liquefied natural gas tanker contracts)(Industry Overview)
December 1, 2003... The U.S. needs more natural gas, and gas imports are one way to provide what Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan called a "price-pressure safety valve" when domestic gas supplies can't meet demand. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The...

Master Boat delivers another OSV to Abdon Callais.(On the Ways)(Master Boat Builders Inc. contract for Abdon Callais Offshore LLC)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 1, 2003... Master Boat Builders Inc., Bayou La Batre, Ala., recently completed the 201'X46'X16' steel offshore supply vessel Gloria B. Callais for Abdon Callais Offshore LLC. The 200-footer evolved from the 30 or so 110-footers that Master Boat built...

Maritime security regulations finalized.(Cover Story)(Industry Overview)
December 1, 2003... In late October, the Coast Guard released its final maritime security rules. With them, vessel owners finally had a better idea of how much they'll have to cough up to be more secure. The estimated bill over the next decade for over 10,000...

More problems for the Corps.(Cover Story)(Industry Overview)
December 1, 2003... Simply put, the inland waterway system is in dire need of repairs. Critical deferred maintenance on the inland waterways now tops $1 billion. Some say the system is broke. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "The system is being starved by the...

Union pulls the plug in the Gulf.(Cover Story)(Offshore Mariners United )
December 1, 2003... Union officials gave up the fight to organize Gulf of Mexico mariners and shipyard workers in 2003 after a turbulent four-year struggle. Offshore Mariners United (OMU), an arm of the AFL-CIO, took a very aggressive tack when it was founded...

Louisiana wants new Bollinger Shipyard.(Cover Story)
December 1, 2003... At last year's International WorkBoat Show, Donald "Boysie" Bollinger, chief executive officer of Bollinger Shipyards Inc., said the company was looking for a location to build a new $50 million shipyard. Bollinger said he was willing to...

High-speed military craft market gains steam.(Cover Story)
December 1, 2003... After witnessing Australia deploy troops and military equipment on modern, high-speed, shallow-draft vessels, the U.S. military decided to join the party. The Army and Navy have chartered several high-speed catamarans designed and built by...

Massachusetts Bay hit by barge spill.(Cover Story)(Bouchard Transportation Co. )
December 1, 2003... On April 27, a single-hull 120,000-bbl. tank barge owned by Hicksville, N.Y.-based Bouchard Transportation Co. ran aground in Massachusetts and ruptured a cargo tank. Initial estimates indicated that a minimum 14,700 gals. (467 bbls.) of No. 6...

ACL files for bankruptcy.(Cover Story)(American Commercial Lines LLC )(Company Profile)
December 1, 2003... Weighed down by its $769 million debt load, Jeffersonville, Ind., barge giant American Commercial Lines LLC (ACL) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January. Included in the filing were ACL, its parent American Commercial Lines...

Louisiana port launches container-on-barge service.(Cover Story)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 1, 2003... Targeting customers between Houston and New Orleans, the Port of Greater Baton Rouge, La., launched a new container-on-barge service along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) in August. "We have a large customer committed to using the...

PacifiCats finally sold.(Cover Story)(BC Ferries' catamarans go to Washington Marine Group)(Cover Story)
December 1, 2003... In last year's Top 10 News Stories, we reported that BC Ferries' three PacifiCats were "still for sale" and that the British Columbia crown corporation was confident that eventually a buyer with the necessary funding would be found. "But," said...

Offshore market woes continue.(Cover Story)(Industry Overview)
December 1, 2003... In May, we reported that offshore service vessel operators were searching for positive signs that the stagnant Gulf of Mexico would soon heat up. Seven months later, the search continues. Rigs have been leaving the Gulf at a steady pace,...

Significant boats of 2003.(Recognition Awards)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 1, 2003... Each year, we review the scores of boats that have appeared in WorkBoat during the previous 12 months. In doing so, we rediscover boats that deserve special recognition. Some are chosen to appear in this retrospective for design or engineering...

Mister fix-it: a slew of creative projects keeps Alabama yard busy.(In Business)(Steiner Shipyard Inc.)(Company Profile)
December 1, 2003... The spirit of entrepreneurship fills Steiner Shipyard Inc., and it has a lot to do with owner Russell Steiner's vision. Even with the Bayou La Batre, Ala., yard's recent delivery of the Croatoan, the sixth ferry the yard has built for the state...

Standard setter: USCG will choose from three designs for its response boat-medium contract.(Boats & Gear)(Coast Guard )
December 1, 2003... With the Response Boat-Small contract recently awarded and production now underway at Safe Boats International, the Coast Guard is now engaged in the procurement of its next standard response boat--Response Boat-Medium. [ILLUSTRATION...

Silver anniversary: the 25th International WorkBoat Show and Conference.(International Workboat Show)(Calendar)
December 1, 2003... The 25th installment of The International WorkBoat Show and Conference is once again expected to be the industry's largest gathering of marine professionals and suppliers of marinerelated equipment and services. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Workboat conference program.(International Workboat Show)(Calendar)
December 1, 2003... WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM MMA Security Training #1 Use of Small Arms in Shipboard Security: Training, Procedures & Tactics This session will introduce you to the training and procedures needed if consideration...

Show listings.(Workboat Northwest Show)(Calendar)
December 1, 2003... DECEMBER 3 - 5, 2003 ERNEST N. MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER NEW ORLEANS, LA Show Hours: Wednesday: 10am - 6pm Thursday: 10am - 6pm Friday: 10am 4pm VISIT WWW.WORKBOATSHOW.COM FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION...

Machine screws.(Product Locker)(Alloy Fasteners, Inc.)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 1, 2003... Alloy Fasteners, Inc., Cranston, R.I., a manufacturer of stainless steel products, is offering a line of machine screws suitable for marine applications. Specifically designed to withstand the harsh environments created by salt water and...

Vessel monitoring.(Product Locker)(MICAD Marine LLC )(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 1, 2003... MICAD Marine LLC has introduced a new global vessel monitoring and alarm system called MICAD NET. It's a two-way communication channel designed to broadcast and receive data reports and text messages. The computer hardware and software...

Automated coatings.(Product Locker)(Visions East Inc. )(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 1, 2003... Visions East Inc. says its new patented robotics system will cut the time it takes to prepare and paint a 50-meter (164') yacht by 25 percent. Steve Morton, president and owner of Visions East, designed and has received U.S. and foreign patents...

Corrosion protection.(Product Locker)(Foldy Pac Protective Solutions Envelop protective covers)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 1, 2003... Foldy Pac Protective Solutions' Envelop protective covers are manufactured to extend the life of and reduce maintenance of commercial marine electrical and electronic equipment, generators, winches, and davits. The covers reduce corrosion by 95...

Welding machines.(Product Locker)(Thermal Arc)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 1, 2003... Thermal Arc[R] has a new line of seven lightweight Next Generation inverter power supplies for STICK (SMAW), DC TIG (GTAW) and AC/DC TIG (GTAW) applications. The new models weigh from 19 lbs. to 63 lbs. and come with control panel covers to...

Z-drive interface.(Product Locker)(ComNav Marine)(Z-Drive Isolation Amplifier)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 1, 2003... ComNav Marine, Richmond, British Columbia, is marketing its new Z-Drive Isolation Amplifier. The Z-Drive Isolation Amplifier provides total galvanic isolation between any ComNav Autopilot System and the electronic control systems found on...

Small boat engines.(Product Locker)(Vetus Den Ouden Inc.)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 1, 2003... Vetus Den Ouden Inc. has several new four-cylinder and six-cylinder compact diesel engines for the small commercial boat market. The Vetus Deutz DT 43 is a four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine capable of 106 hp at 2,650 rpm. The...

Hinge collars.(Product Locker)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 1, 2003... Stafford Manufacturing Corp., Wilmington, Mass., has a new line of hinge shaft collars. The new Stafford Standard Series Hinge Collars can be placed anywhere on the shaft, have a small bore, and can be used with thinwall tubing. The collars are...

Stephen Gleaves has been named president of Jensen Maritime Consultants, a naval architecture company based in Seattle.(WorkBoat Business)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Stephen Gleaves has been named president of Jensen Maritime Consultants, a naval architecture company based in Seattle. Prior to rejoining the company last year, Gleaves was electrical section supervisor for Washington State Ferries' vessel...

Senesco Marine.(WorkBoat Business)(new drydock certified)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Senesco Marine, Quonset Point, R.I., christened its new drydock in October. The 255'X82' (between the wing walls) X9' Leslie G has a rated lifting capacity of 3,500 LT. The new drydock has received certification from Heger Dry Dock Inc., which...

Barry Myers has been named field sales/system specialist at Magtrol Inc., Buffalo, N.Y.(WorkBoat Business)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Barry Myers has been named field sales/system specialist at Magtrol Inc., Buffalo, N.Y. Magtrol provides equipment for tension and torque control, motor testing and load measurement applications. Myers will help develop new business, assist...

The Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies.(WorkBoat Business)(Gas Carrier Inspection course)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies, (MITAGS), Linthicum Heights, Md., will begin offering a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Gas Carrier Inspection course in August 2004. The two-week course provides familiarization in gas...

New Orleans-based Dreyfus Supply, a marine supply company, has acquired competitor Cortney Company, also of New Orlenas.(WorkBoat Business)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... New Orleans-based Dreyfus Supply, a marine supply company, has acquired competitor Cortney Company, also of New Orleans. The acquisition price was not disclosed. Dreyfus specializes in chains, commercial anchors and related hardware. With the...

Steven R. Hill has been named vice president of Irving Shipbuilding Inc., New Brunswick, Canada.(WorkBoat Business)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Steven R. Hill has been named vice president of Irving Shipbuilding Inc., New Brunswick, Canada. Hill, who has over 27 years experience in the oil and gas business, will concentrate on FPSO conversions and topside fabrication. He will also...

Wayne P. Kelsoe.(WorkBoat Business)(v.p., research and development, Blue Sea Systems)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Wayne P. Kelsoe is the new vice president of research and development for Blue Sea Systems, a manufacturer of products for marine electrical systems based in Bellingham, Wash. Kelsoe has over 30 years experience as an electrical engineer and...

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, and the Meeting of the Rivers Foundation co-sponsored the recent grand opening of the National Great Rivers Museum, Regional Visitor Center at the Melvin Price Locks and Dam in Alton, III.(WorkBoat Business)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, and the Meeting of the Rivers Foundation co-sponsored the recent grand opening of the National Great Rivers Museum, Regional Visitor Center at the Melvin Price Locks and Dam in Alton, Ill....

American Commercial Lines LLC, Jeffersonvile, Ind., recently announced a realignment of senior management.(WorkBoat Business)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... American Commercial Lines LLC, Jeffersonville, Ind., recently announced a realignment of senior management. Peter L. Kazunas and W. Norb Whitlock will continue in their leadership roles for ACL's core barging unit, American Commercial Barge...

NY Waterway.(WorkBoat Business)(global positioning system)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... NY Waterway, Weehawken, N.J., has completed installation of a $1 million global positioning system (GPS) that enables the company to track the location and speed of all of its ferries and buses. The GPS allows NY Waterway to keep ferries out of...

Austrian engine maker Steyr Motors has teamed with Stewart & Stevenson, Houston, to enter the lightweight marine diesel market in the U.S.(WorkBoat Business)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Austrian engine maker Steyr Motors has teamed with Stewart & Stevenson, Houston, to enter the lightweight marine diesel market in the U.S. Steyr has also joined forces with MerCruiser, Fond du Lac, Wis., with kits offered for Bravo I, Bravo II...

National Marine Charter Association.(WorkBoat Business)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 1, 2003... Alexandria, Va.-based National Marine Charter Association has launched its Charter Information Xchange (CIX), a new online information source for charter and small passenger vessel owners, operators and captains. CIX[TM] offers six subject...

Calendar.(Calendar)
December 1, 2003... Dec. 2-5 MARITIME CONFERENCE Organized in part by the Shanghai Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers and endorsed by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Marintec China 2003 will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo...

WorkBoat looks back.(WB Archives)
December 1, 2003... December 1953 * St. Louis Shipbuilding has delivered the 90'X25'X8'6" towboat J.W. Rose to Rose Barge Line, Marseilles, Ill. The twin-screw triple-decker is powered by two 400-hp Caterpillar D397 diesels. For the first time on a river...