Margaret Bauman – Pacific Maritime Magazine

19 Nov

Additional Training for U.S. Coast Guard Recommended by GAO

Margaret BaumanNews, News Briefs, PMM Online Newsgao, training, uscg

A report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office recommends updates in training for the U.S. Coast Guard for emerging missions demands, such as Arctic operations, cybersecurity and modernizing its training efforts. Meeting the mission demands requires enhanced skills and training for the Coast Guard workforce, the GAO said in a report published online Oct. 30. The Coast Guard currently carries out varied duties, including Arctic patrols, cybersecurity and trying to stop illegal fishing in the Western Hemisphere. Its training command delivered over 400 unique training courses to more than 23,000 Coast Guard students in fiscal year 2023. While the Coast…

12 Nov

Guam Port to Replace Aging Gantry Cranes

Margaret BaumanNews Briefs, PMM Online Newsgantrycranes, portofguam

Port Authority of Guam directors have authorized a multi-step bid process to replace the port’s aging gantry cranes, the port authority announced in a Nov. 3 newsletter. The board’s action authorized Port General Manager Rory J. Respicio to issue an invitation for a bid structured to procure up to three new gantry cranes, contingent on funding. This would allow the port flexibility to initially acquire one, two or three cranes that meet rigorous specifications, including cybersecurity measures and storm resilience to withstand Guam’s extreme weather conditions, the report said. According to the announcement in the newsletter, the port’s current cranes,…

11 Jun

Vigor Begins Production of Army Landing Craft

Margaret BaumanNews, News Briefs, PMM Online Newselroyfwells, johnlewis, vigorindustrial

Vigor Industrial has begun initial production in Vancouver, Wash. on the Maneuver Support Vehicle (Light) vessel for the U.S. Army, the company announced June 4. The new generation military landing craft is expected to replace the Vietnam-era Landing Craft Mechanized 8, Vigor said in its announcement. Vigor completed and launched the prototype vessel, Elroy F. Wells, in 2022 and in June 2024 began work on the next phase of the new $1 billion job, which is expected to employ over 180 workers over the next five years. Vigor Vice President of Fabrication Jayson Robinson said the new vessel represents a…

02 Apr

Port of Guam Appeals for Funds to Replace Aging Gantry Cranes

Margaret BaumanNews, News Briefs, PMM Online Newsgantrycranes, portofguam, stscranes

Port of Guam officials, citing national cybersecurity objectives, have appealed to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg for Maritime Administration (MARAD) funds to replace three aging STS (ship-to-shore) gantry cranes. Gantry cranes are usually on wheels or mounted onto a track system. They’re easier and quicker to assemble than other types of cranes, and can be easily moved outside and inside and from site to site where required. Gantry cranes are also more flexible and versatile than overhead cranes, also known as bridge cranes. In addition, they’re self-sufficient and supported by their own A frames. “Our reliance on aging infrastructure, which…

21 Dec

Oakland Harbor Turn Basin Widening Plan Moves Forward

Margaret BaumanNews, News Briefs, PMM Online News

A report on widening the Oakland Harbor turning basins so that bigger container vessels can come to the Port of Oakland is moving forward. The public can weigh in on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers San Francisco District’s draft Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Assessment until Jan. 31. San Francisco District Commander Lt. Col. Kevin Arnett called the draft a major milestone in an ongoing effort “to catch waves of new ships for the East Bay.” "Back in 2009 we celebrated deepening Oakland Harbor to minus-50 feet to allow for bigger, longer ships, and to ensure the port's benefit…