▶ Medium-sized containerships to be built by 2028, supported by design, procurement, equipment, and strategic technology investmentHD Hyundai launched a strategic shipbuilding collaboration in the United States, signing with U.S.-based Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) to establish a strategic and comprehensive partnership for the construction of U.S. commercial vessels.
U.S. companies that rely on East and Gulf Coast seaports have been importing early, shifting goods to the West Coast, and even putting cargo on pricey flights to hedge against a threatened Oct. 1 strike that could jam supply chains and reignite inflation ahead of the U.S. presidential election.
Representatives from American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), University of Michigan, Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and Sea Forrest Technologies have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore batteries and electrification in maritime applications.The agreement establishes a cooperative framework for the organizations to collaborate on academic and scientific projects related to battery
The Dominican Navy has received its second 85’ x 19.5’ welded aluminum Near Coastal Patrol Vessel (NCPV), built by Louisiana-based boat builder Metal Shark.Christened ARCTURUS CG-114 in keeping with the Dominican tradition of naming military vessels after constellations and celestial bodies, the new patrol craft was built at Metal Shark’s Franklin
On Monday, August 18, 2025, the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) recognized Michigan Congresswoman Lisa McClain for her efforts advocating for the Great Lakes Navigation System and those who live and work on or near the Fourth Sea Coast."It is an incredible honor to be recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force.
Shipments of limestone across the Great Lakes held relatively steady in July 2025, totaling 3.53 million tons — a fractional drop of less than 1% compared to the same month last year, according to the Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA). Despite the minimal year-over-year change, the trade fell 6.7% short of the month’s five-year average, reflecting softer demand from some key markets.
The Great Lakes iron ore trade lost momentum in July, with shipments totaling 5.1 million tons — a 10.9% decline compared to the same month in 2024, according to the Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA). The July volume also came in 1.7% below the five-year average, signaling that weaker conditions are not just a one-month anomaly.The year-to-date picture is similarly soft.
The Coast Guard (including its heritage services) have employed boats since the beginning. Boats are just as important, if not more so, than ever.America’s first “boat force” came about in 1878, with the creation of the United States Life Saving Service (USLSS), whose boat crews rescued mariners in distress along the nation’s coast line.
Ships are designed to operate for decades—often up to 50 years or more. While routine repairs and sometimes major retrofits are expected throughout that lifespan, these vessels must be engineered from the start with longevity in mind. As the maritime industry pushes for greener, low-emission technologies
Skyports Drone Services, a firm specializing in drone delivery and inspection services for healthcare, maritime, logistics and energy use cases, has been conducting a series of Proof-of-Concept Ship-to-Shore beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone flights and deliveries in Michigan’s Great Lakes region.
R.W. Fernstrum & Company, founded by Robert W. Fernstrum 75 years ago, is a quintessential U.S. manufacturing story. The company was born in the aftermath of WWII, founded on an invention developed during the war by Robert Fernstrum to help solve an engine overheating problem that was plaguing U.S. Navy landing craft.
To start, will you please share your personal journey in the shipbuilding industry and what led you to your current role?Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding Inc. was started by Preston Gladding and Richard Hearn in mid-1955. My father, George Duclos, joined them as a minority partner in late 1955, and for $900 owned 20% of the company.