The Ship Report

Today's maritime term: lightering Today we'll take another look at a specialized maritime term, one that may seem odd to folks not involved in the maritime industry. This word, llightering, has to do...

14 Maj 20248min

The origin and meaning of a common maritime industry term: bunkering Folks familiar with the maritime industry use this word a lot: "bunker" or "bunkering" or even "bunkers." It's not a word whose mea...

13 Maj 20248min

Cruise ships on the Columbia, and why we don't see blue water cruises all summer A look at today's ship schedule, and a look at our cruise ship complement for the season, and why we don't see blue wat...

10 Maj 20248min

Beautiful weather is here, and with it cold water dangers Every spring, we have these wonderful days (like today into the weekend) where the weather just blossoms into full summer mode - and we are un...

9 Maj 20248min

Nightime running lights on ships Today, a look back in the Ship Report archives at an interview I did in the early 2000s, with a local maritime professional: Captain Robert Johnson, a now retired Colu...

8 Maj 20248min

A look at who's on the river today Today, a look at who's traveling on the river today, and a bit about cargo, ballast water, and land transportation for cargo after it gets to port.

7 Maj 20248min

How does the "gas pedal" work on a ship? Today, the answer to an interesting listener question about how the bridge communicates propulsion decisons to the engine room. In a car, we'd call this the "g...

6 Maj 20248min

The Seafarers Happiness Index shows improved morale in 2024 Crews are feeling happier on board ship these days. We'll take a look at the factors that keep sailors happy when they're away from home for...

3 Maj 20248min