Fake mayday calls are pulling Coast Guard crews off real Great Lakes rescues and could mean prison.
Maritime Executive Article: Great Lakes Boaters Risk Prison or Fines Due to Hoax Distress Calls
Tri-City Herald Article: Port Eyes +$3M Richland Dock Update for Barges, Tugs, Jet Boats, and more Cruise Ships
The Port of Benton plans a $3.3 million upgrade to its historic High Dock in Richland, adding shore power and expanded moorage to draw commercial vessels — including a proposed fertilizer plant and cruise line operations — as the facility positions itself for growing Columbia River traffic.
Manifold Times Article: MTF Releases New Safety Guidelines for Methanol-Fueled Ships
New safety guidance tackles the hidden hazards of methanol as it scales up as a marine fuel.
Manifold Times Article: China Launches Methanol Shipping Supply Chain Alliance to Accelerate Green Transition
China has formed a national alliance to accelerate methanol marine fuel development and strengthen its green shipping supply chain.
gCaptain Article: JPMorgan Chase Commits $24 Million to Boost Shipbuilding and Submarine Supply Chain in Philadelphia
JPMorgan Chase is investing $24 million to expand shipbuilding, workforce training, and submarine manufacturing in Philadelphia.
Port of Oakland Article: Port of Oakland Cargo Volumes Rise in June on Import and Export Growth
The Port of Oakland moved 181,356 TEUs in June, up 7.7% year over year, as loaded imports and exports both posted double-digit gains.
Chinook Observer Article: New vessels for Pacific Northwest coast sail past big milestone
The Coast Guard’s new 64-foot heavy-weather rescue boat for the Pacific Northwest passed a key construction milestone as its keel was authenticated in Washington state.
Maritime Executive Article: Strong Decrease in Incidents of Piracy and Armed Robbery of Ships in Asia
ReCAAP reports a strong decline in piracy and armed robbery incidents across Asia in the first half of 2026, the lowest level since 2019. While the Straits of Malacca and Singapore saw sharp improvement, the Philippines recorded a rise in incidents, prompting stepped-up Coast Guard enforcement.
WorkBoat Article: MARAD Simplifies Citizenship Filings for Vessel Owners
MARAD has simplified citizenship documentation requirements for vessel owners and maritime businesses participating in federal programs. The final rule, effective June 4, reduces paperwork, removes certain personal-information disclosures, and eliminates notarization, though it leaves underlying citizenship standards and foreign-ownership rules unchanged.
Dry Cargo International Article: Port of Vancouver USA: State of the Port Report 2026
Amid global trade uncertainty, the Port of Vancouver USA’s 2026 State of the Port Report points to a strong year: 7.45mt of cargo moved, 339 vessel calls, record grain exports, a new soda ash facility underway, and continued investment in workforce development and sustainability.