march-april-2024 – Page 2 – Pacific Maritime Magazine

Maritime Security: 2023’s Attacks, Pitfalls and Impacts

The maritime industry continues to be a target for cyberattacks. In 2023, the industry witnessed increased cyberattacks, with ransomware and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks being the most predominant. We hope to raise awareness about these threats, focusing on the incidents that occurred in 2023, while providing some insights into effective defense strategies. Of note, a useful resource to view a record of global maritime cyberattacks is in the NHL Stenden, University of Applied Sciences Maritime Cyberattack Database at http://tinyurl.com/dejyercr. It’s a free resource that was referred to when preparing this article. Cyberattacks: Financial and Business Consequences An October…

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…

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,…

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…

Coast Guard Conducts Compliance Exam at Port of Guam

U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam conducted a Certificate of Compliance (COC) examination on the MSC Bellissima, a 1,036-foot cruise ship flagged out of Malta, at the Port of Guam on Jan. 3. “This examination underscores the U.S. Coast Guard’s role in maritime safety and its integral part in bolstering local commerce and tourism, which are lifelines of the island’s economy,” the Guard said in a statement. “This is our first cruise ship exam since 2018 and the largest since the Norwegian Joy in 2016,” Chief Warrant Officer Jennifer Thomas, an inspector with U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, said.…

Coast Guard Urges Preparedness for Hazardous Maritime Conditions

Due to recent strong winds through coastal waters and high surf conditions with large breakers that have created hazardous conditions, the U.S. Coast Guard recently urged mariners and members of the public in the Pacific Northwest to take precautions to ensure their safety. The Guard’s safety tips for mariners and the public include: Stay informed: Stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and advisories. Monitor National Weather Service forecasts for Washington and Oregon. Monitor port restrictions and bar reports by visiting weather.gov. Secure boats: Owners should ensure their vessels are properly secured or relocated to a safe location. Double-check mooring…

West Coast Freight Transport Projects Chosen for Federal Investment

The U.S. Department of Transportation on Jan. 25 awarded funding to 11 projects through the fiscal year 2023-24 National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) program, including two projects in the Pacific Northwest and one in Southern California. The Mega program funds large, complex projects that are difficult to fund by other means and likely to generate national or regional economic, mobility, or safety benefits. Congress established the program in 2021 through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and dedicated $5 billion to the program over a five-year period. The most recent awards were the second round of funding, worth roughly $2 billion.…

BRIX Marine Delivers Shark Tours Catamaran

Port Angeles, Wash.-based BRIX Marine in January said that it has delivered Kamohoali’i, a state-of-the-art 40-foot by 14-foot Classic Tunnel Catamaran (CTC), purpose-built for Haleiwa Shark Tours on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Kamohoali’i is powered by twin Volvo 380HP D6 diesel engines, which are renowned in the industry for commercial-grade reliability. “With Seastar Optimus inboard steering systems and EPS Smart Cylinders, the vessel ensures dynamic propulsion, optimal performance and precise maneuverability through Hawaiian waters,” BRIX said in a statement. A standout feature of Kamohoali’i according to BRIX is the Garmin navigation system, including a 12-inch Volvo glass cockpit…

BC Ferries Awards Contract for New Hybrid Electric Vessels

British Columbia Ferry Services (BC Ferries) said in mid-January that it has chosen Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Group to build four new hybrid electric vessels to add capacity and help improve the travel experience for passengers. BC Ferries said that it plans to operate the new vessels exclusively in battery-electric mode, using renewable hydroelectricity. Through a separate contract, BC Ferries is also initiating corresponding electrical upgrades for shore-based rapid charging at the four terminals on these routes in time for ship delivery. “The new hybrid electric vessels will further standardize our fleet, both increasing capacity and improving our flexibility to…

Newsmakers

Coast Guard Captain Named POLB Security Director The Port of Long Beach’s harbor commission in late January approved the appointment of U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Ryan Manning as the port’s security director. Manning, currently Captain of the Port of Los Angeles-Long Beach and Commander of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, is joining the POLB following his retirement at the end of March. In his present role, Manning leads a team of 550 active duty, reserve and civilian personnel and a 750-member volunteer auxiliary workforce. This team facilitates regional partnerships and conducts federal maritime safety, security, law enforcement and environmental…