CATEGORIES

Agility and experience management work better together

Many companies achieve early wins with separate transformational efforts, then stall. But if combined and enhanced using “return on experience,” or ROX, measures, these two programs can unlock each other’s potential.

MADONNA - Madonna adds flexibility, ice-breaking capacity for Wisconsin operator

For most of this century, the Washington Island Ferry Line had a single icebreaking vessel available for winter runs across Lake Michigan’s Death’s Door Passage. The arrangement caused some sleepless nights for company President Hoyt Purinton.

Casualties

NTSB: Dredge hit Texas gas pipeline, causing fire that killed four

FERRIES/EXCURSION - COVID-19 threatens once-robust passenger vessel market

The passenger boat market has been relatively strong over the past few years, driven largely by ferry operators on all three coasts replacing older vessels and adding to existing fleets. Meanwhile, the relatively robust economy stoked demand for new excursion and tourist vessels.

IMO emissions report raises new concerns about methane slip

A recent report from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reveals that global shipping emissions increased nearly 10 percent from 2012 to 2018, with the industry facing a growing challenge concerning methane slip.

Matson continues fleet renewal with versatile Kanaloa-class ships

Matson Navigation has a proud history in the Pacific dating back more than a century. The 870-foot container/roll-on, roll-off (conro) Lurline will build on that legacy well into the future.

Bay State brothers find industry niche by making old into new

Zero non-conformities is what you want to hear when the U.S. Coast Guard inspects your tugboat. Once you’ve prepared your vessel, the inspectors come aboard to peruse your paperwork. They ask you pointed questions, to which they expect straightforward answers. Perusal completed, they then scrutinize all of the related safety systems, from bilge to antennas — even the ship’s bell.

MEGAYACHTS - Megayacht demand remains strong in North America despite virus impacts

Twelve months ago, 2020 looked to be a banner year for megayachts. Sales were on the rise, clients were interested and yards were buzzing with projects. The 2019 fall boat shows, which informally kick off the yachting industry’s year, saw record attendance both in terms of exhibitors and visitors. The Marine Industries Association of South Florida reported that the 2019 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show brought in more than $715 million in sales.

Signals

A year into the pandemic, thousands ‘essentially indentured’ on ships

SEAWAY PILOT V - Seaway Pilots' launch built to take on the icy St. Lawrence

The St. Lawrence Seaway Pilots work in some of the harshest conditions imaginable. The pilots’ new launch, Seaway Pilot V, has already shown itself up to the task.

Analysis points to faulty loading, low ballast in Golden Ray rollover

While the salvage of the sunken vehicle carrier Golden Ray has been delayed for months due to COVID-19 and the hurricane season, analysis by the U.S. Coast Guard has determined a possible cause for the rollover: a combination of vehicles placed too high on the ship’s decks, and not enough ballast water gave the placement of the cargo.

SHEARWATER - Speedy Shearwater creates new opportunities for offshore research

The scientists at Duke University Marine Lab had a good idea what they wanted in a new research vessel. It had to be quick enough to keep pace with the speedy pilot whales, and efficient enough for voyages well offshore.

Seastreak newcomer pushing through dip in demand

Two years ago, Seastreak LLC took delivery of Seastreak Commodore, a 600-passenger fast ferry, from Gulf Craft of Franklin, La. Designed by Australia-based Incat Crowther, the vessel is the largest of its kind in the United States and was built to meet the burgeoning demand for service in the New York-New Jersey market.

FIRE/PILOTS/PATROL - Military stokes patrol boat demand; GladdingHearn leads on pilot boats

There were plenty of noteworthy small ships built within the last year in the pilot, patrol and fireboat sector.

New year in a new world: Navigating COVID's maritime realities

In a matter of days, the decorative time balls will drop, “Auld Lang Syne” will fill the air, and ships at anchor will sound their horns as the world welcomes in the new year.

RESEARCH/SURVEY - Seaspan delivers again for Canadian science; new RCRVs take shape at Gulf Island

The promise of new orders and a couple of prominent deliveries — led by the latest addition to Canada’s oceangoing fleet — kept North American shipbuilders engaged in the research and survey sector during the past year.

Advanced props, rudders provide new efficiencies below the waterline

It took a decade or two from the invention of the marine propeller in the 19th century for the technology to become widely accepted. Thereafter, adoption has been nearly universal, but progress toward improved efficiencies has come in fits and starts.

WINDSERVE ODYSSEY - Jones Act newbuild signals growing potential from offshore wind

It’s likely a matter of when, not if, offshore wind power will take off in the United States. WindServe Marine has made an early investment in crew transfer vessels (CTVs) to get ahead of the coming boom.

The Beauty of Being Rejected

I thought my idea to shake up the book industry was brilliant. Investors didn’t. That ended up being my greatest asset.

Can There Be Two Tinders for Clothes?

She was a first-time founder with a fresh idea. Then a $30 million competitor arrived.

Getting More from Less

Everyone has been forced to cut back in some way—but limitations can lead us to even greater growth. We asked six entrepreneurs: What unexpected benefits have you gotten from change?

Are We Going Digital Forever?

The pandemic swiftly moved our world online. Once you discover the power of engaging your customers digitally, you won’t want to go back.

“How Can I Help You?”

Don’t know exactly what your customers want? Ask them. That’s how Christine Schindler turned a raw technology into a popular tool to make restaurants safer.

What Makes Peloton, Apple, Netflix, and Tesla Successful?

They’re not just smart companies. They’re vertically integrated companies—and it’s a strategy even small startups can consider.

How the Future Gets BUILT

Intelligent algae that eat carbon. Underwater drones. An internet for Mars. It’s not easy building the stuff for tomorrow when you also have to run a sustainable business today. But that’s what Hypergiant is trying to figure out.

Zooming into the Future

This year, ZOOM transformed from a business tool into a lifeline. How did the company keep up? Simple, says founder and CEO Eric Yuan: It focused on fundamentals.

15 Ways Franchises Became Stronger This Year

No matter what service or product they provide, franchisees and franchisors were rocked by 2020. But many made adjustments that improved their businesses—not just for now but for long into the future. Here’s what 15 of them learned.

Welcome to Lithium Valley

A dusty stretch rich in deposits of the metal used to make batteries may host California’s next gold rush

This Market Is for Noobs

Professional money managers aren’t beating the market. The novice trader next door might be

Boom Times for Streaming, Not for Hollywood Jobs

That the Covid-19 pandemic has been a disaster for those who work in live entertainment is no surprise.