Think Maritime » boat

First US Hybrid Ferry to Take Tourists to Alcatraz

Dirk — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 03:16:15 +0000

Alcatraz Island, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the US, will soon have visitors arriving on a hybrid ferryboat. The Hornblower Hybrid will be powered by two ten-foot-tall wind turbines and a photovoltaic solar array covering the awning’s top deck. The solar and wind energy will be used for the boat’s navigation tools, lighting, and other electronic devices.

In addition to alternative energy sources, the Hornblower Hybrid will also feature clean, fuel-efficient marine diesel engines.Of course, the vessel isn’t much more than a publicity stunt if riders aren’t given information about its energy use. Let’s hope that Alcatraz Cruises takes the time to educate the school groups and visitors from around the world that take trips to Alcatraz every day (source: cleantechnica.com).

Brunswick Shuts 4 More Plants | 1,400 Jobs Lost

Dirk — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 05:27:32 +0000

Today, Brunswick announced that it will cut 1,400 more jobs. The company is shutting down four more plants. The company is facing a falling demand for boats because of the poor economy. This means that Brunswick has cut more than a third of its marine work force since the beginning of 2008.

The overall fiberglass boat industry fell about 40 percent and the sales of aluminum boats decreased about 21 percent this summer. Brunswick is closing plants permanently in Pipestone, Roseburg, and Arlington and is ‘mothballing’ U.S. Marine boatyard at Navassa with the hope to re-open at the end of the year, if the economy gets better. Since 2006, Brunswick has closed more than 40% of its boat plants!

The cuts will save about $300 million by the end of 2009. This may prevent Brunswick from making a profit in 2008.