BOSTON — Boston-based Sea Machines Robotics has entered into a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) to demonstrate the ability of Sea Machines’ autonomous technology in increasing the safety, response time and productivity of marine…
Transportation Secretary Announces Over $19 Million in Grants for Small U.S. Shipyards
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced $19.6 million in grants to support capital improvements at 28 U.S. small shipyards as a part of its Small Shipyard Grant program, MARAD said in a release. Provided through…
U.S. Department of Transportation Launches Port Infrastructure Development Program
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) posted a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to apply for $292.7 million in discretionary grant funding through the new Port Infrastructure Development Program, the department said in a June 12 release. “This…
MARAD Announces Vessel Construction Manager for National Security Multi-Mission Vessel
WASHINGTON — Maritime Administrator Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby announced May 21 that TOTE Services Inc. of Jacksonville, Florida, has been chosen as the vessel construction manager for the newest class of training ship, the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV)….
Robots are Real, but AI’s Full Promise is Still on the Horizon
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — Artificial intelligence in all its forms, from machine learning algorithms to unmanned systems, is a sure thing for the sea services and its partners, but there is still much to determine in terms of the technological…
Nation’s Sealift Struggling, but Gaining Attention
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The nation’s strategic sealift has languished for too many years, a panel of experts told an audience May 7 at Sea-Air-Space 2019. And the panel, representing the military and civilian sea services, told the morning program…
Indo-Pacific Policy More Complex Than Only China and Russia
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — As the nation grapples with striking a balance between competing with great power challenges and preparing for the possibility of conflict, the Indo-Pacific region poses perhaps the most significant challenge, Dr. Mara Karlin believes. Karlin, director…
Service Chiefs Tout Agility, but MARAD in Need of Funding to Flex Muscle
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The sudden order to send the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group to the U.S. Central Command theater in response to threats from Iran is a great example of the value of the Navy’s dynamic deployment concept,…
Surge Sealift Force in Need of Urgent Recapitalization, Officials Say
WASHINGTON — The nation’s seaborne logistics capability is atrophying and in need of rejuvenation, senior government officials said in testimony before Congress. Maintaining older ships is proving more costly than anticipated, driving officials to seek new or used ships to…
With Order, Trump Eases Path for Transition to Merchant Marine
ARLINGTON, Va. — President Trump has issued an executive order easing the path for active-duty military personnel and veterans who want to transition to service as merchant mariners, a move designed to open jobs to veterans while strengthening national security….