Workboat articles from September 2008

Workboat archives from September 2008

A bumpy summer for barges.(Editor's Watch)
September 1, 2008... The past couple of years have been good ones for the inland tug and barge industry, with strong demand, lofty rates and healthy profits. But this year hasn't gone quite as smoothly. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It began early, with record...

Reader recalls his marine high school days.(MailBag)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2008... I was encouraged to read the article in the July 2008 issue on maritime-themed high schools ("School Days"). With the surge of 18 schools coming into fruition in the last eight years, it made me think back to my high school days. I...

NOAA program offers training for mariners.(Mail Bag)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2008... I am the program manager for the National Weather Service's Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) program. Part of the mission of this program is to train mariners on meteorological events and how to properly record and transmit meteorological...

Eight-hour watch system will work much better.(MailBag)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2008... All of the boats in my company have adopted an eight-hour watch system (0400-1200, 1200-2000, 2000-0400). We have two wheelhouse personnel per boat, so every other day the rotation repeats. Under this system, a man works 12 hours out of...

Reader is ready to travel.(MailBag)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2008... My hat's off to Bernie Jacobson and his May 2008 column ("Can short sea boost coastal passenger transportation?"). Jacobson is working on a dream I have had for years -- to be able to purchase a ticket, show up at the dock, board a tug,...

On the water: the importance of deckhands.(At AGlance)
September 1, 2008... Deckhands: You can't live with them, and you can't live without them. Truer words have never been spoken. For the better part of two decades, deckhand positions on Northeast tugs were relegated to "unskilled" labor status. While some still hold...

Captain's table: change the Passenger Vessel Services Act?(At AGlance)
September 1, 2008... The Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) of 1886 prevents foreign-flag cruise ships from transporting passengers directly between U.S. ports. The law was intended to reserve this business to U.S.-flagged passenger vessels, just as the Jones Act...

WorkBoat Composite Index; Index loses 5.5 percent in July.(At AGlance)
September 1, 2008... Stocks that make up the WorkBoat Composite Index had another rough month in July, dropping 95 points or 5.5 percent. This follows June's loss of almost 9 percent. For the month, losers topped winners by a 7-2 ratio. Energy shares dropped...

OSV day rates: day rates keep climbing.(At AGIance)(Statistical table)
September 1, 2008... Utilization and day rates for nearly all offshore service vessels increased in July, with large supply vessels posting the biggest gain. Average day rates for supply vessels over 200' increased about $1,500 during July. The highest average...

Inland insider: the Prince and the Pauper.(At AGlance)
September 1, 2008... In Mark Twain's "The Prince and the Pauper," two boys switch clothes, which sets in motion a case of mistaken identities. The prince, Edward Tudor, is forced to live as a pauper, while Tom Canty assumes the prince's life of wealth and prestige....

Legal talk: Exxon Valdez award slashed.(At A Glance)
September 1, 2008... Nearly 20 years after the Exxon Valdez spilled some 11 million gallons of oil, the litigation lingers on as the courts continue to try to determine what the punitive damages should be. This June, the U.S. Supreme Court provided some closure...

Insurance watch: safety doesn't have to cost a bundle.(At AGlance)
September 1, 2008... How does a marine business owner or vessel operator establish a culture of safety? By being knowledgeable and fundamentally sound when it comes to safety. There is nothing cutting edge about establishing a culture of safety at your workplace....

Towing company involved in Mississippi River spill has a history of mishaps.(NEWS LOG)(DRD Towing Co. Inc.)
September 1, 2008... The company that owns the tow-boat involved in the collision that closed nearly 100 miles of the Mississippi River for about a week in July has a history of problems on the waterway, according to published reports. Boats operated by DRD Towing...

Lenders view marine industry as an excellent credit risk.(NEWS BITTS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... The workboat industry's credit rating is excellent. Unlike the housing industry and banking and finance markets, the marine industry is economically strong and lending institutions have taken notice, according to a panel of experts who spoke at...

Cruise West.
September 1, 2008... The 102-passenger Spirit of Glacier Bay ran aground July 7 near Glacier Bay National Park in Southeast Alaska. It was refloated with the rising tide on July 8. There were no injuries to the 24 passengers and 27 crew aboard and no reports of...

Corrections and clarifications.(Correction notice)
September 1, 2008... On the cover of the July issue, the headline reads "Sea School." The headline, which referred to the cover story on maritime-themed high schools, should not be confused with Florida-based SeaSchool, which offers Coast Guard-approved courses and...

Maine shipyard gets back to work after costly blaze.(News Log)
September 1, 2008... A fire has destroyed Washburn & Doughty Shipyard in East Boothbay, Maine. Sparks from work on a tug reportedly started the blaze that burned down the wooden building constructed in 1917. The July 11 fire knocked the state's only builder of...

Harvey Gulf sells majority stake for $500 million.(News Log)(Company overview)
September 1, 2008... With an eye on deepwater expansion, longtime family business Harvey Gulf International Marine Inc. sold a majority stake to a New York-based private equity firm for $500 million cash. The Jordan Company, a New York-based private investment...

Passenger vessel grounded again.(NEWS BITTS)
September 1, 2008... After a change of ownership and a series of problems, including several well-publicized groundings, the Empress of the North was pulled from service in early August. Ambassadors International Inc., the current owner, declared its intention to...

Hawaii Superferry numbers improve.(NEWS BITTS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Passenger and vehicle traffic for Hawaii Superferry has shown significant growth this summer. In July, about 36,600 passengers and 9,200 vehicles were booked for travel between Oahu and Maui, a 40 percent increase over June bookings, which were...

Manitowoc agrees to sell its shipbuilding and repair unit.(News Log)
September 1, 2008... The Manitowoc Company Inc. announced in August that it had signed a definitive agreement to sell its marine segment--Manitowoc Marine Group--to Fincantieri Marine Group Holdings Inc., a subsidiary of Fincantieri-Cantieri Navali Italiani SpA...

Repair shop; quality work and location are key to South Louisiana yard's success.(Superior Shipyard)(Superior Shipyard & Fabrication Inc.)(Company overview)
September 1, 2008... For Superior Shipyard & Fabrication Inc., it's location, location, location. The repair yard is situated on State Highway I in Golden Meadow, La., about 15 miles from Port Fourchon, La., which boasts the shortest route to the Gulf of Mexico and...

Long haul: many of the nation's oceangoing tugs may be ready for replacement.(Tugs)
September 1, 2008... "Old." That's how naval architect Frank Basile of Entech & Associates, Houma, La., characterizes the U.S. oceangoing tug fleet. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As of January, the U.S. had 1,440 "seagoing tugs" over 100 GRT with an average age...

LCS-1 begins sea trials.(ON THE WAYS)
September 1, 2008... Flight Zero has left the dock. The Freedom, the first of two dueling Littoral Combat Ships to be contracted, began builders' trials in Lake Michigan on July 28. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The product of an industry team led by Lockheed...

Blount completes two more ferries for Puerto Rico.(ON THE WAYS)
September 1, 2008... The 165'x45' passenger and cargo ferry Cayo Largo left Blount Boats in Warren, R.I., in July for Puerto Rico, where it will go into service for the Puerto Rico and Municipal Islands Maritime Transportation Authority. On its deck was another...

Thoma-Sea finishes first of five tugs for Penn Maritime.(ON THE WAYS)(Thoma-Sea Boatbuilders)(Penn Maritime Inc.)
September 1, 2008... Thoma-Sea Boatbuilders, Houma, La., delivered the first of five 116'x36'xl4'4" tugs for Penn Maritime Inc., Staten Island, N.Y. Frank Basile at Entech & Associates Inc., also of Houma, designed the tug, part of an articulated tug-barge unit....

General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems.(BOATBUILDING BITTS)
September 1, 2008... The Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) sweepstakes is heating up as the three Phase I finalists recently submitted proposals to build up to 10 of the high-speed troop and equipment carriers for the Navy and Army. The Navy has said it intends to...

Bollinger Marine Fabricators.(BOATBUILDING BITTS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Bollinger Marine Fabricators, Amelia, La., recently delivered the DBL 77, an ocean-service, double-hull tank-barge, to K-Sea Transportation, East Brunswick N.J. The 80,000-bb1. DBL 77 measures 337'x74x25' and is the first in a series of two...

Textron marine & land systems.(BOATBUILDING BITTS)
September 1, 2008... Textron Marine & Land Systems (TM&LS), New Orleans, will build six 47-foot aluminum Motor Life Boats for the Mexican navy. The contract is valued at approximately $24 million. TM&LS began construction of the first of these Caterpillar-powered...

Aluminum chambered boats.(BOATBUILDING BITTS)
September 1, 2008... Aluminum Chambered Boats has been awarded a $12.8 million contract from the U.S. Marine Corps to build 42 MKIII Bridge Erection Boats (BEB). Anticipated delivery of the first five boats is in December, and the project's estimated completion...

Demaree Inflatable boats Inc.(BOATBUILDING BITTS)
September 1, 2008... Demaree Inflatable Boats Inc. (DIB), Friendsville, Md., has delivered two 41' River Freighters to Caspian Services Inc., a company that provides a broad range of services to the oil and gas industry in Kazakhstan. The boats will be used for oil...

Nichols Brothers Boat Builders.(BOATBUILDING BITTS)
September 1, 2008... In early August, Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, Freeland, Wash., launched a new 100'x40' ship-assist, ASD tug for Minette Bay Shipdocking, Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada. The new tug is a near sister to the Valor and the Vigilant,...

Water hazard; the final tally from this year's flooding is still months away.(CoverStory)(Cover story)
September 1, 2008... The epic flood that curtailed business on the Mississippi River system in June and July was simply a culmination of months of water torture. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Precipitation throughout the Midwest set a record for the January-June...

2008 Power guide.(Table)
September 1, 2008... Manufacturers of marine diesel engines continue to struggle to keep up with demand. In the last year, however, delivery times for some engines have improved. Last year, several manufacturers of 1,000 hp and up diesels reported backlogs of up to...

Medium well: new response boat for the Coast Guard is a solid hit.(Response Boat-Medium)
September 1, 2008... To see the Coast Guard's new 45-foot response boat sitting in the water, especially from the stern quarter, is to immediately appreciate its functionality. The platform just above the waterline at the transom has a handrail along its entire...

Getting comfy: the right helm chair can enhance safety.(Wheelhouse Equipment)
September 1, 2008... Abarber's chair, a wooden stool, a car seat, and a piece of wood hinged to the bulkhead. All of these have found their way into wheelhouses as helm chairs. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These might work for a while, especially if the person...

William Annand.(WBBusiness)(Hornblower Marine Services Inc.)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... William Annand has been named vice president at Hornblower Marine Services (HMS), New Albany, Ind. He has been HMS's director of marine operations for Hawaii Superferry since July 2007. Annand will now serve as senior project manager overseeing...

Cornel J. Martin.(WBBusiness)(Waterways Council Inc.)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Cornel J. Martin is the new president and CEO of the Waterways CouncilInc. Martin will work alongside current president and CEO R. Barry Palmer, who will retire at the end of the year. Palmer has been president and CEO of the ports and inland...

Capt. Stephen Polk.(WBBusiness)
September 1, 2008... Capt. Stephen Polk has been named director of Seamen's Church Institute's Center for Maritime Education in Houston. Polk had been assistant director and an instructor at SCI since 2007. Polk takes over from Capt. William Douglas.

Sensornet.(WBBusiness)
September 1, 2008... Sensornet, a global provider of monitoring equipment, has named John Perrin vice president for North and South America. Doug Walker has assumed a similar position with the company's Asia-Pacific region. In addition, Richard Klutz, who has been...

The American Bureau of Shipping.(WBBusiness)
September 1, 2008... The American Bureau of Shipping has named Todd Grove president and chief operating officer of ABS's Pacific Division. He was previously chief of staff at ABS's corporate headquarters in Houston.

Vince Godfrey.(WBBusiness)
September 1, 2008... Vince Godfrey has been named senior vice president, global services, for Foss Maritime Co., Seattle. Godfrey is responsible for business development for marine transportation and international projects, including strategic oversight for Foss's...

Warning system.(WBProducts)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... The Signal Mate from Kimberlite is a new light/horn-signaling controller for small commercial vessels. The self-contained warning system can be used aboard boats being towed if manned. The system can also be hard-wired to a vessel's existing...

Welding torch.(WBProducts)
September 1, 2008... American Torch Tip Co., Bradenton, Fla., has released its new Push-Pull MIG torch, the Cyclone. The Cyclone was developed to resolve problems that arise from welding with thin and soft wire when using a push-pull MIG torch. It uses a patented...

Ethernet upgrade.(WBProducts)
September 1, 2008... N-TRON, Mobile, Ala., has introduced its new 708M12 Industrial Ethernet switch. The switch offers advanced management and monitoring features, an IP67 rated enclosure, and a space saving package all at a very affordable price, according to the...

LED lighting.(WBProducts)
September 1, 2008... Hella Marine has introduced its Thinlite LED Strip Lamps. At only 2/5" thick, the LED lamps are designed to deliver powerful illumination in a low-profile surface mount suitable for interior and exterior applications. Made for lighting storage...

DBC shows.(WBCalendar)(Brief article)(Calendar)
September 1, 2008... Sept. 23-26 SHIPBUILDING FAIR The Shipbuilding, Machinery, and Marine Technology 2008--23rd International Shipbuilding Fair, Hamburg Fair site, Hamburg, Germany. 040-3569-2440 www.smm2008.com Oct. 7 OFFSHORE SERVICE...