May-June 2023 – Page 4 – Pacific Maritime Magazine

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…

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…

West Coast Shipyards: Jobs Big and Small in the Works

West Coast shipyards have been busy recently with everything from minor maintenance to major re-power projects. Some yards are also working on enhancing onshore operations and increasing their equipment’s capabilities. Pacific Maritime Magazine reached out to yards up and down the coast to find out the latest news on yard improvement and other projects. Some updates that stand out include managing double-duty operations; notable work with dual-fuel technology; challenging Tier 4 re-power jobs; the restoration of a historic wooden steamship, and installation of larger lifts and expanded drydocks. Seaspan Shipyards Seaspan, based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, has been busy,…