We see a lot of the same kinds of ships here, going to a set series of places. Today we’ll talk about different kinds of ships, and ports, and the inland water highway that makes much of our commerce possible.
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Today we’ll take a look at a memorial day commemoration that happened here in Astoria on Monday. This event has, in fact, happened each year, for many years.
Family and friends gather on the banks of the Columbia for the annual Uniontown Association Maritime Memorial Day Ceremony. It happens on Memorial Day each year at 3 pm, rain or shine.
The ceremony takes place at the Maritime Memorial, located on Bay Street, under the Astoria Megler Bridge. I attended this year, and I’ll share some sound from the event, and my impressions of what I saw and heard.
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Today’s report is a short update – since it’s a holiday. But there are a few things I want to let you know about:
I’m taking a little extra break this week, so the Ship Report will return as usual on Wednesday. See you then!
We can observe a lot about the ships we see going by, but there’s a lot we can’t tell as well. One of those things is how they do business.
Today we’ll talk about two common maritime cargo industry terms: the concept of a “tramp” ship and a “liner” vessel.
So ships may look the same on the outside, but their business models are very different. One way to tell is to observe them over time.
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On Tuesday some observant folks noticed an unusual ship in Astoria’s anchorage – a car carrier. Such ships usually pass us by on their way to Portland or Vancouver, but this one experienced engine problems outbound and had to stop in Astoria’s anchorage.
We’ll talk about why an outbound stopover like this doesn’t happen often, and why, when it does, it’s a complex feat to accomplish safely.
We’ll also talk about strong ebb tides this week, and why mariners will be watching this closely.
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Today we’ll take a look at ship traffic and weather, and also at a seasonal tradition that started again this year a few weeks ago: sailboat racing on the Columbia River off Astoria and Hammond. Every Tuesday night through the summer, through the Astoria Yacht Club.
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