Op-Eds

Boom! A systematic approach to maritime risks

By Luis Llamas and Thomas “Buddy” Bardenwerper, Jones Walker LLP Maritime Practice Group

The bilge alarm is sounding. Smoke is billowing. Oil is spreading. A lot needs to happen in these critical, heart-pounding moments; coming up with an emergency response plan shouldn’t be one of them.

Operating a maritime business is inherently risky. This is so for inland commerce, open ocean navigation, and everything in between. Not only are maritime professionals subject to the whims of Mother Nature, but...

https://www.marinelog.com/views/op-eds/boom-a-systematic-approach-to-maritime-risks/

Op-Ed: Service vessels at the heart of marine electrification

By James Edwards, Chief Engineer – Marine, Helix

Decarbonization is at the top of the agenda across the marine value chain. Suppliers and operators are investing record amounts to allow the industry to meet commitments such as the IMO’s pledge for net zero shipping emissions by 2050.

Inevitably, decarbonization roadmaps for marine all feature electrification to at least some degree. That’s why there are some major investments going into the technology, such as a €1 billion pledge from DFDS for...

https://www.marinelog.com/news/op-ed-service-vessels-at-the-heart-of-marine-electrification/

Op-Ed: Thinking of privatizing NOAA? Think again

By Dr. Roberta Weisbrod, Executive Director of the Worldwide Ferry Safety Association

The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), encompassing the National Weather Service, the National Ocean Service, fisheries, and weather satellites, provides critically important information to shipping businesses, the military, and ordinary citizens.  NOAA is the world leader in weather information; its strength depends on its network with weather agencies across the world, who share...

https://www.marinelog.com/views/op-eds/op-ed-thinking-of-privatizing-noaa-think-again/

Op-Ed: Breaking barriers on the evolving role of women at sea

By Julia Anastasiou, Crew Management Officer, OSM Thome

NOTE: Saturday, March 8, is International Women’s Day.

Thirty years ago, when I began my career in the maritime industry, women at sea were a rarity. The challenges were formidable—lack of representation, limited career pathways, and entrenched perceptions about a woman’s place in the industry. Today, while significant progress has been made, the journey is far from over.

The past decade has seen undeniable shifts in how the industry...

https://www.marinelog.com/news/op-ed-breaking-barriers-on-the-evolving-role-of-women-at-sea/

Op-Ed: Steel and aluminum tariffs

What is old, what is new, and what recent actions mean for industry

By Jonathan R. Todd, Benesch Law

United States President Donald Trump is no stranger to steel and aluminum tariffs. Trade actions targeting those commodities were a large part of his First Term agenda when he launched those Section 232 trade actions in 2018. President Trump revisited those prior actions less than a month after taking office by issuing Presidential Proclamations effectively updating the nation’s approach to steel...

https://www.marinelog.com/views/op-ed-steel-and-aluminum-tariffs/

Op-Ed: How the SHIPS for America Act can restore U.S. maritime leadership

By Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.)

Flanked by two oceans, the United States has always been a maritime nation. Our dominance over the oceans was a key factor in establishing the U.S. as the most powerful nation on Earth. My family has lived this. Both of my grandfathers were seafarers during World War II. One sailed on a Liberty ship in the Atlantic and the other one with the Navy in the Pacific. Their example was an inspiration to me that led me to attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and join the...

https://www.marinelog.com/news/op-ed-how-the-ships-for-america-act-can-restore-u-s-maritime-leadership/

Op-Ed: Digitalization for better asset performance management

By Ilari Leinonen, Product Owner, Elomatic

The maritime industry is currently navigating a period of transformation, which is driven by increasingly stringent regulatory frameworks and an industry-wide push towards decarbonization. With these factors in mind, ship owners and operators are under more scrutiny than ever before. Heightened stakeholder pressure has meant that the shipping industry has had to double down on energy efficiency, which means it is vital that more immediate operational...

https://www.marinelog.com/views/op-eds/op-ed-digitalization-for-better-asset-performance-management/

Op-Ed: Is decarbonization driving unintended consequences?

By Peter Soles, Principal, Business Development at Glosten 

In recent years, the messaging around alternative fuels and zero emission vessels in marine industry magazines, online forums, news websites, and social media has been a steady stream, bordering on a wide-open fire hydrant. As a result, many in the U.S. maritime community—me included—are experiencing what I’ll term “decarb fatigue.” And it’s not just because we’re jaded old-timers. 

Pretend for a moment that you’re new to the industry,...

https://www.marinelog.com/views/op-ed-is-decarbonization-driving-unintended-consequences/

Op-Ed: Complying with Coast Guard’s Final Rule on cybersecurity

By Jim Kearns and Andy Lee, Jones Walker LLP

On January 17, the U.S. Coast Guard released a final rule on cybersecurity in the U.S. marine transportation system. The rule establishes cybersecurity requirements for U.S.-flag vessels, facilities, and Outer Continental Shelf facilities that are regulated under the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. These requirements will become effective on July 16 for the owners and operators of such vessels and facilities.

The core requirements for...

https://www.marinelog.com/news/op-ed-complying-with-coast-guards-final-rule-on-cybersecurity/

Op-Ed: Rethinking cargo handling systems

By Taisuke Inui, CEO, MarFlex

Driven by regulatory pressure and the pursuit of more efficient, sustainable operations, the maritime industry is rapidly evolving. From alternative fuels to vessel propulsion, technological advancements are reshaping nearly every aspect of shipping. Yet one crucial area remains largely overlooked when it comes to the technological innovation that is taking place at the moment: cargo handling systems.

This oversight is costing the industry—not just in terms of...

https://www.marinelog.com/views/op-ed-rethinking-cargo-handling-systems/

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