Survey of mariners during COVID finds heightened anxiety, isolation

Survey of mariners during COVID finds heightened anxiety, isolation

Mariners across the United States are being asked to take a confidential mental health survey as federal agencies, vessel operators, maritime unions and other industry stakeholders strive to identify the most pressing needs during the pandemic and determine what can be done to alleviate them. The online survey, which is ongoing through May 31, can be completed in 10 minutes.…
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Mariners not a priority for states during COVID vaccine rollout

Mariners not a priority for states during COVID vaccine rollout

As millions of Americans receive their COVID-19 vaccines, there is a vital group of workers who are still not being given priority: mariners. Because the vaccines are being administered by state governments, there is no mechanism nationally to put mariners at the front of the line, even though they are crucial in delivering essential goods across the country. As of…
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McAllister adapts to COVID with new  protocols for crews, offices

McAllister adapts to COVID with new protocols for crews, offices

With a year of the pandemic behind us, McAllister Towing continues to adjust to the effects that COVID-19 has had on the tugboat industry worldwide. “The initial pandemic outbreak brought a slowdown of business, which resulted in a number of employees being furloughed,” said Capt. Steven Kress, vice president of operations for McAllister. “Some of the employees were never brought…
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A year into pandemic, thousands ‘essentially indentured’ on ships

A year into pandemic, thousands ‘essentially indentured’ on ships

Around the world, upward of 400,000 seafarers — and counting — are serving beyond their contracts as crew changes still don’t occur as regularly as they did before the COVID-19 pandemic. “There are more than 300,000 seafarers essentially indentured on their ships because they can’t get relieved,” said Donald Marcus, president of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots…
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Authorities take COVID action against tour operators in NYC, Boston

Authorities take COVID action against tour operators in NYC, Boston

Excursion boat companies in New York City and Boston were the targets of enforcement action by authorities this summer for violations of COVID-19 regulations. On Aug. 1, the captain and owners of Liberty Belle were arrested in New York for defying the state’s coronavirus social-distancing mandate on a crowded cruise. When the four-deck riverboat returned to Pier 36 in Lower…
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Pandemic delaying full impact of global 0.5 percent sulfur fuel cap

The full impact of the global 0.5 percent sulfur fuel cap, implemented by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Jan. 1, 2020, has yet to be felt due to the slowdown in trade caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent decrease in fuel usage. According to Kathy Metcalf, president and CEO of the Chamber of Shipping of America, the…
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COVID-19 brings uncertainty, fresh  challenges for American shipbuilders

COVID-19 brings uncertainty, fresh challenges for American shipbuilders

U.S. shipbuilders responded with characteristic resolve when the COVID-19 pandemic reached North American shores. Workers adapted to new safety protocols and managers overcame supply chain hiccups to keep projects moving forward. But many of these shipyards now face another challenge altogether: Finding new work to keep their yards humming. “We are getting through it, but we are not through it…
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COVID-19 threatens once-robust passenger vessel market

COVID-19 threatens once-robust passenger vessel market

The passenger boat market has been relatively strong over the past few years, driven largely by ferry operators on all three coasts replacing older vessels and adding to existing fleets. Meanwhile, the relatively robust economy stoked demand for new excursion and tourist vessels. The COVID-19 pandemic has, at least for now, paused demand for new passenger vessels. There is still…
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