The end of 2019 promises to be a busy, and potentially discordant, legislative and regulatory period for the United States maritime industry as both Congress and the Executive Branch look to take decisive action, with both positive and negative potential impacts depending on your perspective.
At one time the most powerful lighthouse in the United States was Twin Lights in Highlands New Jersey. Today it is a wonderful little museum and right now it has a very interesting show of paintings by Maarten Platje on the War of 1812. One painting is called the Great Chase and it tells this amazing story of the US Frigate Constitution being becalmed off the New Jersey coast and becoming
Short-sea RoRo company UECC has confirmed an option with China Ship Building Trading Co., Ltd and Jiangnan Shipyard Group Co. Ltd. for a third hybrid-battery LNG vessel, this time for use on UECC’s Atlantic short-sea trade routes.“This order is another step in our commitment to cleaner shipping,” said Glenn Edvardsen, CEO of UECC.
Japanese shipping giant Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line) has taken delivery of a 88,000 dwt coal carrier from compatriot shipbuilder Imabari Shipbuilding in Marugame.Named Corona Citrus, the vessel was delivered on September 11 for electric utility Electric Power Development Co. Ltd.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) today announced the designation of nine Marine Highway Projects and a Marine Highway Route that will benefit Connecticut, Florida, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Washington State and American Samoa. Marine highways are navigable waterways that can be used as alternate options to traditional shipping methods.
Norway-based floating LNG giant Höegh LNG has signed a time charter contract for a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) Höegh Galleon with Cheniere Marketing International.The time charter commences in September 2019 after the delivery of the unit, Höegh LNG’s tenth, from Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.
Bergen-headquartered shipping company Utkilen said it has taken delivery of Mostraum, the LNG-ready 10,500 DWT chemical tanker.The vessel is stainless steel tanker and is a very environmentally friendly design with focus on low fuel consumption, reduced NOx emissions and to prepare her for possible future upgrades of fuel with the installed LNG ready engine, claimed a press release.
Alabama's historic Gee's Bend Ferry recently entered service after being converted from geared-diesel to become the first zero-emission, electric-powered passenger/car ferry in the United States. Owned by the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) and operated by HMS Ferries, the 15-vehicle/132-passenger ferry runs on the Alabama River between Camden and Boykin, AL.
Wight Shipyard Co. (WSC) debuts a hybrid patrol vessel designed to reduce both fuel costs and engine maintenance.“This ground-breaking project aims to set new standards in high speed, fuel economy and light weight vessels in the sector. Building greener vessels has been an integral focus for some time now so moving into hybrid options is the obvious next step forward,” said Peter Morton, CEO
Hong Kong-based Orient Overseas International Ltd. (OOIL) said that it will sell Long Beach Container Terminal (LBCT) to a consortium led by Australia’s Macquarie Group for $1.78 billion.OOIL, which is majority-owned by Cosco Shipping Holdings, was the terminal operator under a lease agreement with the port.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding held a christening ceremony on February 21 for the next-generation LNG (liquefied natural gas) carrier currently under construction for Mitsui & Co., Ltd.The new ship, named Marvel Crane, is a design that significantly improves both LNG carrying capacity and fuel performance due to the adoption of efficient hull structure and hybrid propulsion system.
Maritime Challenges in the 116th Congress.The 116th Congress, with its now Democrat-controlled House and 110 newly-elected members, faces a choice. On one hand, Congress can continue to pursue the status quo, supporting U.S.-flag vessel operators and domestic port infrastructure development through existing programs, with suboptimal results. On the other, the 116th Congress can choose to be bold.