The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has released a new, comprehensive study that looks at options for liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering. Bunkering is the process of transferring LNG from a supply station to a vessel for the purpose of using it as a propulsion fuel. The study examines the necessary safety, regulatory, infrastructure, and training components of each in getting LNG to vessels as a propulsion fuel.Bunkering optionsThis new study looks at the upsides and downsides of the four...

Temporary Certificate of DocumentationThis summer, the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) resumed issuing Temporary Certificates of Documentation (TCODs) to recreational vessel owners with applications pending as of the end of May (if those applications were accurate and complete).These TCODs are issued in a format that varies from the permanent COD; they are printed in letter format on blue paper embedded with security features. The TCODs contain the managing owner’s name and address,...

Final Rule on Vessel Documentation Renewal FeesOn August 12th, the USCG published its final rule on vessel documentation renewal fees, amending its regulations to list separately an annual fee for renewals of endorsements upon Certificate of Documentation. The USCG is required to set up user fees for all services relating to the documentation of vessels.This new final rule separately lists a $26 fee to cover the costs of the documentation services. It will subsequently increase the annual...

Signet Maritime Corporation has just taken ownership of its ninth, newly-constructed tractor tug in six years. The tug, Signet Arcturus, is a 105-foot by 38-foot Z-Drive, which was designed by Robert Allan Ltd. in Vancouver, BC. The tug was delivered on May 25th by Patti Marine Enterprises of Pensacola, FL.Signet Arcturus gets its power from two Caterpillar model C175-16 engines, each of which is rated 3417 BHP at 1800 RPM. Those engines are paired to two Rolls-Royce US 255 CP azimuth thrusters...