The 2024 International WorkBoat Show in New Orleans will be host to one of the most anticipated events of the year: the announcement of the Boat of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes one of the Significant Boats of the Year, chosen by the readers of WorkBoat Magazine through an online vote. The winner will be revealed on Nov. 12, the first day of the show, as part of the Significant Boat Awards and Happy Hour event, held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the show.
Each year, WorkBoat’s editorial team carefully selects the Significant Boats of the Year, acknowledging vessels that have made a notable impact in the maritime industry. These boats may entail an innovative design, serve unique missions, or operate in challenging environments that push the limits of maritime operations. Some of these vessels represent the first of their kind, while others are part of a successful series that exemplifies excellence in the industry. Categories for selection include a variety of maritime sectors, from inland towboats to offshore service vessels, passenger ferries, and even wind energy support craft.
This year’s list showcases a diverse collection of boats that span several sectors and regions of the United States, from the East Coast to the Gulf Coast and Great Lakes. Notable entries include eWolf, an all-electric harbor tug from Crowley, designed to revolutionize tugboat operations with zero emissions, and the Windserve Odyssey, part of a series of crew transfer vessels built to support the growing wind energy industry.
Other entries, such as the Esperanza "Hope" Andrade, a new passenger and vehicle ferry for the Texas Department of Transportation, highlight the diversity of vessels contributing to both traditional and emerging sectors of the maritime industry.
The significance of each boat is measured by its contribution to the industry’s growth and innovation. Whether it’s the Pride of Maui, a new excursion boat built for adventure tourism, or Resilience, a cutting-edge research vessel, each nominee brings something unique to the table.
To be eligible for the Significant Boats of the Year, the boats must have appeared in WorkBoat Magazine between Dec. 2023 and Nov. 2024. This year’s finalists also include innovative vessels like the Cape Hatteras and Cape Canaveral, multi-cat dredge support vessels, and the Jackpot Bay, a multi-mission workboat designed for a variety of operational needs.
Attendees of the 2024 International WorkBoat Show are encouraged to join in the excitement by attending the awards ceremony on Nov. 12. It’s a great opportunity to network with industry professionals while celebrating the maritime innovations of the year. Be sure to register for the show, and don’t miss out on this highlight event!
