September 2026
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WorkBoat September 2026 — Volume 83, No. 09
More than at any time in recent history, commercial boatbuilders are setting their sights on military contracts as the Defense Department plans a major fleet expansion. At the same time, the Navy is rewriting the rules for how it awards shipbuilding work, and a growing number of builders looking for their opening. WorkBoat covers all of this and more — including pilot boat newbuilds, shipyard robotics, and offshore space support — in our September edition.
Read the full September issue in the digital edition above.
In This Issue
Features
- Page 12 — Cover Story: New Playbook — The Navy looks to the future.
- Page 20 — Vessel Report: Transfer Craft — The trends driving U.S. pilot boat construction.
- Page 26 — Focus: Space Support — Federal request raises industry questions.
- Page 30 — Final Word: Patrick V. Kelly — One-on-one with the CEO of Fraser Industries LLC.
Boats & Gear: On the Ways (Page 8)
This month’s vessel deliveries, launches and contract awards:
- New tugboats to keep Soo Locks ice-free
- Bordelon converts supply vessel for subsea work
- New research catamaran on Lake Champlain
- Second of eight towboats delivered to Turn Services
- Rozema lays keel for Coast Guard response boats
- Lake Charles Pilots take new launch from Gladding-Hearn
- Tote to manage Navy landing craft builds
- Missile range tracking ships ordered from Hanwha Philly Shipyard
- New Long Island patrol boat goes to work
Robo Welders (Page 24)
Short-staffed shipyards are bringing in high-tech helpers.
At a Glance
- Page 4 — Pilot Ladder — Maritime pilots proudly contribute to national security.
- Page 4 — All Hands — An overlooked workforce pool.
- Page 6 — On the Water — Hydrate to stay safe in the heat.
- Page 6 — Health, Safety, and Environment — Confidential data sharing.
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