table of contents

• Image courtesy Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors

  INSIGHTS: Walter Thomassie, MD, Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, LLC

  Our insights focus this month is Walter Thomassie, Managing Director, Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, LLC. Walter is the genuine Marine News article, running today a family shipbuilding business started by his father, coming into the business in his mid-teens and getting his hands and mind involved in every aspect of the business.

  Edited by Greg Trauthwein

• USACE Photo by Leon Roberts

  Better Than Zero, But a Missed Opportunity

  The Corps’ FY25 Work Plan provided nearly $200 million for inland waterways construction projects, significantly down from FY24’s record level funding of $456 million and is well below the capability expressed by the Corps for inland construction projects in FY25.

  By Tracy Zea, President/CEO, Waterways Council, Inc.

• Copyright Picturellarious/AdobeStock

  China Shipbuilding: Industry, Shippers Prep for Tariffs

  By Jonathan Todd and Phil Nester, the Transportation & Logistics Practice Group at Benesch Law

• Copyright Overflightstock/AdobeStock

  Challenges to Lifecycle Design with Greener Solutions

  What are a few of the unique challenges presented by the addition of more environmentally friendly technologies—and how do they impact the long-term success of vessel design? Let’s take a closer look.

  By Maggie Stagner, Electrical Engineer, Elliott Bay Design Group

• Images courtesy the Author

  Navigating AI in Maritime Sales & Marketing: Build Stronger Relationships that Will Grow Your Company

  In an industry as specialized as offshore engineering and maritime operations, marketing often takes a backseat to technical innovations, operational efficiency, and safety advancements. But as the digital landscape continues to evolve, industrial brands—especially those in the maritime and offshore sectors—are facing increasing pressure to modernize their marketing efforts.

  By Donna Peterson, World Innovators

• Photo source California Air Resources Board

  Are Workboats Really Going Green?

  Tugboat and towboat owners across the nation eye fuel efficiency and emission reduction technologies and techniques in advance of increasingly stringent regulations.

  By Barry Parker

• Images courtesy engines inc.

  Powering U.S. Workboats for Generations — and Into the Future

  With the introduction of the JD18 and JD14 engines for maritime use, John Deere now offers a main propulsion package in the 800 hp range, a major step forward to this legacy brand. Dave Hughes, Marine Director of engines inc., a long-tenured John Deere distributor, discusses the new engines and their applications in the workboat space, as well as the value proposition that engines inc. – a fourth-generation family-owned business – offers in terms of engineering and maintenance support.

  By Greg Trauthwein

• Image credit Tidewater/GLO Marine

  Case Study: Offshore Retrofit at Scale

  GLO Marine and VMS Advance Tidewater’s Fleet Upgrade Program

• Photo courtesy Interlake Steamship /Skyports Drone Services

  Tech Feature: Interlake Trials Drone Delivery to Ships

• Image courtesy Mitsubishi

  Vessels

• Image credit Thordon Bearings

  New Products