Page 6: of Marine News Magazine (September 2014)

SUBSCRIBESubscribe to the print or electronic edition of MarineNews at www.marinelink.com/renewsubscr/Renew04/subscribe.html or e-mail Kathleen Hickey at [email protected] DAILY NEWS via E-MAIL Twice every business day we provide breaking news, tailored to your speciÞ cation, delivered FREE directly to your e-mail. To subscribe visit http://maritimetoday.com/login.aspx POST & SEARCH JOBSJob listings are updated daily and help match employers with qualiÞ ed employees. Post a position or keep abreast of new employment opportunities at http://www.maritimejobs.com ADVERTISE MN offers a number of print and electronic advertising packages. To see our editorial calendar and advertising rates, visit www.marinelink.com/AdvRates/Rates.asp Online Resources EDITOR?S NOTESince August of 2011, the business of the brown water, shallow draft, offshore, coastal and inland marine markets has been a part of my everyday focus. Last month marked my third anniversary at the helm of the industry?s leading BPA-audited workboat b-to-b trade periodi- cal. I mention that in context to the bigger focus in this edition: Specialty Workboat Missions. That said, I?ve been around the waterfront longer than that: more than 35 years, actually. Much of that time I spent at sea, primarily on bluewater, deep draft vessels. Over the last few years, however, I have truly come to appreciate the varied and multi-mission nature of the workboat industry itself. In this edition of MarineNews , you will see why. The range of missions performed by North America?s workboats is remarkable. This month, we take you from the Arctic regions of Canada and back down to the harbors of New England, through the storied Erie Canal and beyond. In no less than three entries, we chronicle the myriad specialty tasks undertaken by these unique vessels, and the innovative ways in which they are powered. When it comes to workboats, it?s not just about emissions and fuel economy. Sure, that?s important. So, too, is the manner in which this machinery is  tted so as to maximize not only the utility of the vessel, but also its ef ciency in the harshest of operating conditions. Turn the pages and see how. This edition is also about inland waterways. I?ve said it many times within these pages, but it is worth repeating again: brown water operations are the heart of the American merchant  eet. It?s been that way for a while, and the latest numbers issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation?s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) show that all but 214 of the nation?s 40,735 commer- cial vessels are brown water vessels, involved in some shape or way in the workboat industry. This month?s BY THE NUMBERS ? all of it newly released data from BTS ? reveals some interesting trends related to the domestic waterfront. It?s worth a look. All of this brings me full circle to a topic about which I remain passionate. Hence, New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian Stratton?s take on the state of New York?s 524 miles of histori- cal waterways in this month?s INSIGHTS feature is especially timely. That?s because the challenges facing one of the nation?s oldest inland canals sometimes mirror that which happen elsewhere in more high pro le ports. The effort to maintain and in fact return the NY state canals to their former prominence as a major inland transport artery is very much alive and ongoing. Stratton?s dialogue also reminds all of us that inland rivers and canals aren?t just about transport. That workboat push- ing 30 laden bulk barges down the Mississippi River also coexists with the need to foster  ood con- trol, renewable hydroelectric power and yes ? recreation, too. The delicate balancing act continues. Count on MarineNews to keep you up to speed as it unfolds. [email protected] Keefe, Editor, [email protected] Download our AppsiPhone & Android6 MNSeptember 2014MN Sept14 Layout 1-17.indd 6MN Sept14 Layout 1-17.indd 68/20/2014 11:46:53 AM8/20/2014 11:46:53 AM