Features – Page 3 – Pacific Maritime Magazine

Green Tech Coming to Marine Propulsion – Just Don’t Ditch the Diesel

It’s common to think “green” when discussing new technologies, including in the marine fuel and propulsion arena. And based on discussions with developers of marine propulsion systems, the green movement is coming – it’s just not quite there yet, and the technology won’t replace standard diesel engines anytime soon. Dave Hughes, a U.S. marine sales manager for Scania, the large Swedish manufacturer, is excited about new green technologies. However, he told Pacific Maritime, he believes diesel power and other traditional propulsion systems will still be in operation and in demand for some time. “There’s been a lot of research and…

Regional Update: California Ports

Data show that in 2023, maritime cargo numbers at most California ports started to stabilize to pre-pandemic levels, and officials have zeroed in on key priorities. Last year, the state’s ports were awarded millions in grant funding for projects focused on infrastructure, the supply chain and environmental goals. Ports kicked off projects, installed equipment and implemented new public programs. For some, cargo volume numbers grew and they prepared to compete for more business. This year is set to continue that momentum as seaports all along the Golden State’s coastline have ambitious plans already in place. Pacific Maritime reached out to…

LA, Long Beach Port Execs Outline 2024 Goals, Priorities

During their annual “State of the Port” speeches in January, the heads of the adjoining Los Angeles and Long Beach seaports outlined their goals and priorities, which include increasing market share, cleaning the environment and developing wind energy. Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka gave his ninth annual “State of the Port” address on Jan. 10 at the POLA’s World Cruise Center terminal. The speech took place as part of a luncheon attended by about 550 community, business and labor stakeholders. The event was sponsored by the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association. During his nearly 40-minute speech and presentation,…

Marine Construction Update

Whether it’s expanding marinas in Southern California or shoring up the structural integrity of dock structures, West Coast maritime heavy civic engineering and construction companies have been playing a major role in keeping essential marine structures active and growing. And while many of the projects are specific to the West Coast, these firms are also extending their reach to other parts of the U.S. and overseas. Here is a look at some ongoing and planned maritime construction projects being performed by West Coast-based companies. Power Engineering Construction Northern California-based Power Engineering, a major West Coast civil and marine engineering construction…

Spill Response + Recovery: 2024 Update

From difficult weather conditions to the state of a location in the aftermath of a disaster, a number of factors come into play when an oil spill occurs. And while many of them are out of one’s control, experts in this field know that one of the factors they can control is the ability to quickly respond to a spill. “The faster you can get there, the quicker you can contain it and the more likely you can mitigate the impact of the damage of that spill,” said Michael Lowry, a spokesman for Western Canada Marine Response Corp., an organization…

West Coast Offshore Wind Projects in the Works

Although offshore wind projects are common along the East Coast, the West Coast has yet to see any turbines dot the horizon. However, that’s expected to change in the coming years, as the waters have opened up in California (and are on their way in Oregon and Washington). Plans for floating systems are in the works, as well as land-side supporting facilities. In 2021, several federal departments announced a shared goal to deploy 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy in the U.S. by 2030. In 2022, President Biden followed that up with an additional objective: 15 GW of floating…

Offshore Wind’s Risks, Opportunities Explored in Report

Offshore Wind (OSW) is a rapidly growing industry with a heightened policy focus under the Biden administration, which is pushing development of OSW around the country, including several planned West Coast projects. It is also a big issue for the commercial fishing industry and has been making commercial fishermen anxious for a number of reasons. Unanswered questions include how floating wind turbines could affect California’s marine life (with noise from building and running wind farms a consideration), as well as whether electromagnetic fields could harm Pacific Coast salmon and other fish stocks. Now, a new report from a global insurer…

Ocean and Coastal Towing: A Bustling Business

From rescuing vessels in distress to moving millions of tons of cargo, the tugboat, tow boat and barge industry on the West Coast has been bustling with business activity in recent years, a trend that doesn’t appear be easing anytime soon. To prepare for that demand, West Coast towing companies have been investing in new vessels and equipment, many of them built with sustainability in mind, and grow the workforce. Here’s a look at what various coastal ocean and coastal towing companies are doing in the region and beyond. Crowley Crowley Maritime has experienced growth over the last 12 months,…

Pacific Northwest Ports: Investing in Infrastructure

From multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects to facilities dedicated to the development of the region’s workforce, seaports in the Pacific Northwest are making investments to stay competitive. Those investments in the Puget Sound are being supported by local, state and federal funding. The latest announcement came from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration, which announced in early November that four projects in the region were among the recipients in the latest round of Port Infrastructure Development Program grants. That includes $25.3 million for Port of Astoria’s Pier 2 West Rehabilitation Project, $7.7 million toward the Ko’Kwel Wharf Improvements Project in North…

Oregon Begins Derelict Removal Program at Astoria Shipyard

This past summer, a challenging environmental demolition project was put out for bid by Oregon’s Department of State Lands (DSL). The scrapping of an 86-foot derelict hull named Tiffany was to be a demonstration project for the agency’s new program to remove a number of the state’s larger derelict vessels. This required that the entire process meet strict standards to avoid any chance of oil or chemical spills. The contract was won by Global Diving and Salvage of Seattle, with Astoria-based WCT Marine & Construction sub-contracting the floating assets to salvage the vessel and its secure onshore location to recycle…