February 2023

  • Published On: February 28, 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 [...]

  • Published On: February 23, 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 [...]

  • Published On: February 22, 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. [...]

  • Published On: February 21, 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 [...]

  • Published On: February 16, 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 [...]

  • Published On: February 15, 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 [...]

  • Published On: February 14, 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 [...]

  • Published On: February 10, 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 [...]

  • Published On: February 9, 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 [...]

  • Published On: February 8, 2023

    The UN Global Compact recently published a CEO study conducted by Accenture of more than 2,600 CEOs across a range of industries and geographies (128 countries) about their attitudes and approaches to sustainability. Key highlights from the report include: 98% of CEOs agree sustainability is core to their role (up from 83% in 2013) 63% [...]