Falling ridership during COVID puts ferry system budgets in jeopardy
As…
Author: Gary Wollenhaupt
Analysis points to faulty loading, low ballast in Golden Ray rollover
While the salvage of the sunken vehicle carrier Golden Ray was delayed for months due to COVID-19 and the hurricane season, analysis by the U.S. Coast Guard has determined a possible cause for the rollover: a combination of vehicles…
LCA calls Canadian ballast water proposal ‘economic power grab’
The tugboat Jimmy L. assists the articulated tug-barge unit Integrity as it discharges ballast water upon arrival in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. A Canadian proposal would require U.S.-flagged “lakers” that take on ballast water in Canada to…
A century in its wake, Jones Act faces new era of challenges
One hundred years after being enacted, the Jones Act is still mired in controversy.
Coronavirus masks effects of IMO’s low-sulfur fuel mandate
As the coronavirus disrupted global trade in the first few months of 2020, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reported a “relatively smooth” transition to its 0.5 percent sulfur cap for fuel.
Shipping proposes $5 billion research program to cut CO2 output
A global shipping consortium is proposing a levy of $2 per metric ton of bunker fuel for research and development to help eliminate carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the industry.
Coast Guard proposes first decrease in Lakes pilot rates in six years
The U.S. Coast Guard has proposed a rate decrease of about 1 percent for the three Great Lakes pilots’ associations for 2020, the first reduction after a five-year stretch of double-digit increases.
EPA plans regulatory relief for certain Tier 4 engines, vessels
Despite nine years of advance notice, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a three-year deadline extension so marine engine manufacturers and boatbuilders can meet Tier 4 emissions standards for vessels with lightweight and high-powered diesel engines.
Great Lakes pilot rates rise by double digits for fifth year in a row
U.S. pilot rates on the Great Lakes rose 11 percent for the 2019 season under a new final rule from the U.S. Coast Guard.
IMO moves ahead with stricter efficiency targets for new ships
International shipping will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent from 2008 levels by 2050 under new measures adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Trump pledges not to waive Jones Act for LNG shipments
After an outcry from the maritime industry, President Trump pledged not to waive Jones Act requirements in order to boost domestic shipments of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
ICS warns FONAR isn’t ‘free pass’ to skirt new low-sulfur rule
Questions about adequate supplies and quality of low-sulfur bunker fuel continue to loom as the maritime industry prepares for the transition to 0.5 percent fuel on Jan. 1, 2020.
Autonomous Navy vessel sails from San Diego to Hawaii and back
In a high-profile trial run in January, Sea Hunter, an unmanned surface vessel operated by the Office of Naval Research, navigated from San Diego to Pearl Harbor and back without a single crewmember on board.
Government shutdown hampers US maritime offices, credentialing
During the 35-day partial shutdown of the U.S. government, a number of key agencies serving the maritime industry were closed or severely understaffed, leading to delays for services and employees working without pay.
Shipping coalition sues again over Great Lakes pilotage rates
Great Lakes pilotage rates for 2018 are the target of a new lawsuit alleging the U.S. Coast Guard set rates too high without a mechanism to deal with overcharges.
IMO rejects US-backed bid to delay stricter sulfur limit for fuel
The 0.5 percent sulfur limit for marine fuel is on a clear course for implementation in 2020 after the International Maritime Organization (IMO) blocked a recent attempt to delay the measure.
GAO urges DOT to finish strategy as US-flag cargo fleet shrinks
Preparing the privately owned U.S.-flag cargo fleet to support long-term military operations could require 1,800 more licensed mariners and increased vessel subsidies, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
American shipbuilders brace for impact of tariffs on steel, aluminum
Shipbuilders in the United States are still assessing the impact of the Trump administration’s tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, but many yards are preparing to absorb higher costs as the levies take effect.
IMO takes first steps to develop regulations for autonomous shipping
Shipping regulators are preparing for the eventual coming of MASS: maritime autonomous surface ships.
IMO’s bold blueprint for shipping: Cut carbon emissions 50 percent by 2050
The global shipping industry plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent over the next several decades as a step toward phasing them out entirely, according to a new strategy adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Industry braces for higher fuel costs under new IMO sulfur cap
With the 2020 deadline looming for the International Maritime Organization’s 0.5 percent sulfur fuel cap, vessel operators are facing uncertain financial and practical implications.
IMO enacts new requirements for reporting fuel oil consumption
In early 2020, operators of vessels of 5,000 gross tons and above will have to report fuel oil consumption data under new requirements from the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
California biofouling rules bring new scrutiny, extra documentation
Biofouling regulations stricter than U.S. standards took effect in California in January, affecting the thousands of vessels that call on the state’s ports each year and adding to the paperwork required by mariners.
Independent lab suspends BWMS testing over quality concerns
One of the five U.S.-based independent labs testing ballast water management systems (BWMS) is suspending its evaluations, citing regulatory flaws that have resulted in “significant uncertainties” about the quality of the results.
