Polar Star swaps penguins for polar bears, overcomes Arctic hurdles

Polar Star swaps penguins for polar bears, overcomes Arctic hurdles

Despite “absolutely treacherous” conditions, the recent Arctic mission by the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Polar Star — the nation’s only heavy icebreaker — has been deemed a major success by the vessel’s commanding officer. “I’m incredibly proud of this crew,” Capt. William Woityra told Professional Mariner in March. Polar Star left Seattle in early December after quarantining and double rounds…
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‘High highs, low lows’: Great Lakes-Seaway ports ride out pandemic

‘High highs, low lows’: Great Lakes-Seaway ports ride out pandemic

The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System carried an impressive amount of cargo in 2020 despite COVID-19 limitations. Overall tonnage for the navigation season, which ran from March 25, 2020 to Jan. 15, 2021, was only down 1.7 percent compared with 2019 for U.S. and Canadian ports that use the waterways.  How was that possible? “Despite the incredible challenges of the…
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Mariner training after COVID: Will online render ‘hands-on’ obsolete?

Mariner training after COVID: Will online render ‘hands-on’ obsolete?

An emerging trend before the pandemic, online training has now become a major element in maintaining and improving mariner skills almost everywhere — with consequences that so far seem to be mostly positive. Ukraine-based Danica Crewing Services recently conducted a broad survey of mariners that included questions about online training. Fifty-three percent of seafarers said they receive some sort 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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