BOATBUILDINGger catamarans to provide more frequent service on an ex- sources of our waterways properly utilized, vessel designs isting run between the two ports at the doorstep of their must be implemented that truly are environmentally skyscraping facilities in Jersey City and Battery Park. And friendly. Emission Control Area (ECA) zones and EPA Tier now, Google has dipped a toe into the marine industry by requirements for fuel burning engines are already steering recently chartering a high speed catamaran to shuttle their the course for ship design. Other Eco-Pioneers are thrust-employees to work from San Francisco; thereby eliminat- ing ahead with the implementation of LNG technology or ing productivity hold-ups caused by daily traf? c jams. hybrid solutions. And, the latest developments in low wake Productivity for such high tech charters not only means a hull designs and hull coatings are symbiotic with coastal fast boat, but one with a few amenities. Given their colorful marine habitats. While emphasizing green technology is logo, it seems ? tting to see Google employees boarding the important, simply getting individual cars and trucks off of vibrantly painted MV Triumphant for their chartered ferry the freeways and onto well-serviced and consolidated ma-demonstration runs. The 83’ aluminum fast cat designed rine routes can cut both fuel cost and pollutants, reduce by Teknicraft Design is hydrofoil-assisted and cruises at 27 road repair costs and drastically reduce highway congestion, knots to get the staff to work quickly and safely. Although all of which will produce immediate and tangible bene? ts. the vessel built by All American Marine was purpose built It works in Virginia – witness the I-64 Express between for Harbor Breeze Cruises whale watching tours in Long Richmond and Hampton Roads – between Connecticut Beach, California, the vessel features comfortable seating, and Long Island, and it can work anywhere else, as well.functional table space, and a full galley to satiate morning hunger or provide a refreshing beverage during the return SEA TRIALSvoyage at sunset. While the traf? c-free commute can be A new era of short sea shipping may be coming ashore in enjoyed by employees and employer alike, it undoubtedly the near future, but without reform of the shortsea portion is the bene? t of a sophisticated wi? system that truly give of the harbor maintenance tax (HMT), it won’t come in Google a return on this short term short sea investment. the sectors which most stakeholders hope for. Instead, the coming birth of the U.S. offshore windfarm market may in BETTER fact necessitate a new short sea ? eet.Vessel designs for near coastal transport and trade do not Actually, the ideal design for windfarm support vessels have to follow prescriptions of the past, as Google has been closely mirrors practical characteristics needed for coastwise making a bit of splash with the current construction of their shipping. Fast, fuel ef? cient, and stable, these Jones Act two mystery barges that are alleged to be ? oating product compliant vessels are designed to transport crew and cargo showcase stores. The deployable storefront is a very unique safely and ef? ciently on coastwise routes less than 100 nauti-experience and could spawn an entirely new segment in the cal miles offshore. The hull design is shallow draft and most marine industry. Thinking this through a bit further, cruise support vessels even have their own cranes for moving cargo. ships also do quite well selling luxury items while a? oat, so While these vessels are designed for wind farm use, their con-there must be some underlying connection between the lull cept seems practical for other coastwise trade and it could be of an ocean wave, the salty sea air, and the propensity to just what is needed to give short sea shipping new life.part with lots of cash for the trendiest new widgets. The good news for American boatyards is that U.S. Equally impressive was the pioneering dream of Ex- builders are very competitive on price with their foreign poships to create a ? oating art gallery. In 2006, Nichols counterparts, speci? cally in the range of OSV-size vessels Brothers Boat Builders constructed the 228’ Seafair Grand and down. In terms of quality, the volume and dollar num-Luxe that transports a ? ne art collection in a self-propelled, bers represented by U.S. small vessel exports alone speaks ultra-posh show room up and down the eastern seaboard. for itself. There isn’t any reason why all windfarm support If this new side of the maritime industry takes off, it will vessels for domestic use cannot be built right here at home.help with recruiting and bringing new life into all sectors Today, short sea shipping remains as a largely untapped of our industry. Plus, ordering your morning latte from a resource for an island nation that is, nevertheless, experi-boat that pulls into the harbor on coffee breaks might just encing a miraculous rebound in virtually every other phase be the best way to go. of the maritime industry. How that could change depends on the usual political and commercial considerations that CHEAPER & GREENER impact every business decision. When it does, the domes-In order for the paradigm shift to occur and see the re- tic boatbuilding industry is ready to step up and deliver. 45 www.marinelink.com MN MN MAR14 Layout 32-49.indd 45 MN MAR14 Layout 32-49.indd 45 2/21/2014 3:29:14 PM2/21/2014 3:29:14 PM