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International WorkBoat Show co-located with Underwater Intervention

This year’s record-breaking WorkBoat Show was just the beginning—stay connected to learn what’s next in 2025.

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Short-staffed shipyards are bringing in high-tech helpers

Eric Haun

September 2, 2026

Physical AI and mobile robotics are moving from the factory floor to the shipyard, helping builders tackle labor shortages, increase capacity, and automate complex welding and finishing work.

Featured

Path Robotics’ mobile, dog-like welding robots are being tested at U.S. shipyards. Path Robotics photo.

Featured

Hung Cao Navy — Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao speaks to the crew of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island during an Aug. 7, 2026, visit to San Diego. President Donald Trump has nominated Cao to serve permanently as secretary of the Navy. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Eric Nelson.

Trump nominates Hung Cao as Navy secretary

Steve Mosco

September 2, 2026

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President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social Sept. 1 that he will nominate acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to permanently lead the Department of the Navy.

Featured

A rendering of the 59' aluminum research vessel LM Workboats will build for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The vessel will support scientific operations on Chesapeake Bay and near-coastal Atlantic waters. LM Workboats image.

Maryland DNR contracts Lyman-Morse for 59' research vessel

WorkBoat Staff

September 2, 2026

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The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has contracted Lyman-Morse Workboats, Thomaston, Maine, to build a 59' aluminum research vessel for year-round scientific operations on Chesapeake Bay and near-coastal Atlantic waters.

News

Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) Adam Telle (left) and Col. Scotty Autin, commander of the New Orleans District, sign the record of decision endorsing the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Lock Replacement project.

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Telle signs record of decision for IHNC Lock replacement in New Orleans

September 2, 2026

A rendering of the 59' aluminum research vessel LM Workboats will build for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The vessel will support scientific operations on Chesapeake Bay and near-coastal Atlantic waters. LM Workboats image.

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Maryland DNR contracts Lyman-Morse for 59' research vessel

September 2, 2026

Hung Cao Navy — Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao speaks to the crew of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island during an Aug. 7, 2026, visit to San Diego. President Donald Trump has nominated Cao to serve permanently as secretary of the Navy. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Eric Nelson.

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Trump nominates Hung Cao as Navy secretary

September 2, 2026

From left: Peter Morsbach, Hoglund CEO; Saara Kuusisto, global business line manager, marine systems, ABB’s Marine & Ports division; and Rune Braastad, president, ABB’s Marine & Ports division. Hoglund photo.

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ABB closes Hoglund acquisition

September 2, 2026

Path Robotics’ mobile, dog-like welding robots are being tested at U.S. shipyards. Path Robotics photo.

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Short-staffed shipyards are bringing in high-tech helpers

September 2, 2026

Austal USA has begun construction on the future USCGC Ingham (WMSM-917), the third U.S. Coast Guard Heritage-class offshore patrol cutter (OPC) to be built at the shipyard's Mobile, Ala., facility. Austal USA Photo.

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Austal USA starts construction on third offshore patrol cutter

September 1, 2026

Silver Ships AM950 — The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s new AM950 patrol boat was built by Silver Ships for marine enforcement missions along the state’s coastline. Silver Ships photo.

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Silver Ships delivers AM950 patrol boat to California agency

September 1, 2026

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New Marad rule to revise Title XI shipbuilding finance

September 1, 2026

Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly (left) presents a $3 million check to Mel Ponder, president of Northwest Florida State College. The funding will support construction of the school's Maritime Fabrication Training Center at its Niceville, Fla., campus. NWFSC photo.

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DeSantis announces $23 million investment in Florida's defense industry

September 1, 2026

Marquette Transportation Co. mariners participate in AWO’s Falls Overboard Safety Standdown Day on Aug. 28. Marquette Transportation Co. photo.

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Towing industry pauses to address falls overboard

September 1, 2026

All American Marine’s new 78' research vessel Osprey underway. The vessel was built for the University of North Carolina Wilmington. All American Marine photo.

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All American Marine delivers research vessel to UNC Wilmington

September 1, 2026

Ring Power Strengthens Cox Marine Network Across the U.S. South

Sponsored by

ZALOPHUS, the sister ship of San Francisco Bay Ferry Karl

HamiltonJet Propulsion Drives the Next Wave of Ferry Innovation

Sponsored by

Revolutionary Permanent Fastener Offers Unmatched Vibration Resistance — Yet Removes Easily with Standard Torque Tools

Sponsored by

Duramax Infrastructure: The Smart Choice for Marine Infrastructure

Sponsored by

Viewpoints

The Aug. 27 bulletin from the USCG National Maritime Center, providing a 120 day authorization for mariners whose pending renewals currently have an Awaiting Information or an Open Book Take Home Renewal Exam Approved to Test letter. MM-SEAS USCG Licensing Software photo.

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Mariners awaiting information, testing receive 120-day MMC relief from Coast Guard

September 1, 2026

The tactics for fighting a lithium battery fire differ from conventional protocols. Shutterstock photo.

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Battery fires don’t play by old rules

August 31, 2026

The towboat Tracy Fedkoe pushes barges up the Monongahela River while passing a recreational vessel near Pittsburgh. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Stacey G. Wyzykowski.

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The commercial operators’ burden

August 25, 2026

In safety-critical industries, competence requires knowledge, judgment, situational awareness, and accountability. Shutterstock photo.

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Where AI fits — and doesn’t — in skilled workforce training

August 18, 2026

A towboat pushes a barge in the Port of Long Beach, Calif. Shutterstock photo.

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Avoiding toxic culture helps safety

August 12, 2026

A recent federal court case from the Eastern District of Louisiana illustrated how the role of an expert can be a decisive factor in a maritime lawsuit. Shutterstock photo.

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The legal standard for expert testimony in maritime cases

July 30, 2026

More Viewpoints

Videos

A rendering of Starbase Louisiana. Screenshot from SpaceX video.

SpaceX unveils plans for new spaceport on Louisiana Gulf Coast

Defiant_Tug_MasterBoatBuilders — Defiant, the third of eight RApport 2700-MP tugs Master Boat Builders is constructing for Maritime Partners, was launched in August 2026 and is scheduled for delivery this fall. Master Boat Builders photo.

Defiant launch advances Maritime Partners eight-tug program

The characters of Grit City Workboats represent a range of working vessels operating in Tacoma, Wash. Silverback Marine photo.

Silverback Marine launches children’s animated workboat series

Did You Know?

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