The U.S. Maritime Administration will activate the SUNY Maritime College training ship Empire State for temporary federal service beginning on or about Sept. 1.

Master Boat Builders, Coden, Ala., has launched Defiant, the third of eight RApport 2700-MP tugs under construction for Maritime Partners, Metairie, La., as the first two vessels in the series enter service with E.N. Bisso & Son, New Orleans.