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AUGUST 2026
taining the fleet often become the people who keep the 
vessels cleaner during the operating season because they 
know what they are protecting.
The same is true in the machinery spaces. The crew mem-
ber who helped with an oil change is often the first to no-
tice that an engine sounds different. People who fix things 
notice things. That awareness creates better operators, and 
better operators build more resilient organizations.
Our industry is entering one of the most significant 
technological transitions in its history. Electric propul-
sion, battery systems, predictive diagnostics, and remote 
monitoring are changing what maintenance looks like, 
but not why we do it. In some ways, maintenance may 
become easier: electric propulsion has fewer moving me-
chanical components than traditional diesel systems, and 
some routine tasks may become less frequent. Predictive 
Maintenance also develops 
people. … A crew member 
who has spent a week  
needle-gunning rust,  
rolling paint, or assisting 
with engine service  
develops a sense of  
ownership that cannot be 
taught in a classroom.
PHOTO: ANGEL ISLAND–TIBURON FERRY
24/7 support 
at every turn.
ZF W340 
Transmission
indicates a ZF location
indicates a ZF dealer
1.833.ZFWRENCH
ZF Marine App
Available on App Store & Google Play
Visit the Global 
Dealer Network
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® and GRIDCOOLER
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