US Trade Deficit Reaches Record High

The U.S. trade deficit jumped to a record high in March amid roaring domestic demand, which is drawing in imports, and the gap could widen further as the nation's economic activity rebounds faster than its global rivals.Manufacturers lack the capacity to satisfy the surge in demand because of resource constraints and bottlenecks in the supply chain. Inventories are very lean. Demand is being driven by a rapidly improving public health situation and massive government aid to households…

Two Great Lakes Maritime Academy Cadets Awarded Crowley Scholarships

Crowley Maritime Corp. awarded Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial Scholarships to Great Lakes Maritime Academy (GLMA) cadets Tristan Barnett and Jackson Dagata for their achievements and interest in maritime careers.Named in honor of former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Thomas B. Crowley Sr., the scholarship benefits promising maritime students. While earning their bachelor’s degrees at GLMA, both Barnett and Dagata also participated in Crowley’s cadet shipping program where…

Canadian Government Ends Montreal Port Strike

Striking dockworkers at Canada's second-biggest port will gradually return to work on Saturday, the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) said, after the federal government passed a law to end the walkout.Late on Friday, the Canadian government passed back-to-work legislation to halt the strike, which workers at the Port of Montreal began on Monday over changes to their work schedules."Our priority now is to plan for the resumption of port operations and to ensure efficient and seamless service…

Biden's EU Trade Dilemma

The Biden administration faces a major dilemma in its dispute with the European Union over Trump-era steel and aluminum tariffs: back down to avoid acute pain for Harley-Davidson Inc and whiskey distillers or stick with the duties even though they are now exacerbating acute shortages for U.S. manufacturers.The EU has threatened to double the tariffs on Harley-Davidson motorcycles, American-made whiskey and power boats to 50% on June 1, cutting off any residual hope of exports…

DP World Launches Wholesale E-commerce Platform

DP World, best known for operating ports around the world, has launched a wholesale e-commerce website that it hopes will become the global platform for businesses to buy and sell goods.The platform, Dubuy, aims to connect buyers and sellers around the world with goods offered for delivery via the supply chain of DP World and its logistics partners.Dubuy is already live in Rwanda and will soon be expanded to some east African countries including Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda, before being rolled out across the continent.It will also be launched in markets outside Africa."We are multimodal.

Can the Subsea Factory Support a Net Zero World?

Mads Hjelmeland is passionate about subsea processing. It’s a subject close to his heart in his role as managing director, Processing Systems, OneSubsea. But it’s more than just a recovery enhancing technology to Mads. Subsea processing is central to the subsea factory concept and will play a key role in our efforts to increase energy efficiency and lower emissions. Hjelmeland is due to outline his views on low-carbon production systems and sustainability at this year’s Underwater Technology Conference (UTC), June 16-17.

Industry Urges Government to End Montreal Dockworkers Strike

Dockworkers at Canada's second largest port on Monday began their second strike in less than a year, as business leaders urged Ottawa to quickly end a walkout they said could cost the economy C$25 million ($20 million) a day.The federal Liberal government said on Sunday it would introduce special legislation to end the strike at the Port of Montreal, hoping to stop it from hurting the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.Unionized workers, in talks for a new contract since 2018…

Rune Mode Ramberg: A Leading Light Subsea

There are not many of the leading edge subsea processing projects Rune Mode Ramberg has not been involved in at some level. The list includes Tyrihans subsea pumping, Tordis subsea separation, studies on the Ormen Lange subsea compression project, Jack St. Malo boosting, Åsgard subsea compression, Troll Phase 3 and now the subsea scope on the Northern Lights carbon capture and storage (CCS) project. In terms of subsea technology, there’s not much in this space that doesn’t come across his desk.But despite the advances he’s seen in subsea processing…

NOVATEK Elects New Board of Directors

Russia's largest independent natural gas producer PAO NOVATEK announced Friday that the annual general meeting of shareholders (AGM) approved the election of members to the board of directors.The following members were elected to the board of directors:Andrei I. Akimov: Chairman of the Management Board of Gazprombank (Joint Stock Company);Arnaud Le Foll: Senior Vice-President of Total North Sea and Russia;Robert Castaigne: Member of the Board of Directors of VINCI;Dominique Marion: Total Austral Managing Director;Tatiana A. Mitrova: Professor, Head of Research, SKOLKOVO Energy Centre;Leonid V.

ABS, Rainmaking Support Singapore’s Decarbonization Entrepreneurs

ABS and Rainmaking are teaming up to support entrepreneurs with maritime decarbonization technologies in the world's top shipping hub.ABS’ marine and offshore industry experience combined with Rainmaking’s register of decarbonization focused startups will help Singapore's entrepreneurs accelerate testing and development of transformational technologies with the potential to reduce CO2 emissions, the companies said.The program will identify technology startups and deliver scalable pilots and ventures through six-month long sprints.

Astilleros Gondán Orders ABB Package for 10 Electric Ferries

Spanish shipbuilder Astilleros Gondán has tapped ABB to supply all-electric power solutions for ten fast 40-meter urban passenger ferries transporting up to 540 passengers each across Lisbon’s Tagus river.The contract comes a week after Astilleros Gondan said it would start building a series of 10 fully electric passenger ferries for the Portuguese river passenger transport operator Transtejo.The ten new ferries will replace the existing fleet serving this route when they enter service between 2022 and 2024.In addition to energy storage…

Training Tips For Ships - Tip #23: Is Your Training Technology Disaster-Ready?

A customer once told me that they had just completed a business continuity analysis and had identified their LMS as their second most mission-critical technology - second only to payroll! Take a moment to consider how much you rely on training technologies to sustain your operations and compliance. How long could you comfortably go without your employees having access to training? How long could you go without access to your compliance records or your employees’ certificates?

Port of Southampton to Deploy Private 5G

One of the United Kingdom’s (UK’s) busiest ports is slated to deploy private 5G follownig an agreement between Verizon Business and Associated British Ports (ABP). Delivered in partnership with Nokia, Verizon’s private 5G platform will provide the Port of Southampton with a secure, low-latency private network connection.One of a network of 21 ports operated by ABP, the Port of Southampton is the UK’s number one port responsible for £40 billion in exports from the U.K. every year.

President Biden Taps Maffei as Next FMC Chairman

Commissioner Daniel B. Maffei has been named Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission, as appointed by President Joe Biden on March 29, 2021. Maffei is a sitting member of the FMC and replaces Michael A. Khouri in the role of Chairman.A native of New York, Maffei was a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives for two terms. His previous professional experience includes serving in the Department of Commerce during the Obama Administration, and earlier in his career, working as a Capitol Hill aide and as a broadcast reporter.

MARAD Announces $230 Million for Port Infrastructure Grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration is encouraging states and port authorities to apply for $230 million in discretionary grant funding for port and intermodal infrastructure-related projects through the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP).“Our nation’s ports are a key part of our critical infrastructure. They create jobs and make our economy more resilient and sustainable,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. “This funding…

USTC Puts Digitalization on the Fast Track with BunkerEx Acquisition

USTC has acquired BunkerEx in a move to step up and streamline digitalization activities across USTC companies.BunkerEx caters to digitalization and transparency within logistics and transport, providing accessibility and optimization of online platform for fueling costs.“The acquisition of BunkerEx is a testament to our ambition to digitalize and be at the forefront of innovation and new technologies within the industry. We see great potential in BunkerEx and the team behind it…

OPINION: Blockchain can Revolutionize the Shipping & Logistics, but is it Ready?

The pandemic led to a disruption of the global sectors that also included the ocean trade. International trade witnessed an extensive impact on operations, causing a sharp decline in trade activities worldwide. Only a few technology-driven service providers managed to overcome some of the Export and Import industry's challenges during the pandemic. Interestingly, however, the exporters and importers' stumbling-blocks could have been handled efficiently if the entire ecosystem was backed by digital infrastructure.

Ever Given Grounding Causes Vessel Logjam In and Near the Suez Canal

Dozens of ships carrying everything from oil to consumer goods have been delayed by the grounding of a vessel in the Suez Canal, and companies may have to reroute cargoes around Africa if the blockage extends beyond 24 hours, shipping sources said.Efforts were underway on Wednesday to refloat the 400-meter, 224,000-tonne Ever Given, which got stranded on Tuesday morning after losing the ability to steer amid high winds and a dust storm.Shipping sources say the grounding has disrupted regular voyages through the Canal…

JAXPORT Bringing More Jobs to Florida

The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) in Northeast Florida and Volusia County in Central Florida have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes a working relationship to promote each other’s geographical and business advantages. The goal of the partnership is to attract more global businesses to Volusia County, bring more Florida-bound cargo through JAXPORT and create high-wage jobs for Florida.Under the agreement, JAXPORT and Volusia County will work together to attract new distribution…

Harvey Appointed as Chief Executive of Windship Technology

U.K.-based Windship Technology said its board of directors has confirmed the appointment of Graham Harvey as chief executive officer. Harvey's remit will be to convert the progress that has been made in the overall Windship Technology auxiliary wind power system and to commercialize the proposition, the company said.Harvey has spent a lifetime in and around the marine industry having studied ship science at the University of Southampton. A member of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects…

The Path to Zero: Study Shows Hydrogen-Based Ship Fuel Projects on the Rise

The Getting to Zero Coalition’s updated Mapping of Zero Emission Pilots and Demonstration Projects uncovers emerging trends, sees a strong climb in the number of identified projects as well as increased activities in Asia.The 'fuel of the future' debate is one of the hottest topics in maritime circles, as shipowners eye ever tightening emission regulations through 2050. While there is no 'silver bullet' solution, the Getting to Zero Coalition’s biannual Mapping of Zero Emission Pilots and Demonstration Projects outlines the spread and scope of existing zero emission projects…

Winter Storm Takes a Toll on Port Houston Volumes

Port Houston reported a dip in container volumes for the month of February after a severe winter storm shut port facilities for nearly a week, bringing cargo movements to a virtual standstill.The lethal storm and impact of sub-freezing temperatures on both commerce and activity at Port Houston resulted in a tough month as vessel calls and terminal activities were suspended. Port Houston—the dominant container port on the Gulf Coast and sixth largest in the U.S.—handled 198,763 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in February of 2021, compared to 255,474 TEUs in February 2020.

Marine Transportation System Innovative Conference Set for March 15-17, 2021

The 6th Biennial Marine Transportation System Innovative Science and Technology Conference, hosted by the CMTS and the Transportation Research Board, will be held virtually from March 15-17, 2021. The theme of the upcoming conference is “Advancing the Marine Transportation System through Automation and Autonomous Technologies: Trends, Applications and Challenges," and it will showcase current and emerging innovative science and technologies related to maritime transportation.

Comment Period Open for Baltimore Tunnel Project

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration (MDOT MPA) announced release of the federally approved Environmental Assessment for the project to reconstruct the CSX-owned, 126-year-old Howard Street Tunnel in Baltimore to allow for double-stacked intermodal container trains to and from the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore. Double stacking allows two shipping containers stacked on top of each other, and this project will increase container capacity…

Brunswick Appoints Arbuckle as Marine Autonomy Technology Lead

Brunswick Corporation, in a move to to build on its ACES (Autonomy, Connectivity, Electrification & Shared Access) strategy to develop solutions to further improve boater experiences, named Jason Arbuckle to a newly formed role of Marine Autonomy Technology Lead. Arbuckle joined Mercury Marine in 1997 and has since advanced through the company, working to lead some of the company’s many award-winning innovative technology solutions. Throughout his career, Arbuckle has been instrumental…

Corpus Christi, Rotterdam Ports Announce Partnership

The U.S.’ largest energy export gateway and Europe’s leading industrial deepsea port have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding that will allow the two global entities to collaboratively improve their global maritime operations.The Port of Corpus Christi and the Port of Rotterdam have outlined a number of shared objectives, which include codeveloping trade and commercial opportunities, fostering an exchange of information, and advancing the development and deployment of innovative technologies specifically related to navigational safety and environmental protection.Sean Strawbridge…

Wärtsilä and Ocean Technologies Group Partner on Maritime Training

Simulation and training solutions provider Wärtsilä Voyage and knowledge and technology solutions provider Ocean Technologies Group (OTG) say they have partnered in an effort to enhance safety and efficiency in the maritime sector.With complementary converging digital technologies and platforms, Wärtsilä Voyage and OTG will provide industry stakeholders an opportunity to be connected on a single end-to-end learning journey, combining on-demand digital training and assessment, virtual and simulation events via cloud-based solutions…

Tech File: COBRA Battery System Receives Class Certification

With DNV GL certification obtained in February 2021, the COBRA battery system from Becker Marine Systems can be used for a wide range of inland waterway and maritime shipping applications, and due to demand, Becker is expanding COBRA production at its Winsen (Luhe) location.Tailor-made for maritime, the COBRA system now has full certification including IEC 62619 and IEC 62620 and can now be installed on board inland waterway and ocean-going vessels. “We have achieved the highest…

RECOTUG: Development Starts on 'World-First' Remote-Control Tugboat

Svitzer, Kongsberg Maritime and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) signed a deal to jointly develop the RECOTUG, touted as the world’s first commercial tug to be fully operated from a remote operations center on shore.Each organization delivers a unique perspective: Svitzer brings operational experience; Kongsberg brings remote control systems and autonomous technology; and ABS brings guidance for regulatory approval.The RECOTUG project's aim is to develop a remotely controlled…

Port Houston Reports Solid Container Volumes

Container activity at Port Houston remained solid in January, easily surpassing the 250,000-unit mark and setting the stage for a strong 2021 if that pace continues.The number of containers handled in January 2021 was the second-highest January on record, behind only January of 2020. Port Houston handled 255,039, twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), compared to January of last year, when 268,773,000 TEUs were handed.Loaded container imports totaled 121,578 TEUs last month, which was the fourth highest month on record for imports.

Demystifying Cyber Security

Recent cyber attacks to the US Government, the IMO, Maersk, amongst others has caused the world to pay attention to criminal cyber activities by foreign states, terrorists, and criminals. The cyber attack against CMA CGM shut down services for close on two weeks. Two days later, on October 30th the IMO was held hostage by a cyber attack. These attacks follow attacks earlier this year against MSC and COSCO.As of January 1, 2021 all vessels that have a safety management system must address cyber security in order to maintain ISM certification.

DNV GL Advises ‘Mind the (Safety) Gap’ as Maritime Transforms

A new approach to safety is necessary along the maritime industry's rapid transition to a decarbonized, digitally smart future, says classification society DNV GL in a new white paper released this week, and as discussed on Maritime Reporter TV with Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV GL - Maritime and Fenna van de Merwe, Principal Consultant at DNV GL, the report’s author.The white paper entitled “Closing the Safety Gap in an Era of Transformation”, identifies a looming “safety gap”…

DNV GL Sees 'Safety Gaps' on Path to Digitalization, Decarbonization

A new approach to safety is necessary along the maritime industry's rapid transition to a decarbonized, digitally smart future, says classification society DNV GL in a new white paper released Tuesday.The white paper, “Closing the safety gap in an era of transformation”, identifies a looming “safety gap” between shipping’s existing approach to safety risks and its ambitions for greater digitalization and the adoption of alternative fuels. According to DNV GL, the new technologies…

Port of Baltimore Bests Its Container Moves Record

The Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore reports it has again topped its record for most container moves from a single ship.The 6,000 container moves conducted by longshore workers from the Maersk Edinburgh at the Seagirt Marine Terminal this week are the most ever in the port's the 315-year history. Maersk Edinburgh arrived at the port on Monday, February 8, and left early Thursday, February 11. The final container move was completed at 9:40 p.m. Wednesday.The new high mark—which counts the number of times an imported container is unloaded from a ship…

Ship Tech: GHG Emission Reduction focus of NYK LNG-Fueled PCTC Newbuilds

NYK has concluded a shipbuilding contract with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Nanjing) Co. Ltd. for four LNG-fueled PCTCs to be delivered from 2022 to 2023, intended to transport vehicles mainly to/from Europe and/or to the Middle East.The ships are designed with GHG emission reduction, and to that end they will be outfieed with WinGD’s X-DF2.0 iCER main engine, the first time they will be utilized in the world. According to NYK, the engine consumes less gas and reduces GHG by cutting methane emissions from exhaust gas by approximately 50%.

Yara Marine Technologies Revisits Shore Power

While the EU parliament call for an emissions ban at berth, Yara Marine Technologies announced a partnership with NG3 signaling the return of cold ironing to its green tech portfolio."We used to do shore power projects on ships some years ago, but the market was too slow. Now however, with new regulation and grants supporting shipowner’s shore power investments, we are back in the business of shore power," said Aleksander Askeland CSO at Yara Marine Technologies. "Together with…

India Lines Up Port for Rice, Exports to Surge Amid Global Shortage

India’s southern state of Andhra Pradesh will use a deepwater port to export rice for the first time in decades amid a global shortage of the grain, according to a government order seen by Reuters, which could raise shipments this year by a fifth.The order, issued late on Wednesday, allows Kakinada Deep Water Port to handle rice until more capacity is created at the adjoining Anchorage Port.Congestion at the Kakinada Anchorage Port, India’s biggest rice-handling facility, had led to a waiting period of up to four weeks compared with the normal wait of about a week…

Callan Marine Wins Dredging Work at Port of Corpus Christi

Texas-based dredging contractor Callan Marine said it has been awarded the long-term contract for maintenance and new work dredging of the Port of Corpus Christi.The Port of Corpus Christi is the third most profitable port in the United States and is the second-largest exporter of crude oil. The channel itself is 36-miles long, with 30+ ship berths serving the cargo, dry and liquid bulk, breakbulk, and wind energy industries.Under its multi-year contract, Callan Marine will provide maintenance and new work dredging of the various docks at the port…

Ocean Technologies Learning Platform for Wallem

Wallem has signed an agreement with the Ocean Technologies Group to implement its recently launched OCEAN Learning Platform.The OCEAN Learning Platform is designed to deliver blended learning, assessment and competency management solutions to improve knowledge, skills and behavioural development. The new platform will boost learner interaction and engagement and drive the very best learning outcomes. Wallem’s 7,000 seafarers will access training content on board and ashore, track…

Maine Maritime Academy Partners with SailPlan

Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) announced Tuesday it is partnering with maritime technology company SailPlan to accelerate the development of an intelligent vessel’s navigation platform and shoreside vessel control.The academy said it equip its fleet, including the autonomous 41-foot workboat R/V Quickwater, with the Reston, Va. based startup’s intelligent navigation platform. SailPlan will provide real-time fleet location and health monitoring to MMA’s Shore Control Center resulting in unparalleled vessel telemetry being made available shoreside.

Managing Risk: Shipowners Not Meeting Emission Regs Face a Big Business Risk

There is  increasing pressure for shipowners to sharpen their environmental performance, driven by an IMO target to halve greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by 2050, regional regulations and market pull from charterers, banks and investors.“This represents a whole new ball game for the industry. Optimization of ship operations has traditionally been dictated by the efficiency of delivery around the globe that has typically meant being able to sail at full speed, thereby burning more fuel, to minimize costs for the charterer.

ORE Catapult taps Oceanspace Communication for PR Services

The UK’s Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult Selects Oceanspace Communications for Public Relations & Campaign SupportSpecialist maritime and offshore PR firm joins new team tasked with elevating the British businesses, people and technologies leading the charge against global warmingThe Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult has appointed Oceanspace Communications to its new Public Relations, Graphic Design and Filmography Framework Agreement to provide Public Relations & Campaign Support services.

DP World Antwerp Gateway Orders Fleet of Automated Stacking Cranes

DP World Antwerp Gateway has ordered a fleet of 34 Automated Stacking Cranes for its container terminal in Antwerp, Belgium. The Konecranes Gottwald ARMGs will be an expansion to the current fleet of 20 currently in operation. The first batch will be delivered in Q2 2022, the last batch by 2026. This order was booked in December 2020.DP World Antwerp Gateway was very motivated to continue their current operating concept, using their current ASC system delivered by Gottwald in 2006.

MSC Eyes Hydrogen as Containership Fuel

Container shipping giant Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) said it is working to advance the exploration viability of hydrogen and fuels derived from it as potentially viable fuel sources for its vessels.The initiative is part of the Swiss-Italian shipping line’s wider approach to decarbonization which has already seen the company pioneer the use of biofuels as a blended marine fuel, and on Tuesday MSC said it joined the Hydrogen Council, an industry body, to help drive R&D…

Carisbrooke Shipping, SMT Shipping Partner with Nautilus Labs

Nautilus Labs, a technology firm aiming to advance the efficiency of ocean commerce through artificial intelligence, announced its partnership to optimize fleet performance with joint venture partners Carisbrooke Shipping and SMT Shipping. Both Carisbrooke, based in Cowes UK, and SMT, based in Limassol, Cyprus, are dry cargo and multipurpose vessel owner/operators.Having first teamed up in October 2019, Carisbrooke and Nautilus have since expanded their partnership to over half of the Carisbrooke fleet.

Schulte Group Acquires Rescompany

Schulte Group invests in digital technology for the cruise sector by acquiring software provider Rescompany. Rescompany Systems Ltd. (Resco) is a provider of advanced hospitality software solutions to the cruise industry, and with its integrated ship to shore software systems, was seen as a perfect match to the services offered by Schulte Group member and digital technology company MariApps Marine Solutions (MariApps). Together, the two companies will be able to offer a comprehensive…

Sævik Named Managing Director of New Havyard Ship Technology

Karsten Sævik has been named managing director of the New Havyard Ship Technology AS (NHST) shipyard in Leirvik, Norway, replacing outgoing managing director, Erlend Hatleberg, who has chosen to seek new opportunities outside the Havyard Group, the company announced Tuesday.Sævik brings to the role high-level experience in vessel construction and operations, having previously held roles as VP of projects and newbuilding at Odfjell ASA, CEO at Remøy Shipping and CEO at Ulstein Verft.The new managing director joins NHTS at a time of transition following last year's bankruptcy.

Partners Developing Electric, Hydrogen and Automation-ready Terminal Tractors

Working to address growing demand for environmentally sustainable terminal tractor solutions in port, terminal and distribution center markets, Hyster-Yale Group and Capacity Trucks are joining forces to codevelop electric and hydrogen-powered terminal tractors with automation-ready capabilities. Having signed a memorandum of understanding, the partners say initial prototypes are targeted to be available in 2021 for market testing.The collaboration leverages each company’s product expertise in the global material handling solutions market…

Via Kaizen Project Aims to Deliver AI-powered Ship Ops Support System

A group of Swedish technology entrepreneurs and academics joined forces to accelerate the research and development of an AI-based, semi-autonomous system for planning and executing more energy efficient sea voyages.Leading the effort is Lean Marine, aiming to deliver a ground-breaking R&D project to accelerate the tech development, realization, and adoption of AI-powered ship operation support technology by ship crew and management. The Via Kaizen project is funded by the Swedish Transport Administration…

Inmarsat's Most Powerful Satellite Enters Service

Mobile satellite communications company Inmarsat confirmed commercial service introduction (CSI) of its newest, most powerful geostationary satellite to date. GX5 is the 14th satellite currently in service with Inmarsat and provides additional capacity to Europe and the Middle East on the Fleet Xpress (GX) Ka-band high-speed satellite broadband service designed for the maritime industry.The satellite, launched in November 2019, delivers approximately double the combined capacity of the entire existing GX fleet (GX1-GX4).

Japan's Maritime Industry Powers Forward on "Green" Ships

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Participating in "Planning and Design Center for Greener Ships" focussed on R&D toward Achieving Decarbonized Shipping, and on December 10, 2020, a presentation was held in Yokohama to announce the establishment of the Center.Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. has become a member of "Planning and Design Center for Greener Ships," a core organization established to plan and propose state-of-the-art ships on a continuing basis through integration of the accumulated expertise of Japan's shipbuilding industry.

US Maritime Industry Seeks $3.5 Billion in COVID-19 Relief

In a joint plea to Congressional leadership and Treasury Secretary Steven Munchin this week a host of maritime transportation entities asked that $3.5 billion in COVID-19 relief funding be made available for the U.S. maritime transportation sector, citing “significant hardships” and “unique and unexpected challenges” posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.The letters ask Congress and the Administration to take immediate action to provide the whole of the maritime transportation system…

Seafarers Are Key Workers: It’s “All Hands on Deck” @ WMU to Solve the Seafarer Crisis

Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President, World Maritime University, discussed the ongoing seafarer crisis plus the new report from WMU, A Culture of Adjustment, which outlines systemic failures in the implementation of the regulatory regime for seafarers’ work and rest hours.Search as you like, but you will be hard-pressed to find anyone as passionate about all matters surrounding maritime and seafarers than Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry. Prior to taking the helm as president of the World Maritime University (WMU) six years ago…

CMT Expands Its Leadership Team

Cooper Marine & Timberlands (CMT) has expanded its logistics and business development team through its promotion of Strickler Adams to Director of Marine Logistics and hiring of Alan Dodd as Director of Business Development.As Director of Marine Logistics, Strickler will lead the Cooper Marine & Timberlands vessel and barge logistics team, coordinating the movement of the company’s 400+ barges and 20 towing vessels on the Tennessee-Tombigbee River system and Gulf Intercoastal Waterway.Strickler began his career with Cooper Marine & Timberlands in 2013 as a management trainee…

Wärtsilä Delivers LNG Training Solutions for Anglo-Eastern

Anglo-Eastern has partnered with technology group Wärtsilä to further enhance its simulator training for crew, with the delivery and installation of state-of-the-art, customized LNGPac bunkering and liquid cargo handling simulators at the ship management group’s largest maritime training center in Mumbai this October.Developed by Wärtsilä Voyage, this is a new product for the marine market, reflecting the increasing adoption by fleet owners of LNG fuel and the consequential need…

Maritime Training: Non-Traditional Maritime Simulation

Our COVID-19 maritime world continues to change as our perspectives on education and training with the availability of online learning and conferencing, an increased use of webinars, and the use of simulation technology must evolve if we are to be able to continue to train and maintain skill sets as we navigate the current and predicted restrictions on movement. Changes made now may eventually become fully integrated in to future iterations of training in many industries.An increasing…

CMA CGM Sees Strong Final Quarter on Shipping Recovery

Container shipping group CMA CGM said on Friday shipping activity remained strong in the final quarter of 2020 after a rebound from initial coronavirus-related disruption boosted the French company's third-quarter profits.CMA CGM, the world's fourth-largest container shipping line, said its EBITDA margin rose to 21.0% in the third quarter from 17.2% in the previous quarter and 13.3% in the year-earlier period.Brisk shipping activity should allow CMA CGM to increase the EBITDA margin further in the final quarter, it said.Like market leader Maersk, which this week raised its full-year earnings t

US Grain Exports Via the St. Lawrence Seaway Up 10.7%

Slow progress continues for U.S. Great Lakes-Seaway shipping: U.S. grain exports up 10.7%According to the latest figures, Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway shipping recorded improvements in October with U.S. grain and project cargo shipments helping to lift tonnage volumes in an otherwise turbulent season.A total of 27.7 million metric tons of cargo moved through the St. Lawrence Seaway (April 1 to October 31), down 7.9% from 2019.Year-to-date U.S. grain shipments (wheat, soybeans and corn) via the Seaway totaled 1.3 million metric tons, up 10.7%.

Michels Inks Long-term Lease at Port Milwaukee

Port Milwaukee and Michels Corporation have formally signed a lease agreement for nearly 17.5 acres at the port’s Grand Trunk site along the Kinnickinnic River. The agreement has an initial term of 20 years, and, with extensions, could continue for a total of 99 years.The lease signing is the culmination of a process that included a nationwide request-for-proposals along with approvals by the Board of Harbor Commissioners, the Milwaukee Common Council, and Mayor Tom Barrett.“Michels has made it clear the company wants to grow in Milwaukee, and we welcome that,” Mayor Barrett said.

Oi 50th "Voices": Professor Edward Hill, OBE, Chief Executive, National Oceanography Centre

Oceanology International, the world's largest exhibition and conference for the subsea sector, was originally scheduled for March 2020, subsequently rescheduled to December 2020 due to COVID-19. The organizers last month announced the need to take this iconic event 100% virtual due to the lingering pandemic. Below are insights from Professor Edward Hill, Chief Executive, NOCS, as published in the "Oi 50th Anniversary Edition", published by Marine Technology Reporter and included with the November/December 2020 edition.