Page 35: of Marine News Magazine (May 2026)

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lack of technology nor is it the capability of our commer- cial or Naval shipyards.

It is the fact that both State and Federal governments nev- er understood the importance of shipping and shipbuilding.

And with that never properly funded it through several pre- vious Administrations to match the global capability. Long story short, our ability to compete with China is long gone.

The MAM 141 and Battery Park conversion upgrades continued with a redesigned stainless steel cargo system and pumps from ERL. Another U.S based company pro- viding a technically advanced product. The wheel house and navigation were upgraded to full ECDIS capability and included the installation of the Quartermaster Smart-

Mast Maritime Awareness system, providing the bridge re- source team real time data, an AI radio frequency interface through Starlink with extended visual camera capability up to 10 miles with a 31x zoom. And yes, the manufacturer is

U.S. based also. Main engines, gearboxes, generators, cargo pumps and machinery were all rebuilt. Cabins and Public spaces updated and the highest grade of hull coatings and deck coatings applied. The life extension left no stone un- turned including the renewal of over 750,000 pounds of steel. All of which was completed in a U.S. shipyard.

Her ? rst cargo ? xed, SIRE completed without comment and the ATB has been turned over to Savage Marine Man- agement as the operator. Let’s return to the original concept of the project. New construction cost compared to conver- sion and life extension, look at the photographs. The Tug and barge were delivered at nearly 1/3rd the cost of the new construction estimate and valued at completion well above the cost to complete the project. Time to ? ll the gap.