Florida seaports see record-high cargo in 2022

February 28th, 2023

Florida’s 16 seaports experienced a new record high of 112.5 million tons of cargo received during 2022, a six% increase over 2021, as the newly released Seaport Mission Plan report from the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council (FSTED) shows. Further, because Florida has encouraged shippers to change shipping lanes and call on the […]

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Industry headwinds discussed at boat show

February 23rd, 2023

In a recent Soundings Trade Only article, writer Gary Reich reported that during remarks at the Miami International Boat Show, marine industry leaders discussed some of the headwinds facing the marine industry as a whole. According to Reich, Dave Chanda, president and CEO of the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), said that after picking […]

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Sustainable marine fuels in the spotlight

February 22nd, 2023

The advancement, innovation and availability of sustainable marine fuels was the focus of an industry event at the 2023 Miami International Boat Show® in February. Sustainable marine fuels minimize CO2 emissions from recreational boating while maintaining boats’ range and performance. They are compatible with existing recreational boats, requiring no changes to fuel systems or engines. […]

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Innovation Award winners named

February 21st, 2023

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) honored 10 recipients and three honorable mentions with 2023 Innovation Awards at the Miami International Boat Show®. The awards recognize manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products to market. The 2023 Miami Innovation Award winners are: Center Console/Walkaround Fishing Boats: Viking Yachts, Valhalla […]

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Life Jacket Loaner Program receives record demand for life jackets

February 16th, 2023

The Sea Tow Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to boating safety, is seeking donations to help fulfill a record number of life jacket requests it received for its 2023 Life Jacket Loaner Program. More than 250 applications from 46 states were submitted this year, creating a gap of 15,000 life jackets between what cities and […]

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$660 million available through Port Infrastructure Development Program

February 15th, 2023

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) making available more than $662 million in Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 funding for MARAD’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP). The PIDP investment will modernize U.S. ports and help strengthen supply chains, helping to reduce shipping time, costs and […]

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2022 Outboard Engine Sales Trends report available

February 14th, 2023

The first section of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) 2022 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, Outboard Engine Sales Trends, is now available. Demand for outboard engines remained steady in 2022 as unit sales surpassed 300,000 for the third consecutive year, reaching 305,900 units. Further insights from the Outboard Engine Sales Trends report include: Outboard […]

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McClendon new president of Spradling

February 10th, 2023

Doug McClendon has been named the President of Spradling International effective January 2023. Spradling is a global manufacturer of coated fabrics. McClendon has more than 35 years of experience in the textile industry. Throughout his career, he has held a variety of leadership roles in sales and marketing. Prior to joining Spradling International, McClendon was […]

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2023 MFA Conference Is a Win-Win Event

February 9th, 2023

The 2023 Marine Fabricators Conference that took place Jan. 26-28 in New Orleans, La., was bustling with energy, creativity and goodwill. With a total of 273 registrants, 68 first-time participants and 51 exhibitors, veterans and newcomers alike enjoyed the buzzing show floor, well-attended education sessions and special networking events that included a Fabricator Olympics and […]

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ATA Women in Textiles Summit promotes connection

February 9th, 2023

Networking allows for an exchange of ideas, opens the door to opportunities and helps build professional relationships. The Advanced Textiles Association Women in Textiles Summit will bring together experienced and emerging leaders on March 1–3, 2023, in Charleston, S.C. Through an interactive forum that provides education, networking and dialogue about important issues affecting women in […]

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