Features Columns 8 Decoding Alternative Marine Fuels: What Operators Need to Know Today and Beyond As fuel options grow, understanding the benefits and limitations of each will help operators find the best path forward for real-world applications. 14 AC or DC Charging for Passenger Vessels: A Dilemma or Freedom of Choice? Shoreside infrastructure is a crucial part of energy supply chain for electric vessels. Developing that infrastructure also brings into question if the conversion from AC to DC should happen shoreside or on the vessel. 20 A Battery Is Not a Generator Replacement: It Is a Tool in the Power Systems Toolbox To get the most successful results, a shift in thinking is needed when moving from a traditional diesel-based system to a battery-based design. 28 Serving the People: Interagency Government Initiatives to Grow the Maritime Workforce U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System has programs in place specifically for mariners and strengthening the maritime workforce. Foghorn is published monthly, except combined January/February, by the Passenger Vessel Association (PVA), 103 Oronoco Street, Suite 200, Alexandria, Va., 22314 Send address changes to Foghorn at pvainfo@passengervessel.com. Copyright 2026 by the Passenger Vessel Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the Passenger Vessel Association. PASSENGER VESSEL ASSOCIATION PVAINFO@PASSENGERVESSEL.COM • PHONE: 703-518-5005 4 Letter From the President 7 Letter From the Executive Director 34 Legislative Report 36 Safety Matters 41 Regulatory Report 43 U.S. Coast Guard 44 Newswire 45 Member News 60 Advertisers’ Index OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PASSENGER VESSEL ASSOCIATION VOL. 25, NO. 4 MAY 2026 PRESIDENT Andrew Sargis, Wendella Sightseeing Boats, Chicago, Ill. VICE PRESIDENT John Lake, Hornblower, Alexandria, Va. SECRETARY/TREASURER Ben Bernstein, BB Riverboats, Newport, Ky. BOARD MEMBERS Chris Anglin, Cross Sound Ferry, New London, Conn. Erik Bombard, Catalina Express, San Pedro, Calif. Jenna Deegan-Brown, Grand Lady Cruises, Inc., Buffalo, N.Y. Jenny Gezella, Naples Princess, Naples, Fla. Carol Hill, Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry, Key West, Fla. Christian Myers, Interstate Navigation Company, Wakefield, R.I. Sarah Pennington, Classic Harbor Line, New York, N.Y. Tim Ratcliffe, Argosy Cruises, Seattle, Wash. Hannah Wirginis Roth, Gateway Clipper Fleet Pittsburgh, Pa. ASSOCIATE MEMBER REPRESENTATIVES Peter Duclos, Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Somerset, Mass. Tosca Pinder, USI Insurance Services, Seattle, Wash. PVA PAST PRESIDENTS Jim Swindler, Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, San Francisco, Calif. Patrick Murphy, Blue and Gold Fleet, San Francisco, Calif. Steve Jones, Gateway Clipper Fleet, Pittsburgh, Pa. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR John R. Groundwater SENIOR LEGISLATIVE ADVISOR Edmund Welch LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR Richard Patch REGULATORY AFFAIRS CONSULTANT Peter Lauridsen DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Leslie Kagarise DIRECTOR OF REGULATORY AFFAIRS AND RISK MANAGEMENT Eric Christensen PVA SENIOR REGULATORY AND PROGRAMS ADVISOR Lee Boone GENERAL COUNSEL Steven Bers, Whiteford, Taylor and Preston EDITORIAL OFFICES Managing Editor: Sarah Ferretti sarah@passengervessel.com 571-388-7752 About the Cover The Capitol launched in Nashville, the first regular riverboat in the city since 2014. Operating year round, it will offer historic and sightseeing tours, brunch and dinner cruises, and host private events. Story on page 50. / Photo: Toby Foreyhand, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Marine Propulsion
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