The state funded emergency response tug stationed in Neah Bay, WA received orders to assist the disabled U.S. container ship, Horizon Tacoma after the ship shut down their engines due to smoke coming from the engine’s turbocharger while transiting the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  The ship is operated by Horizon Lines. Here is the [...]

Well folks, this is how you fail a port state vessel inspection – plug the hole in the side of your merchant ship with a rag!

Yup, it’s true. The operators of the Russian vessel Baltiyskiy-110 did just that. Apparently the company responsible for the vessel’s operation knew of the hole and told crew members to continue their voyage.

British inspectors decided otherwise, and now the vessel is detained in Fowey, Cornwall for this and several other serious issues.

Came across this while reading Bryant’s Maritime Blog.  On the afternoon of November 2nd some 360 nautical miles east of Mombasa, Kenya, pirates attempted to hijack MV Harriette, a U.S. bulk cargo ship operated by Sealift Inc. From the EU Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSC-HOA) press release: MV Harriette, a US flagged [...]

The Bahamas flagged M/V Petersfield, a 41,000 DWT bulk ship has raised concern with residents living along the coast of British Columbia, Canada after it suffered damage stemming from a reported steering malfunction.  The Canadian Transportation board reported that the ship veered sharply to starboard while underway resulting in the ship hitting the shore.  Water [...]

I am always interested in learning about unique ships, especially ships with unique propulsion systems. The E.M. Ford struck me as one of the most unique historic American ships (although the vessel became Canadian flagged before she retired).

The E.M. Ford is a Great Lakes ship, or a “Laker.” Built in 1898, it was a true workhouse, carrying coal, cement, and perhaps a few other cargos across the Lakes on countless voyages. Believed to be one of the last remaining ships with a quadruple expansion steam engine, the E.M. Ford holds a particular importance in the history of Great Lakes Shipping. Engineering buffs recognize the rarity of a quadruple expansion steam engine.