Pacific Maritime Magazine Online News for March 4, 2016

The US needs new icebreakers but they may be a long time in coming. Although President Obama proposed speeding the acquisition and building of new Coast Guard icebreakers during a visit to Alaska last year, and Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow have since called for funding to build a new icebreaker for the Great Lakes, the head of the Coast Guard’s acquisition office, Rear Admiral Mike Haycock, said production of a new heavy icebreaker might be at least five years off with a construction cost estimate of more than a billion dollars. Until then, the Coast Guard will have to make due with the 40-year-oldPolar Star, a Seattle-based ship that has been living off spare parts provided by its retired sister ship Polar Sea…MORE

ILWU Recognizes Foss, Others for Safety

By Mark Edward Nero

The International Longshore & Warehouse Union Marine Clerks Local 52 has recognized Foss Maritime, Shell Oil and Jones Stevedoring for the zero injuries that occurred at Terminal 5 between March 2015 and February 2016…(Read full article)

PPG Powering Whale Watching Vessel

By Mark Edward Nero

Vancouver, Washington-based marine engine company Pacific Power Group is powering a new custom-built vessel for whale watching with Volvo Penta engines, engine monitoring and throttle controls that’s expected to improve passengers’ experience…(Read full article)

Air Pollution Down at POLB

By Mark Edward Nero

The Port of Long Beach said March 1 that shipping lines calling there last year cut thousands of tons of air pollution by voluntarily participating in the port’s Green Flag Program, which offers financial rewards for ships that reduce their speed near the harbor to decrease emissions…(Read full article)

New Panama Canal Locks Tested