VOLUME 9, NUMBER 3 SPRING 2010

In This Issue:

Marine Safety and Services .... 1 Editorial...... 2 2011 Calendar Contest...... 2 Carry the Flag ...... 3 Human Resources Deck ...... 3 Marketing Matters ...... 7 A View from City Dock...... 8 Did You Know? ...... 8 Notes from the Shipyard...... 9 In Memoriam...... 9 New Faces...... 10 Seafarers’ Fare ...... 11 Photo Gallery...... 12 Birthday Celebration...... 13 Recommended Reading...... 14 Bells and Whistles ...... 15

Neno Uljarevic, Shop Manager, Frank A. Hornig IV, Marketing Manager, and Michael J. Ahern, Operations Manager, strike a pose in front of the distinctive red door at the entrance to Vane Brothers Marine Safety and Services.

Vane Brothers Marine Safety and Services

A Team of Professionals Keeping Customers Safe at Sea

Vane Brothers Marine Safety and Services, a separate entity under the umbrella of the Vane Brothers Companies, is often the fi r st place that maritime companies consider when searching for lifeboat and liferaft service options, fire suppression equipment, and safety survival products. With locations in Baltimore, Norfolk, Philadelphia, and Wilmington, Marine Safety is equipped

(See VANE BROTHERS MARINE SAFETY AND SERVICES on Page 4) 1

the pipeline 1 Thomas G. Gaither tow it? This challenge was met by the decision to build a Senior Vice President series of new, “Vane Class” tugboats, one for each of our new The Vane Brothers Companies barges. These would be 4200 horsepower tugs, 100 feet in length with beams of 34 feet and equipped with the latest state-of-the-art navigation equipment in order to tow our Editorial new barges safely on any waters and to any destination. The yard to build the new tugs would be Thoma-Sea of Houma, A Chapter Closes and We Begin Anew Louisiana, a tug construction company that had earned a A scant eight years ago the keel was laid on our first reputation for top-notch, quality construction. 50,000 barrel class double skin barge, the DS-51. She was to Patapsco Surpasses all in her Class be the first of fourteen sisterships. The last of the series, the DS-508 received her Coast Guard Certificate on April 14 at Their reputation was well earned, for tug number one, the which time she sailed for Port Arthur, Texas for tank coatings Patapsco was completed on April 26, 2004, and she far sur- and final fitting out. She enter service this coming June, passed any other tug in her class that we have seen before or thus bringing to a close an unprecedented building program since. (She won the famed Intrepid Tugboat Race on New for us, or for that matter, the industry as a whole. York’s Hudson River in September 2004 against a fleet of more than a dozen of New York’s fi n est and fastest). After This accomplishment is even more impressive when you her launch there followed in quick succession thirteen more consider that while Vane was building fourteen new “50” sisterships, culminating in the launch of the fourteenth and class barges, we also built fourteen new 4200 horsepower tug- fi n al tug, the Severn late last year. boats to tow the new barges. At the same time, the company built twelve new 30,000 barrel class barges together with a Our Gratitude to Special People series of 3000 horsepower tugs to tow them. We also built With the deliveries of the Severn and now the DS-508 we two 140,000 barrel articulated tug/barge units during the can all share a measure of pride in the completion of one of same time period. the most aggressive and challenging building programs in our A Very Short Eight Years industry’s history. In addition to the entire Vane Brothers team we thank Jeffboat and Thoma-Sea for their tremendous Mind you, all this occurred over a very short eight-year time efforts in delivering such fi n e vessels. span. I believe this level of construction and expansion has seldom, if ever, been seen in our industry before. Now, with For their unexcelled experience in design, execution, and the delivery of the DS-508 Vane has indeed reached the end of production, we owe a great debt of gratitude to three very an era, and the end of the single most amazing chapter in the special people. Captain Russi Makujina, assisted by Russ history of the company’s 110 years of growth. Howereter, brought the barge project to perfect completion. Captain Makujina, a master mariner himself, is renowned A Vision Born of Two Forces in the industry for his vast knowledge of the maritime. The The vision for this aggressive plan was born of two forces: huge tug project, under the direction of Captain James A. the mandate required by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to Demske, exemplifi e s a mastery of team management and pro- replace the entire industry’s fl e et of single skin tank vessels duction. Captain Demske’s own knowledge of the design with double skin equipment prior to 2015, and the pressure and operation of tugboats is unparalleled and his leadership from our customers to provide them with safe, effi c ient trans- has been invaluable throughout the course of construction. portation for their products over the long haul. So, with the Finally, lest we spend too much time resting on our laurels, passage of the Oil Pollution Act, Vane planned for the even- you know what the end of an era means: It’s the beginning of tual replacement of its entire single skin fleet. We began with the one. Stand By! the construction of two 30,000 barrel barges, the DS-31 and DS-32 in 1999. After the turn of the century, however, it became clear that the company needed larger barges capable 2011 Calendar Contest of offshore passages in order to serve our customers’ needs. Vane settled on 50,000 barrels of capacity as the ideal size, This year’s deadline for Vane’s annual calendar and on the Jeffboat Shipyards of Jeffersonville, Indiana as the contest is fast approaching. Entries are due builder of choice for our new vessels. July 31, 2010. Send images, at or over 1 MB, to Communications Specialist Lisa Roca at lroca@ After painstaking research and review, the design was vanebrothers.com or Communications Coordinator fi n alized. She would be 362' 6" long by 62' wide and carry Katie Kenny at [email protected]. a loaded draft of 19' 3" at her summer loadline. At the time, this was far and away the largest barge we had ever operat- ed, so we were faced with the next challenge: How do we

2 the pipeline Lenora C. Dukehart should be ready to join the fleet in New York. Earl W. Smith, Purchasing Coordinator II Senior Maintenance and Repair Buyer, is handling all conver- Vane Line Bunkering, Inc. sions.He, too, is assisted by Maryanne.

Our New York Warehouse Carry the Flag The warehouse in New York is up and running. This is our fourth successful warehouse accessed in our Procure- With the advent of warm weather, the painting season has IT system. The transition of inventory and critical spares is begun in earnest. Effective immediately, only one-part paint on-going. A special thanks to Port Captain John M. Bowie, is to be stocked in inventory. When going into dry dock for Vessel Supervisor Christopher D. DeCamps, and espe- repairs or when large quantities of paint are required, two-part cially Port Engineer Anthony C. Amandola Jr. for their paint may be ordered after coordination with the Port Captain. patience and extra effort during the set-up and transition process. A special mention needs to be made to the inven- Meatballs and Mariners tory team of Warehouse/Inventory Manager Robert E.Pierce The tug Charles Burton arrived in Fairfield on March 2, and Warehouse Manager Oscar Stevenson III for assisting 2010 from Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland. Purchasing Manager Gary G. Zakens in the set-up and for While in port, Captain Robert S. (“Stu”) Cottrell III treated their time away from home to accomplish this very large task. many of us to his homemade meatballs. They were delicious! A Warehouse Coordinator will soon be hired to manage the Captain Darren P. Grover gave us, the ladies of Purchasing, receipt of and the accuracy of all warehouse inventories. This a very informative guided tour from the engine room to the individual will also assist the New York operations group where upper wheelhouse. This was my first tour of a new tug. I was needed. definitely impressed. Hats off to everyone involved in bringing Senior Maintenance and Repair Buyer Earl W. Smith is the tug from the drawing board to service in the fleet. working with the Engineering Department to phase in all maintenance-related material and support. Edward A. Adams, Senior Buyer/Purchasing Supervisor, is developing our supplier base and synergies in the New York area to give us quicker deliveries and future cost savings. We are phasing out wooden ladders. In the future, all ladders will be made of aluminum.Until current inventory is depleted, we would appreciate requests for wooden ladders.

Muriel M. Madden Human Resources Manager The Vane Brothers Companies

Charles Burton Captain Robert S. Cottrell III stopped by for a visit with Purchasing From the Human Resources Deck Coordinators Lenora C.Dukehart, Maryanne Kozloski, and Elizabeth L. Black. He treated the ladies to a tour of the vessel and showed off his culinary skills by preparing Warm Weather Tips some of his delicious homemade meatballs. I want all of us to have a great time outside this spring. After The Fleet in New York the winter we have experienced, I think we deserve a little fun in Vane Brothers has chartered three vessels from the New the sun. With a few preventative measures, we can ensure that York area, the tug Peter Gellatly and the barges GCS-235 and everyone stays safe, too. With spring upon us, so are the risks GCS-238. They are working alongside the tugs Patapsco, for common ailments like insect bites, poison ivy, and Lyme Sassafras, and Elk River and barges DS-34, DS-36 and DS-55. disease. These threats can be minimized and/or avoided while Business is brisk. Edward A. Adams Jr., Senior Buyer/ still enjoying the great outdoors. Purchasing Supervisor, has been very busy keeping these vessels supplied, with the assistance of Purchasing Coordinator I Bad Bugs Maryanne Kozloski. Insect bites are among the common causes of summer skin Barge conversions are ongoing. The DS-306 and the irritation. Some bites can lead to serious medical problems. DS-32 are next in line to be converted to bunker barges. Certain insects carry diseases, and insect bites can become Within the next two weeks, they will be going to Colonna’s infected with bacteria. It is always a good idea to protect Shipyard in Norfolk, Virginia. By late June or early July, they (See FROM THE HUMAN RESOURCES DECK on Page 7)

the pipeline 3 (VANE BROTHERS MARINE SAFETY AND SERVICES from Page 1) ufacture date on the raft and the carbon dioxide (CO2) gas inflation cylinder must comply with the prescribed interna- to provide the best services in the industry, not only to the tional requirements and regulations. East Coast, but also nationally and throughout the world. Customers include ship owners, foreign vessels, barges and Just Bring It On tugboats, commercial vessels, ship management companies, Neno is proud of Marine Safety’s quick turnaround time fi s hing vessels, and recreational sailors. on job delivery. “Ships used to stay in port for 6-to-10 days. Established in 1994, Marine Safety headquarters is located Now it is a matter of 8-to-20 hours to turnaround a service in the Port of Baltimore at Vane’s Fairfi e ld facility. The cor- job for a commercial vessel.” He goes on to say that it really porate offi c e building is easily identifi e d by its distinctive comes down to having a good team. “Our technicians and bright red door. Company management is led by experienced our team are just unbelievable. Sometimes I laugh and say we professionals who operate as a team to offer a wide range of are an eating machine like a great white -- just bring it on.” marine safety products and services to customers. Neno Uljarevic has been with Marine Safety for more A Last Chance of Survival than 16 years. He holds a degree in ships’ telecommunication from the Kotor Merchant Marine College in Montenegro. He Shop Manager Nenad (“Neno”) Uljarevic supervises served as a radio officer aboard tankers and container ships in and coordinates the repair, maintenance, and inspection of Atlantic waters until 1992 when his Yugoslavian ship became survival equipment. Marine Safety inspects an array of liferaft stranded in Baltimore. “We got small lifeboats and came sizes, from four-person pods up to those for 25 or 50 persons. ashore,” he recalls. “This is how I met Vane Brothers.” He Emergency packs in the liferafts include a thermal blanket, adds with a smile, “When I first came to Baltimore, I was a two paddles, fishing kit, food, water, smoke bomb, raft patch stranger to many people. This company, and this family gave kit, flashlights, and flares. Commercial liferafts are required me a chance to be something. I took the chance and I hope I to be inspected every twelve months at approved service didn’t disappoint.” stations. A liferaft may be a person’s last chance of survival so products must be inspected with the greatest care and respect On this day in the raft room, a loud humming sound can for the situation in which they are likely to be used. The man- be heard as Neno’s team works to inflate the liferafts in prep- aration for inspection. They check the ceiling barrels, infla-

Neno Uljarevic, Shop Manager, explains the difference between a davit launch liferaft and a standard liferaft. A davit launch is inflated at deck level, thus enabling passengers to board the raft before it is lowered to sea level. A standard liferaft is thrown into the water and then boarded.

4 the pipeline tion systems, cylinder and emergency packs on every raft. Each man is focused on his part as they move about the raft room with a sense of great purpose. Neno points out that, “the cylinder is the most important part; it is the heart of the liferaft. If the cylinder does not work, then forget everything else.” Aurelio H. Rivera, Assistant Shop Manager, stresses, “It doesn’t matter who packed the raft last time. When it leaves our shop it has to be done right.” Aurelio has been with Marine Safety and Service for more than ten years. Marine Safety keeps an impressive supply of liferafts and parts avail- able at all times; it is one of the few service stations in the country that stock new liferafts. Additionally, the Marine Safety service station has a full fi r e suppression equipment shop, including a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and emergency position indicat- ing radio beacons (EPIRB) refilling station, as well as foam sample analysis, and an in-house hydro testing machine. Like the Stock Market Operations Manager Michael J. Ahern handles coor- Craig L. Darby, a certified driver who has been with Marine Safety for six years, helps load life rafts, each weighing 350 pounds, onto his truck. He will drive them back to the dinating and quoting for fire and lifeboat services. That raft room service station where technicians begin inspection. includes everything from start to finish, providing quotes to customers, coordinating with fi r e and lifeboat techni- to compare our average workday to the stock market; it’s buy cians as to time and place on service jobs, contacting agents sell, buy sell, and we do a lot of that all day long.” to gain security access, and preparing invoices. Mike has Marine Safety’s fire technicians board vessels to provide been with the company for more than 16 years. He says, “I services including inspection of fi r e extinguishers, fire-fi g ht- began managing operations in 2005. I’m the people person.” ing equipment, and CO2 systems. Mike explains that the Mike coordinates staff scheduling at Marine Safety, for all technicians count and weigh cylinders to find out how much 21 people across the different locations. Mike says, “I am not CO2 is in them. They also inspect and program EPIRBs, selling the same exact thing everyday. I work with people immersion suits, and SCBAs. According to Mike, some ships from all over the world from the creators themselves right have 100 to 200 safety equipment pieces aboard. down to the technicians. It’s a high pace atmosphere. We like Lean and Mean Erik J. Bordeaux is a trained fire technician and carries approvals from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and foreign classification society. He checks the lines and cylinders to make sure they are not leaking. Marine Safety supplies several types of extinguishers; one is a powdered mixture of nitrogen chemical, another is a liquid foam type, and the third is a CO2 gas form. A Vane Brothers barge will carry 10 fire extinguishers and up to 20 on a tugboat, all placed in easy access locations. “Our company has come a long way; we’ve grown a lot,” Mike says. “We started out with just liferafts and now we’re looking at new things all the time. We’ve added lifeboat programs and fire programs. As company President C. Duff Hughes likes to say, ‘we’re lean and mean’.” Lifeboats and Davits Critical to Marine Safety’s full service program is its inspection and certification of lifeboats and davits oper- ation located at Vane’s City Dock facility in the Port of Michael J. Ahern, Operations Manager, demonstrates the process of a hydro test Philadelphia. Under the direction of Paul T. Paulowsky, machine. The machine is designed to measure the total expansion, permanent expansion Senior Life Saving Appliances (LSA)Technician, the service and percent expansion of CO2 cylinders. (See VANE BROTHERS MARINE SAFETY AND SERVICES on Page 6)

the pipeline 5 (VANE BROTHERS MARINE SAFETY AND SERVICES from Page 5) provides annual and five-year inspections, lifeboat and davit load test, expert maintenance and repair work, and training and technical support. Paul is assisted by Brian L. Carter, Lifeboat and Davit Technician, in this important responsi- bility. Paul and Brian often travel to U.S. ports, but have also taken their expertise to Halifax, Nova Scotia and Freeport, Bahamas. New Opportunities Frank A. Hornig IV, Marketing Manager, remarks that, “We are always looking at new opportunities to market our services. We check up on our current customer base and ask if they have any equipment coming out that needs outfit- ting. We outfi t new vessels all the time with EPIRBs, SCBAs, fi r e suppression equipment, ring buoys, lifejackets, pyrotech- nics, safety apparel, overboard smoke makers, and hydrostat- ic releases.” Frank is responsible for Marine Safety’s overall operations. He identifi e s emerging markets, oversees the sales team, major accounts, market development, advertising, industry shows, vendors, manufacturers, and product and service offerings. A leader in the industry, he works with gov- ernment officials on safety regulations in the maritime. Frank is a member of the U.S. Marine Safety Association, a consor- Here, Frank A. Hornig IV, Marketing Manager, explains pyrotechnics. “Rocket flares are used to attract attention. To launch a rocket flare one needs to push the trigger mechanism and squeeze it, while holding it at a 45-degree angle. The flare will reach 1,000 feet, burn for 40 seconds, at a power of 30,000 candles, and is visible for up to 30 miles.”

tium of companies that work together to promote the devel- opment and implementation of the highest possible perfor- mance, manufacturing, maintenance, service, and training standards, for lifesaving, survival, and emergency rescue equipment. Frank has been at Marine Safety and Services for more than 17 years. “Out of college I had always been into sailing,” he says, “and I knew I wanted to go into sales.” He liked the marine industry and was pleased to become a salesman for the old Vane Brothers Ship Chandlery. When Vane estab- lished Marine Safety and Services, Frank became their one and only salesman. He says, “I flowed up from there as we developed the Norfolk and Philadelphia offices.” An Extended Family “I love the industry and the people in it. You have to have a passion for the business to be in this industry, and I always have.” Frank says, “I would consider it an extended family.” In regard to what he hopes to do for Marine Safety, Frank says, “To be the premiere company in the region.” Always the savvy marketer, Frank reminds us that, “We carry one of the largest selections of personal floata- tion devices and safety accessories, offering a complete line of Mustang, Stearns, and Revere life jackets, ice rescue and The davit launch liferaft is hooked to a lifting ring and a water bladder is placed inside the raft to imitate the weight of people. The raft remains suspended during the load immersion suits.” For more on the company, he recommends test while its seams and ropes are checked. Assistant Shop Manager Aurelio H. Rivera readers contact [email protected]. completes the inspection.

6 the pipeline (FROM THE HUMAN RESOURCES DECK from Page 3) Donald E. Glenn, Manager Marketing Department yourself with some form of insect repellent when outdoors for Vane Line Bunkering, Inc. an extended period of time. Dress in thin, loose-fitting, long- sleeved clothing that does not include bright colors. Avoid scented soaps and other fragrances that might attract mosqui- toes and other bugs. Beware of products that combine insect Marketing Matters repellent with sunscreen. These are considered less effective. Welcome Aboard “Leaves of Three . . .” If you take a look in this issue’s “New Faces” section, you Poison ivy causes an intensely itchy rash of red bumps will be introduced to Richard J. Pittner, the newest member that blisters within eight hours of exposure for those who are of our marketing team. I’d like to take this opportunity to allergic to the plant. Other signs and symptoms of poison ivy welcome Rich aboard and congratulate him on joining our contact are a rash that worsens over days and/or weeks when team of happy road warriors representing the undisputed left untreated. This may continue for up to three to four weeks leader in our industry. without medical care. Repellent is not the answer to avoid this irritation. Instead, wear heavy clothing (long pants, long- Although Rich is new to Vane, he is certainly not a strang- sleeved shirts) to prevent the plant oil from touching your skin. er to anyone who has been a part of this industry for any Your best defense is to become familiar with what poison ivy length of time. To say we go way back would be an under- looks like and stay clear of those areas. The rhyme, “leaves statement. In fact, both of us started in the industry the same of three, let it be,” reminds us that the leaves from the poison year, Rich at Eklof in New York while I joined Interstate Oil ivy plant grow in clusters of three. The middle leaf is usually Transport in Philadelphia. That was back in 1975. In the larger than the others. ensuing years, our careers followed a similar path – from traffic and scheduling to sales/marketing. Although our Ticked Off companies served different ports, we shared many of the same Lyme disease is the most severe of these three skin irrita- customers. In those days our industry was smaller and tight tions because it brings years of medical issues if left undetect- knit. You really got to know everyone in a short period of ed or untreated. It is a bacterial illness caused by an infected time. tick’s bite. The most common symptom to watch for is a swelling bullseye mark around the bite that worsens within the Similar Cultures fi r st three to five days. This, coupled with flu-like symptoms, Rich and I would run into one another at various industry is cause for concern. Even though the redness will diminish functions and outings. I quickly learned that he was a very within a month, the bacteria and its effects will spread knowledgeable guy who was well respected. In addition, our throughout the body. This can cause subsequent disease in the two companies had similar cultures in that they both were joints, heart, and nervous system. Again, loose fi t ting, long- family owned and operated, and both held that there was sleeved clothing is a good preventative first step. DEET-based absolutely no substitute for honesty and good solid customer insect repellents also provide added protection. If you believe service. In a sense, we came up through the industry learning that you have been bitten and recognize these symptoms, seek the same values and finding that those values coupled with safe, medical attention as soon as possible to avoid complications. efficient operations result in positive, long-lasting relationships. In the course of our careers we also both spent some time in HR names, numbers large, publicly traded companies, but I think we always missed and office hours the “feel” of being part of a family oriented company, which is what brought me to Vane 15 years ago, and I’m sure had some- You may reach the HR Department from 6:30 am thing to do with Rich’s decision to come aboard. One thing’s until 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday for sure, it is a decision that will be good for Vane. Rich brings Questions: a wealth of experience and positive relationships that will prove invaluable as we expand into new markets in the months and Muriel Madden, ext. 146, 6:30 am – 3:30 pm years to come. Records: Meghan Jenkins, ext. 133, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm “On the Road Again” Benefits: Rich will be a busy man, especially in and around the Port Judy Robbins, ext. 134, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm of New York. Headquartered at our new facility in Brooklyn, Beth Gibbons, ext. 132, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm his extensive knowledge of New York Harbor will be extreme- Payroll: ly helpful as we expand in that area. But Rich’s activities will Rhonda Shaffer, ext. 136, 9:00 am – 5:30 pm certainly not be limited to New York. Like all of us in mar-

the pipeline 7 keting, he will be traveling far and wide in order to stay in • If there are changes to the standard plan, now is the time to close touch with our customers. After 35 years in the busi- pass it along. ness, he has the experience and knowledge to resolve prob- lems and provide solutions. • Make sure the information is given in a timely manner. If you give information after the fact, it did not help the team. I believe that Rich will be a great fit for our department and our company because he shares our approach to the busi- • Make sure you prioritize the information. Only pass along ness: The customer is our lifeblood, and the only reason we what is necessary to complete the process. are here.We are measured by the service we provide, and we must insure that service is second to none. When you come •Review the critical elements of the plan and discuss “what if” across Rich in his , please extend a warm “welcome scenarios. Has a Plan B been discussed? aboard” in the long standing Vane family tradition. Receiving Information

If you are on the receiving end for information please take note of these items. AView from City Dock •Take the time to listen carefully to the information.

By Rick J. Iuliucci III, General Manager, Port of Philadelphia • Acknowledge that you understand what is required of you Building a Successful Tailgate Safety Meeting and what your role is to the team. Recently I spent time reviewing incidents involving our • If you do not understand, ask questions.Never be afraid of vessels that lead to lost time, added expense, and damage to asking a question. either customer facilities or our own equipment. In reviewing these occurrences, one thought came to mind. If a safety discus- •Once you receive the information, be prepared to take action. sion had been held and information passed in a clear and concise • Speak up if there is a critical element that you believe was manner, it is quite possible that these incidents may have never overlooked based on your experience. materialized. The challenge to each of us is to ensure that all important As communication is one of the fundamental tools used information is exchanged in a timely manner and that every- during every safety meeting, each one of us is tasked with one who will be involved in the activity participates in the dis- constant improvement of these skills. As we all know, each cussion. You may or may not have heard reference to a “Tailgate one of us is responsible for safe operations. Developing and Safety Meeting.” This is a short meeting to review the intend- implementing a thorough and precise tailgate safety meeting is ed operation, ensure that each person understands his or her role another tool we can use to promote safe operations and excellent in the operations, that all safety risks are clearly identified, and performance. that proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is being used. If any of you are fans of “Deadliest Catch,” you will note that even those salty fi s hermen take the time to have a safety discussion about the operations before they start hauling pots. Did You Know? But do we really understand what a meeting is composed of? Did you know that in May 2010, Mystic Seaport: How do we conduct the meeting so that when we are finished we The Museum of America and the Sea, is debuting are sure the critical information was understood and received by an entire exhibit devoted the people who need to have it? I would like to offer a few ideas to tugboats? Visitors on the mechanics of the meeting and how to go about establish- can explore the 150-year ing effective communications during your meetings. history of tugs, as well as You can break down the meeting into two specific segments, learn about the vital role sending and receiving. Someone has information to pass on and that tugs and barges play someone needs to have it. Here are some items to consider if you in the economy. If you are the individual sending information. fi n d yourself in or around Connecticut this spring or Sending Information summer, be sure to stop by Mystic Seaport. It will • Make sure the information you provide is accurate. be worth the trip. •Be clear and concise in giving information.

8 the pipeline Notes from the Shipyard

The Quantico Creek has a way to go before she is ready for service. Port Captain James A. Demske estimates that Vane will take delivery in September 2010.

In Memoriam We extend our deepest sympathies to Tuckahoe Captain The Charles Burton poses for one last photo before leaving Chesapeake Shipyard in Howard E. Paul, who lost his father, Milton Earl Paul, Salisbury, Maryland. She began service in the Vane fleet on March 6, 2010. on February 8, 2010. We are sad to report the passing of Walter Young, Port Captain James A. Demske is pleased to report that father-in-law of Patuxent Captain Gregory A. Smith, on the Charles Burton offi c ially began service in the Vane fleet on March 4, 2010. Walter worked as a Deckhand on the March 6, 2010. Work continues on the Quantico Creek, tug Thomas Gaither in 1998. four in this series from Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland. She came out of the shed on March 16 and launched Please join us in extending our heartfelt condolences to on March 18, 2010. Her wiring and structural work are being Billing Coordinator Tisha N. Pollard, who lost her great- completed while she is in the water. Demske expects delivery in grandmother, Fantine White, on March 6, 2010. early September 2010. It is with sadness that we pass along word of the death Oyster Creek, the fi f th tug in this series, is “progressing of Wicomico Mate Lawrence W. Creedle III’s father, nicely,” according to Demske. One-inch sheer is complete, as Lawrence W. Creedle Jr., on March 7, 2010. well as the deck. Side shell, hull framing, and about 85% of the bottom plate is complete. Cooler boxes will be cut out soon. On March 8, 2010, DS-16 Captain John A. Powell The remaining bottom plate will be installed after tanks are lost his mother, Virginia A. Powell. We extend our sym- blasted and coated. pathies to the Powell family at this time. Production has started on Hunting Creek. The keel has been It is with great sorrow that we report the sudden loss of erected and leveled. Bulkheads are in the shed and being con- Barge Captain George S. Andersen on March 21, 2010. structed. Demske anticipates delivery in July or August of 2011. George began working for Vane on May 21, 1997. We In barge news, the cargo tank lining on the DS-506 was send condolences to the Andersen family. completed. She entered service on April 1, 2010.

the pipeline 9 Richard J. Pittner, Marketer Corrie M. Atkinson, Sean E. Heegan, Scheduler Insurance and Claims Administrative Assistant New Faces, New Talent for Vane RICHARD J. PITTNER CORRIE M. ATKINSON Marketer Insurance and Claims Administrative Assistant The marine oil transportations business is the only indus- Corrie M. Atkinson loves trying new things. After spend- try Marketer Richard J. Pittner has ever known. He began ing the last nine years employed with an automotive manage- his career in the early 1970s at an oil terminal where he coor- ment company, the economic downturn forced her to start dinated deliveries and “learned the product side of the busi- looking for a different line of work. She signed up with Jones ness.” In 1975 he joined Eklof Marine Corporation as a dis- Networking Staffi n g Services, which placed her in Vane’s patcher. Rich eventually moved into sales and marketing. In Risk Department. Making the transition to the maritime 1999 Eklof was sold to K-Sea Transportation, and Rich stayed industry has been what Corrie describes as a “fun challenge.” with the fi r m for ten years before joining Vane Brothers. She says, “I love that every day is different, and I am con- stantly learning.” As a marketer with years of experience, Rich is pleased to assist Vane with its newest venture in New York. He says, What was originally a temporary administrative posi- “We sell a service to the major oil companies, and I look tion evolved into full-time employment this past December. forward to establishing and maintaining strong customer Corrie handles the volumes of paperwork that accompany relationships.” The schedule of a marketer is hectic. One day any illness, injury, or other type of insurance claim. As for he will be in his office, but the next he may find himself on working alongside Insurance Manager F. William Neubrand the road or in the air traveling to face-to-face meetings with Jr. and Claims Specialist Margaret D. Lukas, Corrie describes customers. It is a pace that makes his workweek fly by. As it as “fast-paced” and shares that “there is never a dull for the corporate atmosphere, Rich says the one thing that moment.” stands out the most is how helpful other Vane employees are. The same descriptions apply to Corrie’s life away from “Emails and phone calls are always returned, and no one ever Vane Brothers. Corrie has three children: Dylan, 15;Dayna, makes me feel like I am bothering them when I have a ques- 13; and Jacob, 7. She also has three stepchildren: Laura, 13; tion.” He is a graduate of Saint Peter’s College, Jersey City, Ryan, 11; and Olivia, 6. Corrie and her husband,Dave, a New Jersey, where he studied economics. commercial electrician, spend much of their free time shut- Rich loves taking in Broadway shows and just recently saw tling kids to and from after-school activities including base- the Tony award-winning musical Jersey Boys. Rich can actu- ball, football, basketball, cheerleading, and dance. The ally call himself a “Jersey boy” since he was born, raised, and family adores the beach and “doing anything and everything still lives in the state. Home is in Aberdeen, New Jersey, outside.” They try to make it to at least one professional about an hour away from Vane’s offi c e in Brooklyn. He has hockey game and one NASCAR race each year. In addition, two grown children, Janine and Richard, and two grand- the energetic, close-knit group enjoys going to gym together, daughters, Jenna and Lily. In addition to the theatre, Rich having friends over, and attending summertime festivals. has a penchant for fi n e dining and good wine. He is a golfer, a pastime he jokes that he does his best to enjoy. (See NEWFACES, NEW TALENT FOR VANE on Page 11)

10 the pipeline (NEW FACES, NEW TALENT FOR VANE from Page 10)

SEAN E. HEEGAN Seafarers’ Fare Scheduler Here are two easy recipes to help beat the heat on spring- time afternoons. “Hello.This is Vane Brothers,” is a phrase frequent- ly heard repeated into the phones in the Operations Department. One of the voices on the end of the line belongs to Sean E. Heegan, Vane’s newest scheduler. He explains that the busy pace of Vane’s business requires a constant balancing act of answering emails and calls to coordinate bunker deliv- eries.It is an atmosphere that Sean is accustomed to because he spent his first six years out of college as an operations supervisor for Moran Towing. After his tenure with Moran, he left the maritime industry to become a project manager for a real estate developer. This Simple Homemade Lemonade was work that Sean enjoyed, but as we know, the recession • 1 cup sugar took a hard toll on the real estate industry, and Sean knew • 1 cup water (for simple syrup) that it was time to begin looking for a new job.A friend, who • 1 cup lemon juice happens to be a captain for Vane, mentioned the open sched- • 3 to 4 cups cold water (to dilute) uler position. Sean applied and soon found himself back in familiar waters. He says, “Interacting with fellow schedulers, 1. Make simple syrup by heating the sugar and water in a dispatchers and customers is the best part of my job.” small saucepan until the sugar is dissolved completely. This spring and summer promises to be quite busy for 2. While the sugar is dissolving, use a juicer to extract the Sean. He and his fiancée, Sarah, are planning a wedding juice from 4 to 6 lemons, enough for one cup of juice. for 230 guests in May.Sarah is a third grade teacher at the Gilman School in Baltimore City. Sean is heavily involved in 3. Add the juice and the sugar water to pitcher. Add 3 to sports. He plays and coaches in two Baltimore area lacrosse 4 cups of cold water, more or less to the desired strength. leagues.In the past he served as assistant rugby coach at Refrigerate and serve with ice and sliced lemons. Serves 6. Towson University, his alma mater, where he graduated with a degree in political science. He also hunts and fishes when- ever he can. He and Sarah are not sure of their honeymoon plans yet, but the two are always ready for an adventure.Two years ago, the pair spent 16 days hiking and canoeing the Lewis and Clark Trail. They live in Baltimore’s Roland Park neighborhood with their two yellow Labradors, Chester and Rigby.

Mint Julep The Pipeline is published quarterly by: • 4 fresh mint sprigs The Vane Brothers Companies • 2 tsp. sugar or 2 tsp. simple syrup or mint simple syrup 2100 Frankfurst Avenue • 2 to 3 oz. bourbon •Plenty of crushed ice Baltimore, MD 21226 Phone: (410) 631-7773 1. Put leaves from 3 mint sprigs and sugar (or simple Fax: (410) 631-7781 syrup or mint simple syrup) in Mint Julep cup, old-fash- Web: www.vanebrothers.com ioned glass, or similar vessel. Editor:Elizabeth S. Hughes 2. Mash leaves and sugar until sugar dissolves. email: [email protected] 3. Add bourbon, stir.Fill glass with crushed ice and stir. Production and Design: PCA of Timonium Deadline for next issue: July 15, 2010 4. Garnish with a mint sprig and serve immediately. Makes 1 cocktail.

the pipeline 11 Photo Gallery

As part of the 11th Annual Women in Maritime History Event on March 18, 2010, HSE Compliance Manager Lorena C. Johnston (pictured right) serves as a panelist. Discussion centered on the theme, “Womenomics – Write Your Own Rules for Success.”

Welcome spring! Fleet Maintenance Manager Duff Soderberg works tirelessly to clear snow from the second floor balcony at Fleet Headquarters. The winter of 2009-2010 will be remembered as the snowiest on record. Storms brought 80.4" of precipitation to the Baltimore region.

The Roanoke takes the first commercial ride on Colonna’s Shipyard’s new 1000-metric ton travel lift. Located in Norfolk, Virginia, it is the largest travel lift in the world. The Chief Financial Officer Lawrence W. Signorelli prepares to swing an ax with all his Roanoke weighed in at a “trim” 450 tons. might to officially launch the DS-508 on March 20, 2010. The DS-508 is the last of the DS-51 class of barges constructed at Jeffboat Shipyard in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

12 the pipeline Vane Celebrates an 80th Birthday

Enjoying the festive luncheon at Fleet Headquarters are family members Anne Hughes DeCamps, Alexander D. Hughes, Vessel Supervisor Christopher D. DeCamps, Charles B. Hughes, Edward D. Smith, and Pam Smith.

Company Vice President Elizabeth ("Betsy") Hughes gets a hug from brother Edward D. Smith of Jacksonville, Florida.

Company President C. Duff Hughes chats with Senior Vice President and General Counsel Robert P. Herre and his wife, Patti.

Nanticoke Captain Richard B. Harman made an appearance as Elvis, entertaining the guests with a song medley and a serenade for the birthday girl. Retired company Chairman Charles F. Hughes Jr. smiles for the camera.

the pipeline 13 Recommended Reading Pirate Latitudes: A Novel by HarperCollins Publishers, 2009 New York, New York, 312 pp.

Are you in the mood for a swashbuckling adventure Under secret agreement with ’s governor, tale? Look no further than Pirate Latitudes by Michael Captain Hunter is charged with capturing El Trinidad, Crichton. Published posthumously after the author’s a Spanish warship loaded with .She sits in a untimely death in 2008, Pirate Latitudes was discovered nearby harbor surrounded by the impenetrable for- as a complete manuscript in Crichton’s fi l es. Crichton’s tress of Matanceros, which is guarded by the heartless name is, of course, familiar to all. His 19 books have sold savage Cazalla. Lured by the promise of booty worth five over 150 million copies worldwide. In 1994 Crichton hundred thousand pounds and a personal grudge against accomplished an incredible feat when he simultaneous- Cazalla for killing his brother, Hunter accepts the chal- ly had works at the top of the charts in film, television, lenge. Captains in the Vane fleet will get a kick out of and book sales. For those who are curious, the movie was Hunter’s attitude toward commanding a vessel. A lady , the television series was ER, and the novel chides Captain Hunter and says, “You speak like a king.” was . He replies, “A captain is king, over his crew.” Devotees of Crichton know that he had a special gift What follows is a classic pirate story (hopefully Captain for interweaving science and technology into taut thrill- Hunter can forgive use of the term). He pieces togeth- ers. Those in search of that type of story might be better er a colorful, rag tag band of men and one woman to set served by picking up a copy of or . This is sail. Is there any doubt what the outcome of the raid will not to say that Pirate Latitudes does not suck the reader be? As in any good adventure yarn, the crew overcomes in like the giant kraken that makes an appearance late in obstacles during their quest, including a hurricane, poison- the novel. The 1665 tale of protagonist Captain Charles ous snakes, and cannibals. Although the general plot line Hunter takes place in Port Royal, Jamaica, a remote is predictable, Crichton taps into a genre that has proven English colony of King Charles II. In the late 17th time and time again to resonate with audiences. Banking century, Boston, Massachusetts, and Port Royal were the on that is , who has already purchased the two largest towns in the Americas. rights to develop Pirate Latitudes into a movie. Captain Hunter, born in the Massachusetts Bay Colony Pirate Latitudes is the perfect book to enjoy relaxing on and educated at a new institution named Harvard, has the beach --- perhaps with a pirate-approved rum drink in shunned his Puritan roots in favor of the cutthroat life of a hand. It is a light, easy, and fun read that I recommend. . Beware of using the term privateer interchange- As an interesting historical aside, wicked Captain Charles ably with pirate. One character who makes that mistake Vane was hanged at Gallows Point in Port Royal, Jamaica, fi n ds himself choking, held down face-first in a plate of on March 29, 1721. mutton at the hands of privateer Hunter. “Privateering is an honorable occupation. Pirates, on the other hand, are outlaws.” However, Captain Hunter is not just any priva- Katie D.Kenny, Communications Coordinator teer. He is handsome, smart, and highly skilled. He is a daring rogue who men want to imitate and women want to be with. If the character sounds cliché, it is because he is. But that is not necessarily a bad thing. Who wants to read about an unattractive, dimwitted ship’s captain?

14 the pipeline Bells and Whistles Congratulations! Bells and Whistles would like to Hats off to Richard and acknowledge several of Vane’s devoted employees marking Jessica Gaskill on the arrival of special anniversaries this spring. Celebrating fifteen years is Emily Paige Gaskill on January Barge Captain Luther D. Bruce. Reaching their tenth year are: 8, 2010. She weighed 8 lbs., Captain Kevin D. Buttry, OS Deckhand Ross T. Gaither, 3 ½ oz. and measured 21" long. Second Mate Joseph A.Hilton, Assistant Shop Manager Richard is AB Deckhand on the Aurelio Huerta Rivera, Barge Captain Jack C. Jones, Donna Kay. Engineer David G. Morgan, Barge Captain Curt D. Price, and Barge Captain Albert J. Tate. Marking five years are: AB Deckhand Daniel B. Barcikowski, Director of Information Technology Brian M. Bernacki, Chief Engineer James K. Clyde, Mate Erik F. Hansen, Scheduler Gordon E. Hoffman, and AB Tankerman Steven M. Meck. Completing their first year with the company are: Mates Congratulations to Anthony B. August, Michael Hazard, Mark A. Suggs, Timothy and Angela Birk I. Thomas; Chief Engineer Samuel M. Crosby; Barge Ladd on the birth of their Captains Paul F. Beglane, Stephen C. Kidd, Derek W. son, Zachary William Robinson; AB Tankermen Paul C. Adams, Steven R. Grove, Ladd, on March 11, 2010. Norman L. Smith, Andres Tafur, Rudy A. Thomas; AB Zachary weighed 8 lbs., 13 Deckhands Austin L. Bickford, Russell A. Ewing, Noah oz. Timothy is Mate on the G. Flaherty, Richard M. Gaskill, James D.Hanna, Caleb Sassafras. W. Knapp, Charles J. Parker, Timothy W. Thornton, Leslie L. Turner III; OS Deckhands Shawn E. Boone, Aaron S. Braswell, Michael P. Hale, John W. Shkor; Fleet Coordinators Theresa Giove, Matthew M. Riley; Maintenance Mechanic Patrick E. Dwyer; Mechanic’s Helper William Frank Thompson Jr.;Purchasing Coordinator Elizabeth L. Black; Raft Technician/Driver Brian M. Keeter; Vessel Supervisor Robert D. Forrester; and Warehouse/ Bells and Whistles is Inventory Coordinator Kevin Colbridge. happy to report the birth of Kaleb Alexander Lukas on . April 2, 2010. He is the third grandson of Claims Specialist Margaret D. Lukas. Little Kaleb’s parents, Michael and Ellie Lukas, and his big brother Jonathan are celebrating little Welcome aboard! Talented new employees joining Vane Kaleb's arrival. At birth, he include: Captains Andrew E. Hugate,Charles M. Pugh Sr.; weighed 6 lbs., 14 oz. and mea- Mates Joseph E. Morris, Joseph G. Ternyila; Barge Captains sured 20 ½" long. Ricky A. Darr, Steven Madeiros, Eudoro M. Trillos; Licensed Engineers Larry W. Bynum, Robert L. Toussaint, Paul V. Virgintino;Engineer Evaluation Rickey A. West; Bells and Whistles AB Tankermen Jeffrey A. Brown, Alfred C. LeBlanc Jr., sends best wishes to Andrew T. Page; AB Deckhand William K. Lennon Jr.; DS-53 Captain Andrew OS Deckhands James E. Bryce, Daniel E. Schroeder, J. Langley Sr.’s daugh- Anthony S. Smith; Deckhand Trainees Willie L. Burnham, ter, Jennifer. On April William H. Caron, Ryan P. Gilbert, Jordan M. McCluskey, 10, 2010, she married Johnathan K. McDaniel, Todd M. Sauerwald, Shane John Pekela at the Wesley Christian Cody Steelman, and Jeffrey A.Vasold. United Methodist Church in Hampton, Virginia. The happy couple lives in Newport News, Virginia.

the pipeline 15 Presorted First-Class US Postage PA ID imo i m, MD Permit No.