May-June 2023 – Page 3 – Pacific Maritime Magazine

Three Changes the EPA Should Make to the Clean Ports Program

Last fall, the U.S. made a historic $3-billion investment through the Inflation Reduction Act to decarbonize America’s maritime industry. The Clean Ports Program, administered by the Environmental Protection Agency, will provide funding to help port operators cover the cost of replacing their diesel-powered equipment with zero or near-zero emissions alternatives. This is an incredible opportunity to cut emissions at ports, where commercial trucks and other heavy-duty equipment are largely diesel-powered. Port leaders support the transition to cleaner energy, thereby creating a safer work environment, but the legislation doesn’t set operators up for success. To ensure the program will meet its…

Autonomous Ships: Cyber Risks Dead Ahead

I just finished reading the book Intelligent Automation by Pascal Bornet. It’s a fascinating look at the future implementation of artificial intelligence in today’s and future businesses. Since my role is to assess and understand the cybersecurity threats on the maritime sector, Bornet’s book caused me to look for analysis and resources regarding autonomous ships and their implementation. I was surprised at how much has been written on this subject. As an experiment, I suggest you do a Google search on terms such as “autonomous ships,” “autonomous seaports,” etc. I think you’ll be surprised. What I’d like to provide in this…

TPM Panel Tackles Decarbonization

Decarbonizing the supply chain in the coming years will take a collective effort from stakeholders and the robust availability of green fuel to make that happen, panelists said at a Feb. 28 session on “The Route to Carbon-Neutral Shipping and a Multi-Fuel Future.” The panel, which took place during the TPM23 and TPMTech Conference by S&P Global Market Intelligence in Long Beach, Calif., brought together four experts to discuss the industry’s role and challenges in trying to decarbonize operations. Panelists included Julia Bedanova, chief operating officer of Million Dollar Baby, a Los Angeles-based baby and children’s furniture company; Paolo Montrone,…

TPM: Container Shipping Outlook

Congestion may finally be clearing at seaports and spot and contract rates may be returning to pre-pandemic levels, but some uncertainty remains for the shipping industry as potential challenges loom, panelists said at a Feb. 27 session at the TPM23 and TPMTech Conference by S&P Global Market Intelligence in Long Beach, Calif. At the session “Container Shipping Outlook: Suddenly and Yet Again, It’s a New World,” panelists reflected on the rollercoaster of the last two years and gave their thoughts on what the new normal could bring. The panel included Wan Hai Lines Vice Chairman Randy Chen, Barclays’ Director, Equity…

Vessel Propulsion Technology: A Look at the Industry

Veteran propulsion technology merges with new innovations. The propulsion technology space is a dynamic and important one for maritime professionals. Technologies with generations of proven success merge and clash with cutting-edge new inventions in a globe-spanning market with players jockeying for position. New opportunities like the wind-farm industry spring up alongside more traditional operations such as oil-spill response vessels and Alaskan tourism. Here are a few things on our radar. Scania Scania USA, a subsidiary of Scania CV AB of Sweden, is an importer for industrial and marine engines in North America and a provider of transportation solutions both on…

SAFE Boats Unveils Autonomous Hydrographic Survey Vessel

Bremerton, Wash.-based boat builder SAFE Boats International in late March announced the introduction of its new autonomous hydrographic survey vessel: Merlin. The 23-meter semi-displacement monohull design was developed in collaboration with marine autonomy developer Mythos AI, equipment supplier Echo81 and World Marine Design. SAFE Boats International says that it has exclusive rights to build the design at its Tacoma-area large-craft production facility. “Merlin will be a Jones Act-compliant all-aluminum hull powered by a twin Volvo Penta D13 Hybrid-ready System with IPS,” the company said in a statement. “For a zero-emission power package, the Merlin can accommodate forward-thinking hydrogen technology supplied…

Coast Guard Base Seattle: An Expansion Update

The U.S. Coast Guard’s proposal to expand Base Seattle has set off a buzzsaw of issues among port neighbors and regulatory agencies – federal, state and local. The Guard has been challenged across numerous fronts. A common message is that while most people support the Coast Guard’s mission and acknowledge the need for expansion and modernization at Base Seattle, the Guard’s current draft proposal, released in October, is drastic, a steam roller that flattens everything in its path. Consider: “Coast Guard land acquisition under any of the alternatives would result in direct, significant adverse impacts associated with displacement of existing…

Coast Guard, Good Samaritans Rescue Crew of Sinking Fishing Vessel

The Coast Guard and good Samaritans aboard two commercial fishing vessels located and rescued the crew of the 52-foot commercial fishing vessel Sea Smile 545 miles southwest of Hawaii on March 3. Following the rescue, the six crewmembers were reportedly in good condition and made their way to Honolulu aboard the commercial fishing vessel Captain Minh. At 6:46 p.m. on March 2, Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu (JRCC) watchstanders received a report from the owner of the Sea Smile stating that the vessel was disabled and taking on water. The crew reported that there was five to seven feet of…

Foss Line Service Receives PMA Safety Award

The Pacific Maritime Association in March awarded Foss Line Service with a Zero Injury Rate designation and First Place in Safety at the 75th annual PMA Safety Awards. Accepting the awards on behalf of Foss Maritime were Zach Vetter, the company’s line service manager and Casey Johnson, the line superintendent for Foss Maritime. In 2022, Foss Line Service ensured everyone stayed safe on every single job, the company said in a statement. “I would like to thank our line superintendents for making sure everyone is safe during all our line jobs,” Vetter said. “They work very well with the longshoreman…

Interim President Named for California State University Maritime Academy

California State University (CSU) Interim Chancellor Jolene Koester has appointed retired Navy Reserve Vice Admiral Michael J. Dumont to serve as interim president of California State University Maritime Academy. Dumont is expected to begin in his position on July 7, and would serve in that capacity until a new president is appointed by the CSU Board of Trustees. He most recently served as deputy commander, U.S. Northern Command and vice commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) where, under the direction of the president of the United States and the secretary of defense, he was responsible for overseeing…