The U.S. is expanding its icebreaking fleet to strengthen Arctic and domestic access, and support commercial shipping, seabed resources, subsea cables and fisheries. Current plans include 1–3 heavy Polar Security Cutters (PSCs), 11 medium Arctic Security Cutters (ASCs), seven Homeland Security Cutter (HSC) HSC-L (light) icebreakers, 11 HSC-Ms (medium) and one additional heavy HSC-H (heavy).
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) and CORE POWER (US) Inc. signed an agreement to accelerate the commercial, industrial, and regulatory pathways for U.S.-flagged nuclear-powered commercial ships. Fueled by small modular reactor (SMR) technology
The “Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional” (BRIN), Indonesia’s national agency for research and innovation, has commissioned the French shipbuilder PIRIOU to design and build two research vessels:a multimission offshore hydro-oceanographic vessel (ORV – Ocean Going Research Vessel) and a coastal research vessel (CRV – Coastal Research Vessel).
Cheniere Energy Partners has signed a lump-sum turnkey engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract with Bechtel Energy for the first phase of the Sabine Pass LNG Expansion Project in Louisiana and issued a limited notice to proceed allowing early engineering and procurement work to begin.
Offshore drilling contractor Transocean has agreed to acquire Valaris in an all-stock transaction valued at about $5.8 billion, creating one of the world’s largest offshore drilling contractors with a fleet of 73 drilling rigs.The combined company will have an enterprise value of roughly $17 billion
Frederick Joseph Harris of Mystic CT, passed peacefully at 5:47PM on 10/24/2025, with his family by his side. “Fred” was born on 11/25/1944 at Framingham Union Hospital to Frederick Everett and MaryRosa Camilla Harris.Fred was a proud patriot who loved his country. Fred received his bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering from Maine Maritime Academy (with Honors) in 1967.
Bollinger Shipyards announced the retirement of Rich Murphy as Vice President and General Manager of Bollinger Houma Shipyards and the appointment of Mark Matta Sr. as his successor, effective this week.Houma Shipyards is one of Bollinger's flagship facilities, with active work across the Navy's TATS and LSM programs, the National Science Foundation's RCRV program
![Green Tech: Rise of the [Hull Clening] Robots](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w300h300c/late-last-year-the-us-169588.jpg)
For centuries, shipowners have fought a persistent enemy beneath the waterline: biofouling. Barnacles, algae, slime and other marine organisms attach themselves to hull surfaces, increasing hydrodynamic drag and reducing vessel efficiency. Traditionally, the fight against fouling relied on antifouling coatings, diver cleaning teams, and periodic drydock maintenance.
Seventeen students from seven U.S. and El Salvador maritime academies and universities have been selected as the 2025 recipients of the Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and dedication to their studies related to the maritime industry. The scholarship honors the legacy of Thomas B. Crowley Sr.
Breaux’s Bay Craft delivered its latest aluminum pilot vessel for the Houston Pilots. The first of two, M/V San Jacinto, is the newest addition to the fleet of high-performance pilot boats,designed for precision, built for strength, and finished with a striking red, white, and blue color scheme that reflects the Gulf Coast heritage of the Houston Pilots.
The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved a $3.4 billion annual budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026/27 for the Port of Los Angeles. The financial blueprint calls for increased investments in Port operational and community public-access infrastructure, as well as support for a range of sustainability and technology programs.
Sandmeyer Steel Company, a producer of stainless steel, nickel alloy, and titanium plate products, has appointed R. Paul Sandmeyer, III as President and Chief Operating Officer.This appointment marks the transition to fourth- generation family leadership as the company enters its 75th year.Paul succeeds a distinguished family legacy of leadership.