August 2026

WorkBoat August 2026 — Volume 83, Edition 08

How are policy, infrastructure projects, and economic factors reshaping the barge industry? Flip open the August edition of WorkBoat to find out. We also look at how new contracting methods are changing the way the Navy buys rigid-hull inflatable boats — and how builders are positioning themselves to cash in. And as regulations shift and technology advances, fuel and lubricant choices are taking on a bigger role for workboat operators. It’s a fluid situation.

In This Issue

Features

• Page 12 — Cover Story: Navigating the Bends — How policy, infrastructure and economic factors are impacting the barge sector.
• Page 20 — Vessel Report: Strategy Shift — The Navy is changing the way it buys RIBs.
• Page 26 — In Business: Teknicraft Design and All American Marine — A global partnership that delivers.
• Page 30 — Final Word: Deb Calhoun — Looking back on a career as a voice for the inland industry.

Boats & Gear: On the Ways (Page 8)

This month’s vessel deliveries, launches and contract awards:

• Oregon dredge tender enters service
• Tractor tug launched for McAllister Towing
• Data center barge concept unveiled
• United States’ first subsea rock installation vessel delivered
• Two towboats under construction for Terral RiverService
• New tug delivered to Suderman & Young
• Passenger/vehicle ferry goes to work in Florida
• American Cruise Lines christens its latest small cruise ship
• Fireboat delivered for San Francisco airport
• Research vessel hits the water on Long Island Sound
• Construction begins on Hy-Line Cruises’ ferry

Fluid Situation (Page 24)

Fuel and lubricant choices take on larger roles.

At a Glance

• Page 4 — Insurance Watch — Avoiding toxic culture helps safety.
• Page 4 — All Hands — Where AI fits (and doesn’t) in workforce training.
• Page 5 — Legal Talk — Legal standard for experts.
• Page 5 — Inland Insider — DOT bets big on barges.
• Page 6 — On the Water — Battery fires don’t play by old rules.
• Page 6 — Health, Safety, and Environment — Commercial operators’ burden.

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