U.S. Representative Lisa McClain Recognized as a Great Lakes Champion
By Great Lakes Maritime Task Force. Port Huron, MI (August 18, 2025) – On Monday, August 18, 2025, the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) recognized Michigan Congresswoman Lisa McClain for her efforts advocating for the Great Lakes Navigation System and those who live and work on or near the Fourth Sea Coast. “It is […]
Chicago Propeller Club hears maritime industry rallying cry from MARAD acting administrator
By Chicago Propeller Club. The United States has entered a new era of maritime strength, the head of the Maritime Administration told the Chicago Propeller Club’s flagship summer event at Chicago Yacht Club. In a speech to guests including all the Great Lakes Port Directors, Acting Administrator Sang Yi said America will invest in four […]
Long trek to Lone Star State sparked plan for SC maritime academy
by David Wren, SC Daily Gazette, August 8, 2025. With more than 1,100 miles to think while driving from Charleston to Galveston, Texas, three years ago, state Rep. Tom Hartnett Jr. found himself asking the same question again and again. Why doesn’t South Carolina have its own maritime academy? Hartnett was taking his son, Rhett, […]
‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ bolsters Coast Guard shipbuilding programs
By Steve Wilson. (The Center Square) — Passage of the “Big, Beautiful Bill” this summer has provided a jolt to the U.S. Coast Guard’s shipbuilding program as it seeks to replace most of its aging fleet. The service’s most important shipbuilding program, the Heritage class Offshore Patrol Cutter, is years behind schedule and its cost […]
Scholarships expand opportunities for prospective mariners
By Patricia McCarthy, Professional Mariner. Offering scholarships to students interested in maritime careers has become a major component of workforce development efforts by industry organizations, private companies and others trying to address the maritime workforce shortage. The American Maritime Partnership (AMP) — a coalition that represents the U.S. domestic maritime industry, including shipping companies, mariners, […]
The Impact of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” on the Jones Act and U.S. Maritime Growth
By VOICES Staff. On July 4th, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBB), a massive reconciliation package that includes significant provisions for the maritime industry. The bill delivers critical funding to enhance U.S. maritime security, shipbuilding, and defense capabilities, while fostering economic growth and job creation in maritime-related sectors. The […]
Crowley Tug Repowers Boost Maritime Readiness in America’s Busiest Ports
By VOICES Staff. Two of the hardest-working tugboats on the West Coast are back in action—smarter, cleaner, and more powerful than ever. Crowley has completed full repowers of the Master and Leader, its ship assist and escort tugs serving the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. These modernizations are helping ensure the ports — […]
A Cleaner Fleet Starts at the Shipyard
By VOICES Staff. As America charts a course toward building, crewing and sailing more U.S. ships, maritime innovators are stepping up to meet the need to protect our inland waterways, Great Lakes and ocean territory. Among them is Florida-based Seascour, a company revolutionizing one of the most overlooked, and potentially environmentally harmful, aspects of ship […]
As Coast Guard receives billions in new Arctic funding, Alaska region gets new commander and name
By James Brooks, Alaska Beacon. July 12, 2025. Last week, President Donald Trump signed a budget bill with almost $25 billion for new Coast Guard construction, including almost $9 billion for new icebreakers and $300 million for new Coast Guard facilities in Juneau. On Friday, Rear Adm. Bob Little, the new commander of the Coast […]
Muscular new escort tug supports a resurgent Port of Baltimore
By Casey Conoly, Professional Mariner. McAllister Towing & Transportation’s multiyear fleet renewal gained momentum this spring with the arrival of Isabel McAllister in the Port of Baltimore. The 6,770-hp tug is the fourth delivery in a six-boat series from Washburn & Doughty Associates in East Boothbay, Maine. The shipyard also designed Isabel using its proven […]
