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The Dockwalk Guide to Yacht Transport

Louisa Beckett is the former editor of Motor Boating, ShowBoats International, and Southern Boating magazines, and a longtime contributor to Dockwalk. Over her career, she has written about a wide variety of vessels ranging from Sea-Doos to superyachts, and has had many adventures on the water, including riding in a U.S. Coast Guard “rollover” boat in heavy surf off Cape Disappointment, Washington.

Even now, in the third year of the pandemic, we’re seeing headlines about global supply chain disruptions caused by worker shortages and other factors related to COVID-19. In particular, the maritime shipping industry has been affected, with long lines of cargo ships frequently sitting idle as they wait to be unloaded in port.

“It’s a very difficult marketplace at the moment. The freight rates are higher than they’ve been in decades. Congestion in ports is at an all-time high, all these things are affecting our ability to get ships where they need to be on time, and space on ships is at a massive premium,” says Simon Judson, CEO of global logistics firm Peters & May , which organizes passage for yachts on board a wide variety of commercial cargo ships.

• How COVID Has Affected Crew Hiring

Right from the start, the pandemic dramatically transformed the yacht transportation industry. In early 2020, the number of bookings by the usual clients, including owners and captains wanting to move their yachts to seasonal cruising grounds and sailing yacht owners and captains following the regatta circuit, fell off dramatically. At the same time, bookings increased from yacht owners who were unable to travel to their vessels and wanted to have them shipped home instead. Then, as COVID-related lockdowns and sheltering began to fuel the demand for new and brokerage boats, yacht manufacturers, dealers, and brokers around the world began to use yacht transport companies to ship boats to clients who couldn’t get to the vessels or send crew to pick them up. “I think COVID has changed everybody’s way of doing business,” says General Manager Laura Tempest of DYT , which owns and operates semi-submersible yacht-transport ships.

Port closures and travel restrictions also made it difficult for yacht transport companies to move their loadmasters into position around the world in order to supervise loading and unloading. In addition, “We have had a shortage of loadmasters at times when they came down with COVID,” said Uta Scarlata, who handles transatlantic and Caribbean sales for Sevenstar Yacht Transport , which operates its own fleet of 120 cargo vessels.

“Everything about the logistics of shipping a yacht from A to B is ten times harder,” Judson says, but he adds, “As we moved through the pandemic, we learned a little bit about how to adapt. Today we are using what we’ve learned to be better placed. That means making sure we’ve got the right people in the right places a lot further in advance [and] thinking about relocating our cradling and lifting equipment and everything we need to load the boats a lot further in advance.”

While internal logistics such as these typically are handled by a yacht transportation company behind the scenes without affecting its clients, industry experts agree that this year, yacht captains are going to have to act earlier than usual in order to secure transportation for their yachts.

If you do need to ship a yacht overseas, there are two basic means of transport: on the deck of a commercial ship or inside a semi-submersible vessel.

“It’s kind of going back to old days when if you didn’t book well in advance, you are not going to have a space…. People are done [with sheltering]. They are going to start using their yachts whether it be in the Med or in the Caribbean,” says Tempest. “We are seeing all of our repeat customers coming back, and the ones we met in the last year and a half that we didn’t know before are coming back.”

“Every ship that we’ve put on from the middle of last year has been fully booked probably a month before it comes to port. That was never the case before. We would always have some space a week before,” says Judson, who also predicts that demand for yacht transportation will increase in 2022 as owners return to pre-pandemic levels of cruising and racing. “If there’s a reason to book early, it would be to avoid disappointment in the fact that there may not be space,” he says. “To be safe, you should be thinking at least two months out.”

Cargo Ship vs. Semi-Submersible

There are a variety of reasons why an owner or captain would want to arrange to have a yacht transported from one location to another. It might be to change cruising grounds with the seasons, or to take the yacht to an event. Some yachts are able to make the voyage on their own bottom, but others must be shipped because they may be too small or have an insufficient fuel capacity to make the trip, their owner wants to avoid wear and tear on the vessel, or the yacht is booked for a charter in the new destination and the timing is just too tight.

Booking space on a cargo ship gives you the advantage of being able to transport a yacht pretty much anywhere around the globe where that vessel is scheduled to deliver freight.

If you do need to ship a yacht overseas, there are two basic means of transport: on the deck of a commercial ship or inside a semi-submersible vessel. Which method to pick depends on a variety of considerations, including the location where you want to ship the yacht, the flexibility of your schedule, whether or not you want to use the transit time to get work done on board, and the price.

In the most common scenario, the yacht is lifted by crane onto a commercial ship and secured in a custom-built cradle on its deck, where it shares space with other cargo for the duration of the passage. Since cargo ships typically make multiple stops and can experience delays in loading and unloading cargo, it’s important to have a flexible schedule. “Shipping is not an exact science. You can’t expect to ship on a certain day and unload on a certain day. You have to give yourself flexibility,” Judson says.

On the other hand, booking space on a cargo ship gives you the advantage of being able to transport a yacht pretty much anywhere around the globe where that vessel is scheduled to deliver freight.

The other yacht-transport method, pioneered by Dockwise Yacht Transport (now DYT) in the 1980s, is “float on/float off.” DYT’s semi-submersible ships are partially submerged in the water; the yacht floats into it and is secured in a cradle on the deck by divers. Then, the water is drained from the hold. At the end of the voyage, the process is reversed and the yacht floats out.

“When the world woke up with a bang, the amount of consumer goods to be shipped outweighed the space available to ship them. That will take some time to stabilize,” he says.

DYT offers a limited number of routes designed to match typical yacht-shipping patterns, such as from the Mediterranean to Fort Lauderdale and the Caribbean and back. “What I think sets us apart from anyone else is that we have a set schedule — there is no deviation; there is no change. That is why charter yachts depend on us,” Tempest says.

When clients want to ship their yachts off the beaten path, DYT will refer them to its sister company, Sevenstar Yacht Transport, for bookings on board its cargo ships.

DYT recently launched a third ship, Yacht Servant , which was built in China and is scheduled to start transporting yachts in May. For a short window in 2022, DYT will have three semi-submersible vessels in operation, which should help to meet the rising demand for yacht transportation.

Riding Along

Before the pandemic, captains typically could send one or two crewmembers along with the yacht during either type of transportation, enabling them to use the passage as a mini yard period to get a variety of jobs done on board.

While most cargo ships do not permit riders to sleep in their yachts while in transit, before the pandemic, they often would assign them cabins in the ship and let them eat in the mess hall and recreate with the ship’s crew. However, when COVID-19 hit, most ship operators suspended this courtesy in order to reduce the risk of the disease spreading on board, which could lead to serious delays if the ship was forced to quarantine before unloading in a port.

“When things calm down, we will accept riders again,” Scarlata says. On DYT, “We still allow riders as it’s such a crucial part of the service that we offer,” Tempest says. In fact, the semi-submersible ships provide power to the yachts so that riders can sleep and work on board. At the height of the pandemic, however, the company limited the riders’ interaction with the ship’s crew. “They needed to provision their yacht for the duration of the voyage. They had to stay in the yacht and on the deck of the ship; they could not go into the ship’s superstructure.”

• 5 Things You Need to Know About Health Insurance During the Pandemic

One thing that has not changed in the yacht transportation industry is the need for owners and captains to ensure their vessel is properly insured for the passage. “Some people get caught out on this. They think their hull and machinery insurance will automatically cover them. They need to take out a separate marine cargo insurance policy,” Judson says.

Both Sevenstar and DYT include an all-risk insurance policy in the rate they quote for yacht transport. “Usually, one of the questions we get is, ‘Can we leave it out?’ It’s not optional,” Tempest says. “It covers everyone on board and eliminates the need for multiple underwriters.”

Price Increases

Captains booking transport for their yachts today are finding that insurance rates have gone up. “The whole insurance market has hardened over the last couple of years,” Judson says.

As for shipping, no matter what method you choose, you are bound to see a COVID-related price increase. “DYT rates have increased over the past six months. Many factors have attributed to this but certainly a large portion is a consequence of the global pandemic,” Tempest says.

“In the last ten years, freight rates have been very low…. Now the market has flipped a little bit,” Judson says. While there are a number of reasons behind this, the main one is the reduced amount of cargo space currently available.

As for shipping, no matter what method you choose, you are bound to see a COVID-related price increase. 

In early 2022, Judson reported that his company had seen rates for shipping yachts between the U.S. and the Caribbean go up 15 to 20 percent; transatlantic shipping rates had increased a 60 to 80 percent, and rates to and from the Far East had gone up 200 to as high as 300 percent. “Coming out of Asia, every ship is full to the gunwales and if you want some space, you have to pay through the nose for it,” he says.

“There are not as many people who are prepared to pay the increased freight rates we are seeing at the moment. There are a lot of people who are holding back…,” Judson continues. “Not everyone who ships a yacht is a multi-millionaire. We’ve got lots of clients who are dealers, brokers, and manufacturers who are moving their boats where they need to be to be sold as new boats…. I think the people and companies who are shipping their boats now are the ones who have more of a commercial need.”

This feature originally ran in the April 2022 issue of Dockwalk.

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Transporting Your Yacht Just Got Easier

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Legend Yacht Transport is a premier international logistics provider specialized in custom marine transportation of motor yachts , sailing yachts ,  racing yachts , superyachts , commercial vessels , and more .

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Among the world’s leading yacht transportation companies, Legend Yacht Transport offers turn key solutions to the marine industry with concierge yacht and boat transport logistics.

We have been trusted by some of the largest global yacht manufacturers, owners, and racers with managing the safe and streamlined delivery of boats and yachts to worldwide destinations, including: North America, Central America, South America, Caribbean, Europe, Mediterranean, Middle East, Asia, Africa, Australia, and more.

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Legend Yacht Transport prides itself on making it easy for clients to get their vessel where it needs to be, on-time and on-budget.

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The team at Legend Yacht Transport has been trusted by thousands of clients worldwide to provide customized marine logistics and manage the international transport of motorboats , sailboats , raceboats , superyachts and megayachts , and commercial vessels . They are led by some of the most respected professionals in the industry.

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For almost 30 years, the team at Legend Yacht Transport has made it easy to transport any yacht or boat, anywhere, anytime. Our experienced logistics team is ready 24/7.

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At Legend Yacht Transport , we deliver more than just boats and yachts. We deliver comprehensive logistics management and personal attention with the best customer service in the marine transport sector.

To learn more, see below or call us directly for immediate assistance at +1 (954) 727-8260 .

What kinds of transport do you offer?

Legend Yacht Transport specializes in the ocean transport of marine vessels and equipment. This includes both charter and liner services.

Charter Services Where the vessel is lifted from the water and secured on our custom cradling system aboard deck of one of our charter vessels, which then travels to the assigned port.

Liner Services Where a scheduled sailing is provided on either a container vessel (as Containerized, Out-of-Gauge or Break Bulk) or on a Roll-On/Roll-Off ship as rolling cargo.

Where can I transport my yacht or boat?

Anywhere. Legend Yacht Transport is a leading global shipping and logistics company serving the marine industry as well as private yacht and boat owners, operators, and captains. Our large fleet network and shipping infrastructure provides access to all the world's premier ports and cruising grounds throughout North America, Central America, South America, Caribbean, Europe, Mediterranean, Middle East, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands.

Why choose Legend Yacht Transport?

As one of the most trusted, forward-thinking, and client-focused yacht transporters in the industry, Legend Yacht Transport has the expertise and resources to make transporting your vessel easy and affordable.

What payment methods do you accept?

Legend Yacht Transport accepts ACH and wire transfer.

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Need help planning a transport or just need some guidance? Our team is happy to assist.

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23 Types of Water Transport To Keep You Afloat

There are many different types of water transport that form part of the wider transport industry. In this article I will teach you what these different types of water transport are and how they work. Ready to learn more? Read on…

What is water transport?

Runabout boat, pontoon boat, rigid inflatable boat, ship’s tender, cruise ship, personal watercraft, types of water transport- further reading.

Water transport is any form of transportational vehicle which is primarily used to travel by water. There are many different types of water transport, used for both cargo and passengers, which travel on many different waterways. You can find out more about all of the different types below…

One of the main types of water transport is a boat. This is the most likely form of vehicle you would use to travel on water, regardless of whether you’re on a canal or in the middle of the ocean . However, there are of course a lot of different types of boats. We can generally split boats into three categories:

• Unpowered or human-powered boats 
• Sailboats 
• Motorboats 

Each category has many boats within it, all serving different purposes.

These boats, as the name suggests, have a deck area. They are generally small, but have seating areas for groups of people – their main purpose is for leisure and sightseeing, or as a vessel from which to enter the water for swimming or other watersports. With a V-shaped hull, these boats are usually 25-35 feet in length.

A catamaran is a type of boat which has two hulls. They are generally small-ish boats used for fishing or cruising, but this style of boat has been known to be used for car ferries too given their stability. 

As the name suggests, these are boats on which people live. They are not motorised because they are usually moored in one place, floating. Often they are built to look more like a house than a boat, but some definitely retain their boat style. You tend to find them on canals or larger lakes, and many people live in houseboats year round. They are also rented out to tourists looking for something a bit different!

These small open boats are an entry-level kind of vessel, used for casual boating and sporting activities. They have a steering wheel and small control panel.

A lifeboat is a small rigid or inflatable boat, generally attached to a larger boat or ship, used for sea rescue when necessary. Ships legally have to have a certain number of lifeboats corresponding with the number of people on board. 

This type of boat is used mostly on inland waters, and they are incredibly stable due to their wide and flat shape. They rely on tubes known as pontoons to float on the water. With sensible seating, they are used for sightseeing and fishing.

A barge is a type of water transport used on canals – it is also often called a canal boat. They are long and flat-bottomed, and used either for carrying cargo or as recreational passenger boats. The insides can fit beds, kitchens, seating areas and more.

An airboat is a small, flat-bottomed vessel which is powered by an aircraft-style propeller. They are used for tourist and fishing purposes in marshy and shallow waters – particularly the Everglades in Florida .

These are mostly used for tourist purposes now, particularly on the Nile. They are Eastern Mediterranean wooden sailing boats, seating around 10 passengers with 2-3 crew members.

A hovercraft is one of a few types of water transport which can also travel over land, through mud and on ice. They use special blowers in order to produce a large volume of air under the hull which is slightly above atmospheric pressure – this lifts the vessel allowing it to move. They have many uses.

This is a small narrow boat propelled by the use of double-ended paddles. They are most commonly used for recreational purposes on small bodies of water.

A liner is a very large boat designed to transport cargo or passengers long-distance from point A to point B, usually without stopping unless there is a need to refuel. They are generally not used these days, with flying being the optimal choice. The RMS Queen Mary 2 is the only ocean liner still in regular use, often completing trans-Atlantic journeys.

There is no standard definition of a yacht but they are generally 33ft+ in length with overnight facilities, used for pleasure and usually the height of luxury. You tend to find yachts moored at places like Puerto Banus in Marbella, or Cannes in France . People often make an activity out of celebrity-yacht-spotting!

A ferry is a type of boat generally used to carry passengers short-distance from A-B. They are used within waterside cities as public transport, such as the ferries in Venice or the ‘ferry across the Mersey’ in Liverpool. There are also ferries which travel a longer distance, from the UK to France for example, which also hold cars; these tend to have many more amenities on board such as cabins for sleeping, restaurants and bars, small cinemas and more.

This type of boat is small and flat-bottomed with a square-cut bow; it is propelled by the use of a pole which is pushed against the riverbed. The person doing this is called a ‘punter’, and they will be stood on the boat at the back. Punts are used for recreational purposes mostly.

Also known as a RIB, these tiny boats are – as the name suggests – rigid and inflatable. They are lightweight, high-capacity and unsinkable. RIBs are usually used as work boats; however, they are also used by scuba divers to reach dive sites which are in areas where larger boats can’t get to for whatever reason. They travel fast.

This is one of the most useful types of water transport because a ship’s tender is used to transport people or goods from a large ship to a dock, where there is not enough space to dock the ship itself.

A water taxi is used like land public transport to get people from one point to various other points. They will make multiple stops. Water taxis are used for commuting and also by tourists; you’ll find them in cities like Venice, Liverpool, Istanbul, Brussels, New Orleans and Budapest.

Other types of water transport

There are other types of water transport which are not technically boats, or are not referred to as such. This might be because they’re too big for that category, or too small, or simply operate in an entirely different manner.

A ship is a large water vessel, reserved for travelling the oceans. Ships generally have to be 95ft+ long; they can typically stay at sea for much longer than boats and, as the saying goes, a ship could carry a boat but a boat could not carry a ship. All of that being said, there is no set legal definition of a ship versus a boat.

There are many types of ships, including but not limited to:

• High-speed craft
• Off-shore oil vessels
• Motorised fishing trawlers
• Factory ships
• Cable layers
• Cry cargo ships
• Liquid cargo ships
• Passenger carrying vessels
• Special purpose vessels
• Aircraft carriers
• Minesweepers
• Deep sea survey vessels

One of the most well-known and exciting types of water transport is the cruise ship; they are, obviously, classed as ships – they are passenger carrying vessels, designed for staying at sea for an extended period of time. They differ from liners in that they stop at multiple ports as part of a round-trip. On board you’ll find a range of amenities including cabins, restaurants, shops, theatres, cinemas, bars, nightclubs, tattoo shops, water slides, go-karting tracks and much more. Not ever cruise ship has all of these, but this is just an example of how incredible cruise ships can be.

You can read more about cruising in my article, The 8 Major Types of Cruise.

A surfboard is a tricky one to categorise as one of the types of water transport, but it is listed on many websites as being a form of transport despite not generally being used to go from point A to point B in any way. A surfboard is a narrow plank used to allow surfers to ride a wave for fun.

A PWC is also known as a Jet Ski, which is actually a brand name (owned by Kawasaki) which has become synonymous with this kind of vessel. These differ from boats in that you stand or sit ON them, not in them. They are used for recreation mostly. However, law enforcement also use them due to their speed – and PWC fishing is a fast-growing industry.

And the last of the types of water transport is the submarine. These vessels are used for underwater exploration. There are small two-person submarines which can be submerged for a couple of hours, and there are massive submarines which remain under the water for up to 6 months. These vessels can go much deeper than human divers, allowing for discovery and anti-surface warfare.

If you enjoyed this article on the different types of transport then I am sure that you will love these too!

• Cruise tourism explained: What, why and where
• 15 Types of Rail Transport To Take You Away
• 20 Popular Types of Hotels Around The World
• The 3 Major Types Of Airlines + How They Work
• 50 types of transport from around the world

Yacht Transport Costs: What You Need To Know

Date: 12/29/2023, author: seo.

Setting sail on the adventure of yacht transportation is akin to feeling a rush of excitement mingled with a hint of trepidation. As you envision your beloved vessel embarking over land or sea toward new frontiers, it’s an exhilarating but scary thought.

The question of expense looms large in the back of your mind, much like a persistent fog at sea. Like countless other boat enthusiasts, you might find yourself navigating through unclear waters when faced with understanding how deep into your wallet you’ll need to reach to move your pride and joy.

With transport costs floating around an average mark—potentially up to $100,000 for certain yachts—it’s clear that being well-informed is not just helpful; it’s essential. Our article casts off into these fiscal waters headfirst, aiming to unravel the complexities behind yacht transport costs with straightforward information and actionable advice .

Are you ready for some clarity? Let’s cast off together as we explore what awaits: from selecting the ideal mode of conveyance for your floating sanctuary to prepping its decks for departure—all while keeping your finances as sleek as a yacht cutting through calm waters.

Need to ship your yacht? Request a Quote from Cross Chartering Yacht Transport today! We are a leading yacht and boat transporter worldwide.

Key Takeaways

• Yacht transport options include boat trailers, by water on the keel, flatbed or multi-boat trailers , and yacht transport ships . Each option has its considerations and costs that must be considered before deciding.
• Factors influencing yacht transport costs include the yacht’s size, transport distance, destination specifics such as local regulations and customs clearance requirements, and seasonal variations in demand for transportation services.
• The average cost for transporting a yacht can vary greatly based on factors such as the type of yacht being transported, location-based cost differences, and distance-related cost implications.
• Understanding these influential factors is crucial in making informed decisions about planning and budgeting for your yacht’s transportation needs.

Understanding Yacht Transport Options

When transporting your yacht , several options are available, including using a boat trailer, by water on a keel, flatbed or multi-boat trailer, and even yacht transport ships.

Each option has its considerations and costs that must be considered before deciding.

Boat Trailer

Transporting yachts on boat trailers is common for short distances or when water routes are inconvenient. Knowing that the trailer’s size and capability must match your yacht’s dimensions is vital.

We always ensure the trailer has the right specifications for safe hauling, like appropriate weight ratings and securing mechanisms. Before hitting the road, we confirm with local authorities regarding heavy vehicle regulations, ensuring our drivers have the correct license and that we adhere to all legal requirements.

Using a boat trailer often means lower costs than other methods because it avoids fees associated with crane usage at docks. Still, remember that fuel prices can significantly impact road transport expenses.

As we plan your yacht’s journey by land, we prioritize logistics efficiency without compromising safety standards—meticulously inspecting trailers and tying down cargo securely before commencing transit.

This attention to detail reflects our reputation for reliability in overseeing valuable vessels like luxury yachts and sailboats.

By Water on Keel

Switching gears from trailered options, we consider the romance and practicality of transporting your yacht by water on its keel . This method taps into the yacht’s built-in capacity for sea transport, eliminating the need for cranes or flatbed trailers.

We understand that for larger yachts , this can be an elegant solution; their size and design allow them to embark on longer hauls comfortably.

We also recognize that bespoke features such as radar systems may require specialized attention during these voyages. While water transport offers a natural journey for your vessel, costs can climb if you opt for services like enclosed containers or additional safety measures .

We aim to help you navigate these waters easily, ensuring you’re aware of potential expenditures without sacrificing the well-being of your prized superyacht during international shipping.

With Cross Chartering Yacht Transport at the helm, rest assured that considerations like customs fees , clearance fees, and liability insurance are managed effectively throughout each nautical mile.

Flatbed or Multi-Boat Trailer

Moving from water-based options, let’s explore transporting your yacht on land. A flatbed or multi-boat trailer is an efficient choice for overland transport, particularly when dealing with multiple vessels.

We understand that moving yachts by truck can be a less costly alternative to shipping by sea, especially if you’re looking at shorter distances or already have the necessary equipment to cargo ship.

Flatbed trailers are ideal for larger craft that might not fit standard trailers. In contrast, multi-boat trailers allow for transporting several smaller boats like dinghies, maximizing economies of scale and potentially reducing the cost per vessel.

Remember that these methods may require additional preparations, such as securing permits for oversized loads and ensuring the driver has a suitable commercial license. We aim to make sure your precious cargo arrives at its destination safely and without breaking the bank.

Yacht Transport Ship

While a flatbed or multi-boat trailer could be suitable for shorter hauls, yacht transport ships offer a robust solution for long-distance and international travel . These impressive vessels carry your prized yacht across oceans, ensuring it arrives safely at its destination.

We rely on them to navigate the complex logistics of overseas transport , bringing our customers’ luxury boats from coast to coast and beyond.

Opting for this method often addresses several concerns, such as navigating through canals or dealing with rail transport limitations. It leverages the inherent buoyancy of waterways, allowing even the largest yachts to be moved efficiently—a key point given that boat size significantly impacts cost per mile transported.

Trust us, we ensure every detail is handled meticulously; from securing liability insurance coverage to scheduling sailings that align with your timeline, nothing gets overlooked in planning your yacht’s voyage aboard a transport ship.

Factors Influencing Yacht Transport Costs

The size of the yacht, distance of the transport, destination specifics, and seasonal variations all play a role in determining the cost of transporting your yacht. Want to learn more about how these factors impact pricing? CALL US !

The Size of the Yacht

When transporting your yacht, the size of the vessel significantly impacts costs. Larger boats tend to incur higher expenses per mile compared to smaller ones. For example, average prices for boat moving services typically range from $1.50 to $3.75 per mile, with larger yachts falling on the higher end of this spectrum due to their size and weight.

Considering that larger yachts entail greater fuel consumption and require specialized transport equipment , these factors contribute to the increased transport cost. Therefore, it’s essential for yacht owners to factor in the size of their vessels when budgeting for transportation expenses and seeking quotes from a yacht transport company .

Distance of the Transport

After considering the size of your yacht, the distance it needs to be transported is another crucial factor in determining the overall cost. The longer the transport distance , the higher the transportation costs are likely to be.

This is due to fuel consumption, labor hours, and equipment usage, which increase with longer distances. Additionally, shipping a yacht overseas or across vast bodies of water may incur additional logistical challenges that can impact pricing.

When selecting a yacht transport company, understanding their approach to long-distance transportation and any associated surcharges for extended routes will be essential in managing your overall budget effectively.

Destination Specifics

When considering yacht transport costs, it’s crucial to consider the destination’s specifics. Local regulations , customs clearance requirements , and accessibility to the chosen marina or port can significantly impact the cost of transporting your yacht overseas.

It’s essential to thoroughly research and understand your destination’s specific requirements and potential challenges to avoid unexpected expenses or delays.

Carefully researching the infrastructure and facilities available at your yacht’s intended destination can help in planning for any additional services or equipment needed upon arrival.

Understanding these destination-specific details will enable you to make informed decisions about your yacht’s most efficient and cost-effective transport options.

Seasonal Variations

Seasonal variations play a significant role in influencing yacht transport costs. During peak boating seasons , such as summer, the demand for yacht transport tends to increase, leading to higher transportation prices .

Conversely, winter months may see lower demand for yacht transport services, potentially reducing costs due to decreased competition and availability. Additionally, weather conditions like storms and hurricanes can impact demand and pricing for yacht transportation .

Yacht owners should consider these seasonal fluctuations when planning their transport to anticipate potential cost changes better. By considering the impact of seasonal variations on pricing, individuals can make informed decisions about the timing of their yacht’s transportation.

Average Boat Transport Cost

Yacht transportation costs can also vary significantly depending greatly on the type of yacht, the location-based cost differences, and the distance-related cost implications. It’s important to carefully consider these factors when budgeting for your yacht transport needs.

Cost Variances by Yacht Type

When transporting yachts, the type of yacht plays a significant role in determining the cost. Larger yachts typically command higher transportation costs due to their size and weight.

Additionally, specialized handling and equipment may be required for larger yachts, further impacting the overall transport expenses.

Length, width, height, and weight are crucial determinants of transport costs. For instance, narrow boats or smaller cabin cruisers generally incur lower transportation fees than larger vessels like luxury yachts or superyachts.

Location-Based Cost Differences

We’ve explored how yacht transport costs can vary based on the type of yacht being transported; now, let’s jump into the influence of location on these costs. The specific regions or countries involved in the transportation route can significantly impact the shipping cost.

Certain areas may have higher fees, taxes, and associated costs with importing yachts. In contrast, others may offer more competitive rates due to their proximity to major shipping channels and infrastructure.

Understanding these location-based cost differences is crucial for budgeting accurately when planning your yacht transport overseas.

Distance-Related Cost Implications

When transporting your yacht over long distances, it’s essential to consider the impact on overall costs. Factors such as fuel consumption , driver accommodations , and transportation regulations can significantly influence expenses.

For instance, international boat shipping costs typically cost $3,000+, with larger yachts potentially incurring hundreds of thousands in transportation fees due to long-distance transport-related cost implications .

As the size and weight of a yacht increase, so do the associated transport costs. Longer distances also contribute to higher expenses for securing proper permits and complying with varied regulations across different regions or countries.

Preparing Your Yacht for Transport

Ensure your yacht is properly secured and all loose items are removed to prevent damage during transportation. Properly stow sails, rigging, and any other equipment that movement could affect.

To learn more about preparing your yacht for transport, keep reading!

Necessary Preparations for Different Transport Methods

Before transporting your yacht, making the necessary preparations based on the selected transport method is crucial. If you opt for overland shipment using a boat trailer or flatbed, remove all loose items from the yacht or boat’s exterior and interior, and secure all hatches and windows.

Additionally, draining fuel tanks , removing batteries, securing engines properly, and proper covering or shrink-wrapping will protect against potential damage during transit. For water transport via larger ships, consider additional measures such as ensuring the vessel’s watertight integrity and adequately bracing any removable parts to prevent shifting.

Moreover, it’s important to note that each transport method may have specific requirements for preparing your yacht adequately. When selecting a professional company for yacht transportation services , be sure to inquire about their recommended preparation guidelines in line with the chosen mode of transport.

Insurance Considerations

When transporting or shipping your yacht overseas, insurance considerations are crucial. Reputable yacht shipping companies should have a base insurance policy for transportation and cargo insurance , ensuring your valuable asset is protected throughout the journey.

It’s important to verify the extent of coverage the transport company provides and consider additional insurance options if necessary to safeguard against any unforeseen incidents during transit.

Customized transportation methods such as enclosed containers and customized flat trays can be more expensive but offer added protection for your yacht. Understanding the specific insurance provisions related to these specialized transport options can provide peace of mind when entrusting your yacht to a shipping company.

Selecting a Reputable Yacht Transport Company

When choosing a yacht transport company, verifying their DOT and FMCA authorizations is crucial to ensure compliance with safety standards. Evaluate payment terms and reputation before making your decision.

For more tips on selecting the right company, keep reading.

Verifying DOT and FMCA Authorizations

When selecting a yacht transport company, verifying their Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) authorizations is crucial. These authorizations ensure that the boat transport company complies with safety regulations and has met specific standards for transporting goods.

By confirming these credentials, you can have confidence in the company’s ability to handle your yacht safely and securely. Additionally, this verification assures that the company operates legally and is held accountable for following transportation guidelines .

It also ensures that the company has liability insurance coverage as required by DOT regulations, protecting your yacht during its journey.

Evaluating Payment Terms and Company Reputation

When selecting a yacht transport service , we must review payment terms and the company’s reputation carefully. This involves ensuring the company has proper authorizations and verifying that they offer cargo insurance for protection during transportation.

Additionally, communication is crucial in addressing queries and potential issues and discussing payment details with the selected transport provider. Obtaining multiple quotes from different companies can provide insight into industry standards for payment terms, helping us make an informed decision.

To evaluate a company’s reputation, conducting thorough research online and seeking recommendations from other yacht owners can offer valuable insights. At Cross Chartering, we have a reliable track record of successful deliveries within our desired timeframe and geographical locations.

Furthermore, past customers’ experiences can shed light on the quality of service provided by the transportation company we are considering engaging.

Reducing Yacht Transport Costs

Timing your transport strategically and comparing quotes from reputable companies can help you save money on yacht transport costs. Discover more cost-saving tips in the full blog.

Timing Your Transport

Plan your yacht transport during off-peak seasons to secure lower transportation costs. Avoid scheduling during peak times when demand is high, potentially driving up prices. Be mindful of weather conditions and consider timing your transport during periods with favorable weather forecasts to prevent potential delays or disruptions.

By strategically timing your yacht transport, you can reduce overall expenses without compromising the safety and efficiency of the process.

Ensuring a seamless and cost-effective yacht transport experience requires careful consideration of timing alongside other essential factors such as destination specifics, vessel size, and journey distance.

Understanding the factors that influence yacht transport costs is crucial. Preparing your yacht for transport and selecting a reputable, professional company can help minimize expenses. Timing your transport during off-peak seasons and comparing quotes effectively reduce costs.

By making informed decisions, you can manage and optimize the financial aspects of yacht transportation effectively.

Contact Cross Chartering Yacht Transport when searching for boat transport companies. We are a reputable company with a wide range of transportation options and will provide you with an excellent boat shipping quote for your yacht delivery worldwide.

1. What factors into the cost of transporting a yacht in New Zealand?

The cost of yacht transport in New Zealand includes various fees for services like truck drivers, train transports, and possibly additional inspection charges.

2. Do I need any special insurance when transporting my yacht?

Yes, it’s important to have liability insurance to cover your yacht during transportation in case of unexpected events or damages.

3. Is there a flat fee for yacht transport, or does it vary?

Yacht transport usually doesn’t have a flat fee; costs can vary based on the size of the yacht, distance traveled, and specific service requirements like editing route plans or securing permits.

4. Can I use fintech solutions to pay for yacht transport services?

Certainly! Many companies now accept digital payments through various banking and fintech platforms, making managing money transactions related to your yacht’s journey easier.

Cross Chartering Yacht Transport is your trusted partner for global yacht transport, shipping, and delivery to North America , the Mediterranean , and Asia .

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Copyright ©2023, Cross Chartering Yacht Transport, All Right Reserved

Water Transport Name: A Comprehensive Guide to Nautical Vessels

Understanding the various forms of water transport is essential in today's globalized world. Water transport plays a crucial role in connecting different regions and facilitating trade, as well as contributing to the overall functioning of ecosystems. From oceans and rivers to canals and lakes, water bodies provide an efficient means of transportation for both goods and people. The use of water for transportation dates back to ancient civilizations, and its importance continues to grow as technology advances and industries evolve.

In addition to the movement of goods and people across bodies of water, water transport also refers to the circulation of water within living organisms. An example of this phenomenon can be observed in plants, where water is absorbed through the roots and then transported throughout the plant structure via a process known as transpiration. This process not only helps maintain the plant's structural integrity but also aids in the absorption of essential nutrients.

Key Takeaways

• Water transport is vital for trade, travel, and ecosystem functions.
• Different types of water transport systems facilitate movement across oceans, rivers, canals, and lakes.
• Plant life relies on water transport processes, such as transpiration, for nutrient absorption, structural maintenance, and overall growth.

Understanding Water Transport

Water transport is a vital mode of transportation that plays a significant role in connecting different regions and countries, greatly contributing to the global economy. It involves the usage of various water vessels to move goods, passengers, and other cargo across large bodies of water like seas, lakes, and rivers.

This category of transportation relies on a diverse range of water vessels such as ships, barges, ferries, and boats , each designed for specific purposes and conditions. Ships and large cargo carriers are usually utilized for long-distance and high-capacity transport, while smaller vessels like ferries are employed for shorter distances and ferrying passengers.

One of the main advantages of water transport is its cost-effectiveness, owing to the fact that it can handle large amounts of cargo at minimal expenses per unit. Additionally, it is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation compared to land and air options, as it produces less pollution and requires less energy for operations.

Water transportation has existed for centuries, evolving from primitive rafts and canoes to sophisticated modern vessels like container ships and cruise liners. The continuous development of technologies in areas like navigation, communication, and propulsion systems has significantly improved the efficiency and reliability of water transport.

Another aspect of water transport is the complex network of routes and infrastructure that enables its smooth functioning. Various seaports, harbors, and inland waterways form the basis for effective water transportation, facilitating the seamless movement of vessels and transfer of cargo between different points within the network.

In summary, water transport is a crucial and essential component of global transportation systems, providing numerous economic and environmental benefits. With the ongoing advancements in technology and infrastructure, it will continue to serve as a sustainable and efficient means of connecting the world.

Types of Water Transport

Ships and boats.

Various types of ships and boats are commonly used for water transportation. Some examples include:

• Cargo Ships and Bulk Carriers: These ships transport goods, materials, and commodities across oceans and seas. Common cargo ships include container ships , bulk carriers, and oil tankers.
• Cruise Ships: Large passenger ships designed for recreational voyages on oceans and seas, typically featuring various amenities and entertainment options.
• Ferries and Water Taxis: Smaller vessels that transport passengers across shorter distances, often between islands or coastal cities.
• Fishing Boats and Trawlers: Vessels specifically designed for fishing activities; can range from small fishing boats to larger commercial trawlers.
• Motorboats and Sailboats: Recreational watercraft powered by engines or sails, commonly used for leisure activities or personal transportation on bodies of water like lakes and rivers.

Submarines and Underwater Vessels

Submarines and other underwater vessels are designed to travel below the surface of the water, with many different types serving various purposes:

• Military Submarines: Mainly used by armed forces for stealth and reconnaissance missions, some equipped with torpedoes and missiles for combat situations.
• Research Submersibles: Smaller underwater vehicles specifically designed for deep-sea exploration, marine life observation, and oceanographic research.
• Recreational Submarines and Personal Submersibles: Smaller, privately-owned vessels designed for underwater exploration and leisure activities.

Sport and Recreational Watercraft

A wide range of sport and recreational watercraft are designed for personal enjoyment, including:

• Kayaks and Canoes: Small, lightweight boats typically propelled by paddles, used for river and lake activities or exploring coastal waters.
• Jet Skis and Personal Watercraft: Small, motorized water vehicles designed for fast, agile movement on water, typically used for recreational purposes.
• Pontoons and Houseboats: Larger, more stable watercraft that provide living spaces and amenities, allowing for extended stays on the water.
• Windsurfers and Kitesurfers: Watercraft that combines elements of sailing and surfing, using wind power to ride waves and perform jumps and tricks.
• Swimming and Seaplanes: Unconventional methods of water transportation, such as swimming or using seaplanes that can take off and land on water.

These are just a few examples of the different types of water transport available, with many more vessels and watercraft designed for specific purposes and diverse situations.

Water Bodies for Transport

Water transport is an essential part of human civilization, providing avenues for trade, transportation, and exploration. There are various types of water bodies that facilitate this critical aspect of human development, including rivers, lakes, coastal waterways, and canals. These natural and man-made passages connect different regions, allowing for efficient movement of goods and people over long distances.

Rivers are natural waterways that have been used for transportation since ancient times. They provide an effective means of moving heavy loads and large volumes of cargo with minimal energy consumption. Many major cities and ancient civilizations were established along rivers to capitalize on their transportation potential. Notable examples include the Nile, Amazon, and Mississippi, which play crucial roles in the regional economies and cultures.

Lakes, on the other hand, are large bodies of water usually situated inland, formed by natural geological processes or human intervention. They also serve as important transportation hubs, connecting different regions through a network of water routes. The Great Lakes in North America, for example, are a significant transportation resource supporting trade and transportation in the United States and Canada.

Coastal waterways encompass various bodies of water near the coast, including bays, harbors, and estuaries. These provide access to the vast expanse of the world's oceans, such as the Atlantic and Pacific. Coastal waterways have been essential to the development of global trade, linking continents and facilitating the movement of goods, people, and ideas across nations.

Canals are human-made waterways built to improve transport and navigation by connecting different bodies of water or bypassing challenging natural water routes. Canals have played a transformative role in global trade and transportation, such as the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, significantly reducing the maritime distance between the east and west coasts of the Americas.

Water transport, reliant on these various water bodies, has enabled civilizations to thrive and expand their reach. Rivers, lakes, coastal waterways, and canals have all played essential roles in the development of trade, transportation, and the exchange of ideas throughout history.

Land vs Water Transport

Transportation plays a crucial role in today's world, as it facilitates the movement of people and goods from one place to another. Land and water transport are the two major categories of transportation modes that are delivering these essential services.

Land transport comprises vehicles such as cars, buses, trucks, and trains that operate on various types of roads and rail tracks. Cars, in particular, have become a ubiquitous mode of land transportation, offering convenience and flexibility in navigating cities and rural areas. Additionally, land transportation includes air travel as airplanes provide faster, long-distance service by flying across continents and oceans.

Water transport, on the other hand, consists of ships, boats, and other waterborne vehicles that navigate oceans, rivers, and canals. This type of transportation is an essential part of global trade and commerce, as more than 70% of the world's goods are transported across oceans by sea. Marine transportation can effectively and efficiently move almost any cargo, ranging from raw materials to finished products.

When comparing land and water transport, several factors come into play, including speed, cost, capacity, and environmental impact. Generally, land transport can achieve faster travel times, especially for shorter distances. Cars, buses, and planes provide faster and more convenient service for passengers and smaller cargo when comparing travel times. However, this convenience is traded for a higher cost, as land transport can be more expensive than water transport.

In contrast, water transport is a more cost-effective option for transporting large volumes of cargo. Ships can carry enormous amounts of goods, enabling economies of scale that help reduce the overall cost of transportation. Despite its lower speed, water transport is the preferred choice for long-distance, bulk, and heavy cargo transportation. Importantly, waterborne transport contributes significantly less to greenhouse gas emissions and pollutant emissions than land-based transport, which makes it a more environmentally-friendly choice.

In conclusion, both land and water transport play essential roles in connecting people and facilitating global trade. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements of the transportation task at hand, with factors such as speed, volume, cost, and environmental impact being decisive in selecting the most suitable mode.

Plant Water Transport

Understanding xylem and phloem.

In plants, water and nutrients are transported through two specialized tissues: xylem and phloem. Xylem mainly transports water and minerals from the roots to the aerial parts of the plant, while phloem transports sugars and other organic compounds synthesized during photosynthesis from the leaves to other parts of the plant. Both xylem and phloem are composed of specialized cells, with xylem containing tracheid and vessel elements, and phloem containing sieve tube elements and companion cells.

Water moves through the xylem via cohesion, a process in which water molecules are attracted to one another, and at the cellular level, water moves primarily by osmosis. The movement of water across the cells in phloem also utilizes osmosis, but the process is more complex since phloem transports sugars and other substances in addition to water.

Water Potential and Osmosis

Water transport in plants is greatly influenced by water potential, which is the potential energy of a water sample relative to pure water in reference conditions. Water moves from areas of high water potential to areas of low water potential. Osmosis, a type of passive transport, plays a significant role in water movement as it is the process through which water molecules move across a semi-permeable membrane from a region of higher water potential to a region of lower water potential.

Water can move through the plant via two pathways: the symplast and the apoplast. The symplast pathway involves movement through the cytoplasm of the cells, while the apoplast pathway involves movement through cell walls and intercellular spaces. Water potential influences the balance of water transport between these two pathways.

Transpiration

Transpiration is the process of water movement through the plant and its evaporation from aerial parts, primarily from the leaves via stomata. Stomata are small openings on the leaf surface that regulate gas exchange, allowing carbon dioxide in and releasing oxygen and water vapor. The opening and closing of stomata are controlled by guard cells, which respond to various environmental factors.

A water potential gradient exists between the leaf interior and the atmosphere, driving the process of transpiration. As water evaporates from the leaf surface, it creates a negative pressure in the xylem, pulling water upward from the roots. Transpiration, therefore, has a critical role in the overall process of water transport in plants, facilitating the movement of water and nutrients from the roots to the aerial parts of the plant.

Impact of Pressure on Water Transport

Pressure plays a crucial role in water transport across various systems, particularly in situations involving filtration and fuel cell technology. Maintaining an optimal pressure ensures efficient water movement, helping to alleviate bottlenecks and achieve desired results in both natural and artificial applications.

In the context of filtration, pressure-driven water transport is highly dependent on the properties of the membranes used. A study on two-dimensional nanomaterial laminated membranes revealed that functional groups of graphene oxide exhibited a more significant influence on water transport under pressurized filtration conditions. Adjusting the pressure allows users to control the filtration efficiency and antifouling performance of the system.

Another application where pressure impacts water transport is within proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. These fuel cells require optimal management of water to maintain performance and prevent flooding or drying in the cell. Studies involving neutron radiography have demonstrated that adjusting pressure levels can directly affect the rates of water accumulation and dissipation, leading to better control of water transport through the porous structures of the fuel cell.

In the realm of biomimetic reverse osmosis membranes, pressure also plays a crucial role. Researchers have found that peptide-attached pillararenes water channels show a promising ability to mimic biological water transport systems. By adjusting feed pressure, the study reported an increase in water transport efficiency through these biomimetic membranes. As a result, regulating pressure can directly impact the performance of osmotic filtration systems.

In summary, pressure significantly affects water transport in various applications, ranging from filtration systems to fuel cells. Mastery over pressure levels can help improve transport efficiency, antifouling performance, and overall system control, making it a vital variable to consider in water transport processes.

Roots and Water Transport

Roots play a vital role in water transport within plants. They absorb water from the soil through their root hairs and transport it to other parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, and flowers. This process enables plants to maintain essential physiological functions such as photosynthesis, nutrient transport, and growth.

One critical aspect of water transport in roots is the transport of water across cell membranes. This occurs through a process called osmosis, which involves the movement of water molecules across a semipermeable barrier such as the root surface or an air-water interface 1 . Osmotic pressure drives the water movement from areas of high water concentration to areas of low water concentration, leading to an even distribution of water molecules throughout the plant.

Another essential element in the water transport process in roots is the xylem, a specialized tissue responsible for transporting water and nutrients from the roots to the aerial parts of the plant. Xylem consists of elongated tube-like cells called vessels, allowing for efficient and rapid water transport. The driving force behind this water movement is the difference in water potential between the soil and the plant's shoots, which creates a tension that propels water upward through the xylem 2 .

Roots can also adjust their growth and development in response to water stress, such as drought conditions. They have the capability to alter their growth rate and morphology, increasing the surface area available for water absorption and transportation 3 . This adaptability helps the plant survive and thrive under various environmental conditions and is vital for maintaining adequate water transport.

In conclusion, roots are essential for water transport in plants, absorbing water from the soil and transporting it to other parts of the plant through osmosis and xylem vessel movement. Their adaptability to water stress conditions and their ability to regulate growth ensure that plants can maintain essential physiological functions even under challenging environmental conditions.

• https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/abs/10.1098/rstb.1976.0024 ↩
• https://academic.oup.com/jxb/article-abstract/65/2/381/485940 ↩
• https://academic.oup.com/jxb/article-abstract/51/350/1595/738124 ↩

Environmental Impact of Water Transport

Water transport, particularly marine transportation, has various environmental effects that need careful consideration. One major concern is the emission of greenhouse gases such as CO2 and NOx, which contribute to climate change and air pollution [^1^] . Ships also emit sulfur oxides (SOx), leading to the formation of acid rain and adverse effects on both human health and ecosystems.

Another environmental impact of water transport is the accidental release of harmful substances like oil, which can cause severe damage to marine life and aquatic ecosystems [^2^] . Invasive species can be introduced through ballast water discharge, disrupting the balance of native ecosystems and threatening biodiversity [^3^] .

Noise pollution from shipping operations can also have negative effects on marine animals, particularly those that rely on sound for communication, navigation, and hunting. This disturbance can lead to behavioral changes and even physical harm for the affected species.

Strategies to mitigate the environmental impacts of water transport include the adoption of alternative clean fuels, improving energy efficiency, implementing stricter regulations for emissions, and investing in innovative technologies to reduce the risks associated with vessel operations ^4^ . Planning and management of marine transportation also play a crucial role in minimizing the overall environmental consequences.

As water transport continues to grow in importance in global trade, it is essential to recognize its environmental impacts on aquatic ecosystems and related habitats, while developing and implementing strategies to manage such challenges sustainably and responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of water transport vehicles.

There are various types of water transport vehicles used for different purposes. Some common ones include ships, boats, ferries, barges, and canoes. These vehicles come in different sizes and designs, which are tailored to their specific use and the environment they operate in, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans.

What is the primary use of water transportation?

Water transportation serves various purposes, including cargo transport, passenger transport, military operations, and recreational activities. Ships and barges are primarily used for cargo transport, while passenger transport is facilitated through ferries, cruise ships, and water taxis. In addition, boats, canoes, and kayaks are also used for recreational purposes like fishing, touring, and water sports.

What are some examples of water vehicles?

Some examples of water vehicles are:

• Cargo ships, which are used for large-scale transportation of goods
• Containerships, specifically designed to carry standardized shipping containers
• Ferries, which transport passengers and vehicles across water bodies
• Cruising vessels, which offer luxury travel and leisure experiences
• Tugboats, which assist larger ships in maneuvering and docking
• Fishing boats, used by fishermen for commercial and recreational fishing
• Kayaks and canoes, widely used for recreational activities and water sports

Which water transport methods are most widely used?

Cargo shipping dominates the global water transportation industry, with large-scale vessels such as container ships, tankers, and bulk carriers being most widely used. Passenger transportation is another significant segment, facilitated by ferries, cruise ships, and water taxis. Moreover, recreational activities like boating, canoeing, and kayaking are also popular.

How does water transportation impact the environment?

While water transportation is generally more fuel-efficient compared to land or air transport, it still has an environmental impact. The burning of marine fuels produces greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. Ship-based activities can cause water pollution due to oil spills, waste discharge, and the release of harmful chemicals into the water. Invasive aquatic species can also be introduced through ballast water discharge, affecting local ecosystems.

What innovations are being made in the water transport industry?

There are ongoing efforts to improve the environmental sustainability of water transport by utilizing cleaner fuels, developing energy-efficient propulsion systems, and exploring alternative power sources, such as solar and wind energy. Innovations in vessel design aim to optimize fuel efficiency and minimize air and noise pollution. Furthermore, advancements in navigation technology and automation are expected to enhance safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in the water transport industry.

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This 700-Foot Transport Vessel Can Carry 36 Superyachts at the Same Time

'yacht servant' will be able to carry superyachts by submerging its hull and letting them float right on., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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Ever wonder how the world’s largest superyachts—and hundreds more than are not quite as large—cross back and forth between the Americas and Europe? The crossing doesn’t necessarily happen on their own hull bottoms. Rather, they often take place on a large vessel designed to carry dozens of yachts at a time. Loading and unloading can be a nail-biting process in which these multi-million-dollar yachts are lifted by crane from the water, a hundred feet into the air and then set on cradles on deck.

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DYT Yacht Transport (previously Dockwise) has the only dedicated fleet of yacht transport semi-submersible vessels in the world. Now, it’s building the King Kong of submersibles, a 699-footer called Yacht Servant , that can carry up to 36 superyachts back and forth across the ocean. It will be the largest vessel of its type.

Instead of hoisting yachts by crane, Yacht Servant takes on ballast water until the main deck is flooded. The boats can then float on and off—a process DYT calls “flo-flo.” When all yachts are loaded, divers attach temporary supports to keep the boats elevated as the ballast water is released. Yacht Servant floats up and its decks become dry. At that point, the yachts are fastened into cradles for safe transportation. The process eliminates the need for cranes or dry docking.

Submersible transport vessels actually sink into the water so that yachts can drive on, rather than using a crane to lift them out of the water.  DYT

Yacht Servant will increase the size and type of yachts that the company can transport, compared to its current largest carrier, Yacht Express . “On average, Yacht Express carries around 25 yachts with tenders on a single transatlantic voyage,” Andriy Antonenko, DYT Load Master, told Robb Report . “With Yacht Servant we can up that number to 36 yachts.”

Carrying a third more superyachts is significant. From an operational standpoint, Yacht Servant also cuts in half the two days it currently takes to load the yachts, because the time it takes to ballast and de-ballast is reduced to one hour. “That means it’s only a day to load and unload,” says Antonenko.

Last month, Yacht Servant held special keel-laying ceremony in Yantai, China. “This is not just the laying of a keel, but the start of a new era in yacht transport,” said Laura Tempest, DYT general manager. “Yacht Express will set a new benchmark in the yacht transport industry.”

Scheduled to be completed next year, “Yacht Servant” will usher in a new era in yacht transport. 

Tempest says that sailing yachts that could not be accommodated before because of their deeper drafts can now be transported. The vessel was designed by DYT’s parent company, Spliethoff Group, in Amsterdam.

“We opted for to build a new vessel because there is a lack of availability worldwide of boats that can be converted to a submersible yacht carrier,” Tempest told Robb Report . “Everything was either the same size or smaller than what we already have. A new build gave us the opportunity to increase our capacity and be more fuel efficient. We’ve really maximized the whole ship in terms of what we can do.”

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DYT takes delivery of world’s largest purpose-built yacht transport vessel

by Mariska Buitendijk | Jan 19, 2022 | News , Project cargo , Ship design , Shipbuilding , Yachts

DYT Superyacht Transport has added the purpose-built semi-submersible yacht transport vessel Yacht Servant to its fleet. In addition to being thirty per cent larger than its sistership Yacht Express and being Tier III compliant, it only requires an operating water depth of 9 metres using a unique float-on, float-off system.

The official delivery took place on 4 January at Yantai CIMC Raffles Shipyard on China’s Shandong Peninsula. Three days later, the vessel embarked on its maiden voyage from Shanghai to Panama.

With a length over all of 213.70 metres, a 46-metre beam and a 4.6-metre draught, the Yacht Servant provides virtually double the capacity of its predecessors. The IMO Tier III compliant vessel is also 32 per cent more fuel efficient, while its 6380 m2 deck space facilitates the transport of more vessels per crossing.

Also read: Shipping company Spliethoff orders ten new vessels

Reduced operating water depth

It has a lower deck height, which means the ballast time (therefore port time) is significantly reduced. It also means it can carry yachts with deeper draught and enter ports with shallower waters. It is equipped with two spud poles for quick mooring, and has electricity and water facilities for onboard yachts.

Whereas the current vessels in DYT’s semi-submersible fleet require operating water depths of around 14 metres, Yacht Servant only requires an operating water depth of 9 metres using a unique float-on, float-off system. Yacht Servant’s new specialised deck located behind the bridge built to accommodate tenders, containers and small race boats offers extra flexibility.

‘We’re all hugely excited about the addition of Yacht Servant to our semi-submersible fleet,’ says Richard Klabbers, Managing Director of DYT Superyacht Transport . ‘Her sheer size and volume allow for so much more capacity, and we’re looking forward to discovering how the vessel’s additional capabilities – such as onboard cranes, reduced board draft and increased submerged draft – will further what we can deliver.’

Fleet of three yacht transport vessels

On completion of its 2022 maiden voyage, Yacht Servant will return to China to transport cargo to Colombia during the yachting off season, before arriving in the Caribbean in May to commence its sailing schedule between Florida, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

‘Last year was a challenge for the entire yacht transportation industry, with lockdowns and global uncertainties affecting travel the world over,’ adds Klabbers. ‘But our order books for 2022 are already encouragingly healthy, and with Yacht Servant now bringing our DYT fleet total to three vessels, we’ve made a hugely promising start to the new year.’

DYT was formerly known as Dockwise Yacht Transport and is a member of the Spliethoff Group. The design of the Yacht Servant was conceived in-house by the Spliethoff Group.

Pictures by DYT.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Water Transportation

Table of contents.

Water transportation described as the movement of people and freight by boat, ship, barge or sailboat across ocean, sea, lake, canal, or river, or through other modes of water transportation. It is a vital method of transportation.

Water transportation is the most cost-effective method of moving large, perishable, and heavy products across long distances. This method of travel is mainly used to carry people, as well as perishable and non-perishable items together referred to as cargo.

Water transport is the most economical and historically significant method of transport. It runs on a nature track and, with the exception of canals, does not need significant financial expenditure in the building and maintenance of its route.

Water transport also has a very low operating cost. It has the greatest load capacity and is thus best suited to transporting huge quantities of heavy items across long distances. It has been instrumental in bringing the world’s many regions closer together and is essential to international commerce.

You May Also Like To Read: Top 6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Air Transport 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Water Transport are as follows:

Advantages of Water Transportation

Rivers are a self-contained roadway that requires no building or maintenance. Even yet, the cost of building and maintaining canals is much cheaper if they are utilised for purposes other than transportation, such as irrigation. Additionally, the cost of operating water transport seems to be very cheap.

It is the least expensive method of transit for transporting products between locations.

It has a minimal operating cost, making it the cheapest mode of travel across large distances.

Large boats operate more cheaply, since fuel expenditures may be distributed across a larger volume. Distance has a negligible effect on overall transit costs.

While road and rail transport have very high maintenance costs, water transport has relatively low maintenance costs.

Large Storage Capacity

Ships are the modes of transport that have a higher capacity for transporting a larger amount of goods. This is particularly true when compared to other modes of travel such as rail, truck, or aircraft. Water transport enables the transportation of large and heavy items at a low cost.

Safe Mode Of Transport

Weather delays the departure or arrival of an aeroplane on a larger number of times, while ships can operate more readily in more complex or unpredictable situations due to their durability, resistance, and dependability.

Increased Product Diversity and Transportable Materials

Considered one of the most notable features, we can observe how, in contrast to air transport (where, in several cases, dangerous or liquid cargo is not permitted), the ability to transport all types of materials is the only option when it comes to oil, liquids, and dangerous items that aeroplanes cannot transport. If land transport is capable of loading such items, it cannot convey them through intercontinental transport.

Environmentally Friendly

Although it produces very little environmental damage, oil leakage from tanks seems to be the primary issue with this method of transportation at times. If we want a green world with the fewest CO2 emissions, water transport will win since it typically has a lower carbon footprint. There is an exception if an oil spill is included in the comparison.

You May Also Like To Read: Top 10 Advantages and Disadvantages of Road Transport in India

Disadvantages of Water Transportation

Sluggish and time-consuming.

Water transport is a highly inefficient kind of transport. Traveling or transporting things takes a lengthy time. Additionally, rivers are twisting. This element must also be considered when predicting delivery dates, since the time needed – particularly across large distances – is often more than that necessary for air/land transport.

Water transport is very sluggish, making it unsuitable for situations when speed is critical.

Reliability

Although air and land transit are delayed by weather conditions, they nevertheless outperform water transport in terms of on-time arrival.

While a one to two day delay may not seem excessive, it may have a negative impact on a company that requires replenishing products or has a client waiting on them, resulting in lost revenue.

Port Accessibility

In certain instances, ports are unsuitable for receiving cargo ships, posing logistical difficulties during disembarkation. All ships require ports and infrastructures that are appropriate for their requirements and size; yet, in certain nations, these types of facilities do not exist, resulting in delayed delivery.

Journey Frequency

This may result in delivery delays or diversions; although certain trips are much more commercial than the others and are often made on a regular basis, others may take much longer to complete. And boats need more preparation time than aeroplanes, vehicles, or railroads.

Not Appropriate For Perishable Goods

Water transport is inefficient for delivering perishable products due to the length of time required to reach the destination.

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Pros & Cons of Water Transport: Ship Speed, Shipment Visibility, More

Transporting goods by ship or barge is a cost-effective freight transportation mode. Learn the advantages and disadvantages of marine transport.

Shipping freight over the water comes with slow transit times but is also cost effective. See how it fares in other key categories... And don't miss the printable infographic and video .

In Part IV of our transportation mode comparison series, we look to the water. Boats, barges and cargo ships can navigate canals, rivers and oceans to move goods from point A to point B. Is water shipping right for your freight?

Water shipments often have slow transit times, but on the positive side of the water shipping equation are lower costs and environmental impacts. Is water transportation reliable? Will cargo owners know where their freight is on its shipping journey? Keep reading to get these answers and more.

• Download a printer-friendly version of the Ship and Barge infographic

Shipping by Barge and Ship

Transporting goods by barge or ship is a great option for those looking to move bulk items at a low cost. While it is the slowest mode, water transport is environmentally responsible, fuel efficient and has the ability to carry massive amounts of goods of just about any size or weight. Is it right for you?

• High carrying capacity with few size and weight restrictions
• Often one of the cheapest shipping modes
• Inclement weather less likely to impact shipments
• Environmentally responsible and fuel efficient
• Extensive coverage in the U.S. and around the world
• Slow transit time
• Can be difficult to track shipment’s location while in transit
• Requires access to navigable waterways
• Aging water infrastructure

Cost What’s the biggest advantage of shipping over the water? Most would say shipping costs. Massive economies of scale come into play that enable container ships and barges to have the lowest cost per-ton-mile of any transportation mode. However, keep an eye out for warehousing fees at seaports, which can be expensive if your freight needs to sit in storage for a while, especially if it all arrives at the same time!

Speed Quick delivery? Not with this shipping mode. Ships and barges typically travel at 5-11 miles per hour via inland routes and 20 miles per hour on the ocean. Depending on the distance your goods are traveling, most water shipments can take up to a month to arrive at their destination. As long as you have the ability to plan ahead or can use existing inventory as a buffer, this mode could be a good option for you.

Capacity Water transport is ideal for transporting heavy, bulk freight. While weight can be an issue for other modes, it typically is not a problem for water freight. Because of the sheer size or volume of some products being shipped – including grain, minerals, metals, ores, steel coils and heavy machinery -- ship or barge often makes the most sense. To put things in perspective, an average single 15-barge tow is equivalent to the amount carried by approximately 225 rail cars or 870 tractor-trailer trucks.

Reach Water transport is only a viable option if your shipping origin and destination are located on a navigable waterway. Upon reaching land, you may need to arrange transportation via truck or rail to get your product to its final destination. Barges travel on large rivers, or inland waterways, and can transport goods from one city to the next. The inland waterways of the U.S. include more than 25,000 miles of navigable waters , many of them stemming from the Mississippi River. Container ships travel across the ocean carrying enormous amounts of standard shipping containers that can also move by truck or rail. Carrying approximately 90% of the world's manufactured goods , ships are key to international trade. You can bet that many household products and items of clothing you own have spent time in a container aboard a ship on its way to you.

Shipment Visibility One of the major disadvantages of water transport is not being able to track the exact location of your shipments. While technology is improving, depending on your carrier, tracking the exact location of your shipments on the water can be more challenging than other modes.

Reliability Another downside of shipping by barge or ship is that it can be difficult to predict and control the transit times due to unforeseen circumstances. Congestion along the route or at ports or unplanned outages caused by an aging infrastructure of inland waterways can end up causing delays. Although, if you are not in a rush, transit time may not be a major concern. Weather related issues can also seriously impact transit times. Periods of high water, low water or ice can negatively impact a barge’s ability to navigate inland waterways. Extreme weather events, like hurricanes and cyclones can also have a huge impact on ocean transit times and port operations.

Environmental Impact Marine transport is considered one of the most environmentally responsible shipping modes , especially when you compare total volume of emissions across all types of freight transportation. Plus, there have been significant technological improvements in engine efficiency, hull design and carrying capacity – all leading to a reduction in emissions and an increase in fuel efficiency.

Do you have questions about shipping your freight? Answer a few questions and an expert will be in touch.

Related Articles : 

• Truck Shipping Pros and Cons
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• Air Freight Pros and Cons
• Transportation Mode Comparison: Truck, Rail, Air & Water

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How To Ship A Yacht and Average Costs Associated With Yacht Transport Services

Shipping a yacht can be a complex and costly endeavor, requiring careful planning and coordination. Whether you’re relocating your vessel to a new sailing destination or participating in international yacht races, understanding the process and associated costs of yacht transport services is crucial.  Here, you will learn a few steps involved in shipping a yacht and  we will also provide insights into the average costs you can expect to encounter during the process.

Choosing the Right Yacht Transport Method

The first step in shipping a yacht is determining the most suitable method of transport. There are two primary options available: yacht shipping via cargo ship or yacht delivery by a professional yacht transport company. Cargo ships are commonly used for long-distance transport, while yacht delivery services are preferred for shorter distances. Cargo ships offer secure and reliable transport but are generally slower and require adherence to shipping schedules. On the other hand, yacht delivery services provide more flexibility, allowing you to sail your yacht directly to the desired destination. Factors such as distance, time constraints, and budget will influence your decision.

Read also: 13 Must-Have Boat Accessories For Your Next Sailing Adventure

Preparing Your Yacht for Transport

Before shipping your yacht, thorough preparation is essential to ensure its safety and minimize potential damage. Here are a few tips for preparing your yacht for transport:

• Thorough Cleaning and Inspection 

Before shipping your yacht , conduct a comprehensive cleaning to remove dirt, debris, and marine growth. Inspect the vessel thoroughly, paying attention to the hull, engine, and other critical components. Document any existing issues or damages and take detailed photographs for insurance purposes.

• Securing Loose Items and Removing Personal Belongings 

To prevent damage and ensure a smooth transport, secure all loose items on board. This includes removing personal belongings, such as furniture, decorations, and equipment. Store them safely onshore or in designated storage areas to avoid shifting or potential loss during transport.

• Compliance with Transport Company Requirements

Consult with a professional yacht transport company such as A-1 Auto Transport to understand their specific requirements. They may provide guidelines on reducing the height of antennas, removing sails, and securing rigging. Take necessary precautions to protect fragile components, such as wrapping them securely or using protective covers. Disable or secure sensitive equipment to avoid damage from motion-induced vibrations. 

By following these preparation steps, you can ensure that your yacht is well-prepared for transport, reducing the chances of any mishaps during the shipping process.

Read also: Best yachts for transatlantic: our selection and advices for 2023

Understanding Average Yacht Transport Costs

The cost of shipping a yacht can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the distance, destination, vessel size, and transport method. On average, yacht transport via cargo ship can cost between $20 and $25 per nautical mile. For example, transporting a 40-foot yacht from Florida to the Mediterranean, covering approximately 4,500 nautical miles, would typically cost around $90,000 to $112,500. Yacht delivery services, which charge a daily rate or flat fee, can range from $1,000 to $3,000 per day, depending on the yacht’s size and crew requirements. Additional expenses may include fuel, insurance, permits, and customs fees. It’s important to request detailed quotes from multiple transport providers to compare prices and services.

Researching and Selecting a Yacht Transport Service

Choosing a reputable yacht transport service is crucial for a smooth and hassle-free shipping experience. Begin by researching different companies and their track records in the industry. Look for providers with experience in transporting yachts similar in size and type to yours. Check customer reviews, ask for references, and inquire about insurance coverage. It’s also essential to verify their licenses, certifications, and compliance with international shipping regulations. Engage in detailed discussions with potential transporters to clarify any concerns or specific requirements you may have. Ultimately, select a company that not only offers competitive pricing but also provides reliable communication, excellent customer service, and a proven track record of safe and efficient yacht transport.

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VESSEL REVIEW | Sinichka – Electric commuter boats designed for Russia’s Moskva River

A series of three new electric monohull commuter ferries have already begun operational sailings on the Moskva River in the Russian capital Moscow.

Built by Russian shipyard Emperium, sister vessels Sinichka , Filka , and Presnya – all named after rivers in Moscow – are being operated by the Moscow Department of Transport and Road Infrastructure Development (Moscow Deptrans). They are the first units of a planned fleet of 20 vessels that will serve the capital city and other nearby communities. The new ferry system will be the water transport system to be operated on the Moskva River in 16 years.

Each vessel has a welded aluminium hull, an LOA of 21 metres, a beam of 6.2 metres, a draught of only 1.4 metres, a displacement of 40 tonnes, and capacity for 80 passengers plus two crewmembers. Seating is available for 42 passengers on each ferry, and the main cabins are also fitted with USB charging ports, wifi connectivity, tables, toilets, and space for bicycles and scooters. The cabin layout can be rearranged to allow the operator to adjust the distances between the seats and to install armrests of varying widths.

An open upper deck is also accessible to passengers and is the only area on each ferry where smoking is allowed.

The ferries are all of modular construction with each ferry's wheelhouse, main cabin, and other structural elements being built as complete, separate components. This enables the ferries to be easily dismantled for transport to anywhere in Russia by rail and then quickly re-assembled within seven days.

The ferries are also ice-capable. Recently completed operational trials on the Moskva showed that the vessels can also easily navigate under mild winter conditions with broken surface ice, though year-round operations are planned for the entire fleet.

The ferries are each fitted with 500kWh lithium iron phosphate battery packs that supply power to two 134kW motors. This configuration can deliver a maximum speed of 11.8 knots, a cruising speed of just under 10 knots, and a range of 150 kilometres.

Emperium said the transfer of rotation of electric motors to the propeller is carried out by direct drive. As a propulsion installation, a pulling rotary propeller-steering column with double screws is used. The installation of double pulling screws, with similar power, allows an operator to increase the efficiency of the propulsion system to deliver a slightly higher speed or to reduce energy consumption. This arrangement also provides the ferries with enhanced manoeuvrability necessary for navigating in close quarters.

The batteries themselves have projected service lives of 10 to 12 years and are fitted with safety features such as built-in fire extinguishers and gas vents. Quick-disconnect features allow the batteries to be easily removed for replacement or maintenance.

Some of our readers have expressed disquiet at our publication of reviews and articles describing new vessels from Russia. We at Baird Maritime can understand and sympathise with those views. However, despite the behaviour of the country's leaders, we believe that the maritime world needs to learn of the latest developments in vessel design and construction there.

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Check out Moscow’s NEW electric river trams (PHOTOS)

Water transportation has become another sector for the eco-friendly improvements the Moscow government is implementing. And it means business. On July 15, 2021, on the dock of Moscow’s ‘Zaryadye’ park, mayor Sergey Sobyanin was shown the first model of the upcoming river cruise boat.

The model of the electrical boat with panoramic windows measures 22 meters in length. The river tram - as Muscovites call them - has a passenger capacity of 42, including two disabled seats. The trams will also get cutting edge info panels, USB docking stations, Wi-Fi, spaces for scooters and bicycles, as well as chairs and desks for working on the go. The boats will be available all year round, according to ‘Mosgortrans’, the regional transport agency. 

Passengers will be able to pay with their ‘Troika’ public transport card, credit cards or bank cards. 

The main clientele targeted are people living in Moscow’s river districts - the upcoming trams will shorten their travel time in comparison to buses and other transportation by five times, Mosgortrans stated. 

As the river trams are being rolled out, Moscow docks will also see mini-stations, some of which will also be outfitted with charging docks for speed-charging the boats.  

Moscow is set to announce the start of the tender for construction and supply in September 2021. The first trams are scheduled to launch in June 2022 on two routes - from Kievskaya Station, through Moscow City, into Fili; and from ZIL to Pechatniki. 

“Two full-scale routes will be created in 2022-2023, serviced by 20 river trams and a number of river stations. We’ll continue to develop them further if they prove to be popular with the citizens,” the Moscow mayor said .

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Critical Issues in Transportation for 2024 and Beyond calls for reassessing the role of transportation in addressing major societal challenges and the research that informs the choices that society will need to make in 2024 and coming years. This reassessment is driven by large-scale environmental, public health, and socioeconomic forces, including:

• a massive shift away from fossil fuels to clean energy that requires a complete turnover of hundreds of millions of motor vehicles by 2050 to help meet national decarbonization goals;
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As liquefied gas exports from U.S. ports have grown rapidly in recent years, reforms are needed to a U.S. Coast Guard program that examines liquefied gas carriers (LGCs). Going forward, this growth in LGC exports and arrivals is likely to increase the demand for gas carrier exams by Coast Guard marine inspectors, of which there is a chronic shortage.

TRB Special Report 350: Reforming the Coast Guard's Certificate of Compliance Program for Liquefied Gas Carriers: Promoting Efficient Implementation and Safety Effectiveness from the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, was requested by Congress out of concern for the Coast Guard's ability to examine the increasing number of foreign tank ships that load liquefied gas for transport overseas. The National Academies' committee concluded that the time is right for Congress to revisit the Certificate of Compliance program's requirements mandating the frequency of exams and to allow the Coast Guard greater flexibility to decide when and how to examine individual LGCs using indicators of risk.

Reforming the Coast Guard's Certificate of Compliance Program for Liquefied Gas Carriers: Promoting Efficient Implementation and Safety Effectiveness

Since 2022, automatic or remote-control shutoff valves have been required on new hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines located in or near populated and environmentally sensitive areas. They are intended to enable faster shutdowns of ruptured pipe segments. However, the requirement for “rupture mitigation valves” does not apply to pipelines installed prior to 2022. This report examines the regulatory requirements that apply and recommends options for making sounder decisions about when to install these valves.

TRB Special Report 349: Ensuring Timely Pipeline Shutdowns in Emergencies: When to Install Rupture Mitigation Valves from the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is the product of an expert committee convened to assess regulatory standards and criteria for deciding when the valves should be installed on pipelines. This review, which was mandated by Congress, issues a series of recommendations designed with pipeline safety in mind.

Ensuring Timely Pipeline Shutdowns in Emergencies: When to Install Rupture Mitigation Valves

There has been a recently large increase in competitive federal grant programs for transportation, and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has considerable control over how the programs are structured and the funds awarded to states and other applicants. With this, USDOT has asked TRB and the National Academies to review the ways USDOT can emphasize and promote equity within the competitive grants process.

TRB Special Report 348: Elevating Equity in Transportation Decision Making: Recommendations for Federal Competitive Grant Programs from the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is the product of an expert committee convened to fulfill this study charge.

The findings note that equity needs to be pursued across all facets of USDOT’s competitive grant programs, from goal setting and project evaluations to ensuring that all eligible participants have the capacity to apply for grants and to implement them successfully.

Elevating Equity in Transportation Decision Making: Recommendations for Federal Competitive Grant Programs

In the U.S., most plastics waste is disposed in landfills, but a significant amount also ends up as litter on land, rivers, and oceans. Today, less than 10 percent of plastics waste is recycled in the U.S. annually. The use of recycled plastics in infrastructure applications has potential to help expand the market and demand for plastics recycling.

These are among the findings in TRB Special Report 347: Recycled Plastics in Infrastructure: Current Practices, Understanding, and Opportunities from the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

The report emphasizes that pursuing the recycling of plastics in infrastructure depends on goals, policy, and economics. To that end, life cycle economic and environmental assessments should be conducted to inform policies on plastics waste reuse.

Recycled Plastics in Infrastructure: Current Practices, Understanding, and Opportunities

Racism has been overt in transportation. For example, the segregation of races on intercity trains led to the infamous 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson “separate but equal” Supreme Court doctrine that stood for more than half a century. While many discriminatory policies have been reversed by the courts and in constitutional amendments, their impacts on society have not been fully remedied and persist.

TRB’s Racial Equity Addendum to Critical Issues in Transportation is intended to be a step in the process of identifying and building a research agenda for transportation that will help to more fully identify and address inequities and injustices caused and contributed to by transportation. While some equity-related issues were identified in Critical Issues in Transportation 2019 , the topic was not discussed in depth. In response to the candid and critical national dialogue on racial equity in 2020 and 2021, this addendum tackles racial equity exclusively and with additional consciousness about its transportation dimensions

The report covers research topics ranging from access to automobiles and public transit; institutional issues in decision making, planning, and public participation; land use and affordable housing; displacement and redlining; Native American transportation issues; and more.

Racial Equity Addendum to Critical Issues in Transportation

Urban Air Mobility (UAM), or its generalized version, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), is an emerging aerial transportation approach that involves the operation of highly automated aircraft for a safe and efficient system to transport passengers or cargo at lower altitudes of airspace within urban, suburban, and exurban areas. UAM initiatives are advancing in many communities and will likely bring many societal changes.

The TRB Airport Cooperative Research Program's ACRP Research Report 243: Urban Air Mobility: An Airport Perspective provides a comprehensive examination of the emerging UAM industry, with a particular focus on its impacts and opportunities for airports.

Supplemental to the report are an Airport AAM Preparation Checklist and a UAM Airport Assessment Toolkit .

Urban Air Mobility: An Airport Perspective

In 1920, state highway engineers, federal officials, and experts from academia were among a small group convened by the National Academy of Sciences to confront the problems of the highway. The public was entrusting them with billions of dollars for good roads, and World War I had proved the feasibility of moving freight long distances by truck. But even new highways were crumbling. They turned to research for solutions.

The founders of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) and the generations that followed took on problems such as safety, social equity, and environmental issues. They embraced "total transportation," adapting their highway research model to urban transportation and then applying it to rail, marine, and aviation modes. Today TRB convenes thousands of researchers, practitioners, and administrators every year to advise the government, solve practical problems, foster innovation, and stimulate new research.

In The Transportation Research Board, 1920–2020: Everyone Interested Is Invited , Sarah Jo Peterson tells the story of how people and institutions created and have continued to shape TRB. In a compelling narrative accompanied by more than 150 images exploring the history of transportation and research, she argues that TRB can be best understood as an infrastructure—one that people purposely designed and devotedly maintained.

Despite TRB's institutional complexity, its unique mission, the vast collection of acronyms in its orbit, and the significant changes to the organization in its first 100 years, Dr. Peterson provides a view from 30,000 feet, deftly describing the social, political, and economic context in which transportation (and TRB) functioned. At the same time, she attends to details of the key events, individuals, and human motivations that shaped TRB's evolution.

The author's skills as a historian, her experience in the transportation field, and her manifest ability to tell a good story have produced a book that transportation professionals of all stripes—and, for that matter, anyone interested in the history of transportation in the United States—should find both engaging and informative and an essential addition to their library.

The Transportation Research Board, 1920–2020: Everyone Interested Is Invited

Transportation engineers have used editions of the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) in their analyses for decades. The HCM is the fundamental reference for concepts, performance measures, and analysis techniques for evaluating the multimodal operation of streets, highways, freeways, and off-street paths. This 3-volume 7th Edition contains new information, including new planning-level methods for connected and automated vehicles; a completely revised procedure for analyzing two-lane highways; a new procedure for evaluating systems of freeways and arterials with queue spillback; and updated methodologies for pedestrian operations at uncontrolled and signalized crossings.

Highway Capacity Manual 7th Edition: A Guide for Multimodal Mobility Analysis

Significant progress has been made over the last decade in integrating resilience criteria into transportation decision-making. A compelling case remains for investing in making transportation projects more resilient in the face of increasing and intensifying storms, floods, droughts, and other natural hazards that are combining with sea-level rise, new temperature and precipitation norms, and other effects from climate change.

TRB’s Special Report 340: Investing in Transportation Resilience: A Framework for Informed Choices reviews current practices by transportation agencies for evaluating resilience and conducting investment analysis for the purpose of restoring and adding resilience. These practices require methods for measuring the resilience of the existing transportation system and for evaluating and prioritizing options to improve resilience by strengthening, adding redundancy to, and relocating vulnerable assets.

Supplemental to the report is a Report Highlights three-pager .

Investing in Transportation Resilience: A Framework for Informed Choices

To ensure the safety of passengers and crew on DUKWs — amphibious vehicles also referred to as duck boats — the United States Coast Guard (USCG) should issue a range of new guidelines and requirements.

TRB’s Special Report 342: Options for Improving the Safety of DUKW Type Amphibious Vessels recommends that the USCG use a consistent risk-assessment methodology and update its regulations and enforcement practices in a way that reflects the variable levels of risk to passengers and crew.

Options for Improving the Safety of DUKW Type Amphibious Vessels

If combined with public transit and increased in scale, shared modes of transportation, such as ride-hailing, scooter sharing and bike sharing, can enhance mobility, equity, and sustainability in metropolitan areas. Cities, transit agencies, and shared mobility providers should collaborate in goal-setting, experimentation, testing, and implementation.

These are among the findings in TRB Special Report 337: The Role of Transit, Shared Modes, and Public Policy in the New Mobility Landscape , from TRB of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

The report's authors recommend deliberate and strategic measures in order to realize the full and potentially transformative benefits of shared services. These measures include providing travelers with real- or near real-time information on combinations of available price and service offerings, smartphone applications that simplify the process of arranging and paying for the use of multiple transportation modes for a single trip, and more public sector coordination of services across modes and jurisdictions.

The Role of Transit, Shared Modes, and Public Policy in the New Mobility Landscape

TRB Special Report 329: Renewing the National Commitment to the Interstate Highway System: A Foundation for the Future explores pending and future federal investment and policy decisions concerning the federal Interstate Highway System. Congress asked the committee to make recommendations on the “features, standards, capacity needs, application of technologies, and intergovernmental roles to upgrade the Interstate System” and to advise on any changes in law and resources required to further the recommended actions. The report of the study committee suggests a path forward to meet the growing and shifting demands of the 21st century.

The prospect of an aging and worn Interstate System that operates unreliably is concerning in the face of a vehicle fleet that continues to transform as the 21st century progresses and the vulnerabilities due to climate change place new demands on the country’s transportation infrastructure. Recent combined state and federal capital spending on the Interstates has been about $20–$25 billion per year. The estimates in this study suggest this level of spending is too low and that $45–$70 billion annually over the next 20 years will be needed to undertake the long-deferred rebuilding of pavements and bridges and to accommodate and manage growing user demand. This estimated investment is incomplete because it omits the spending that will be required to meet other challenges such as boosting the system’s resilience and expanding its geographic coverage.

The committee recommends that Congress legislate an Interstate Highway System Renewal and Modernization Program (RAMP). This program should focus on reconstructing deteriorated pavements, including their foundations, and bridge infrastructure; adding physical capacity and operations and demand management capabilities where needed; and increasing the system’s resilience. The report explores ways to pay for this program, including lifting the ban on tolling of existing general-purpose Interstate highways and increasing the federal fuel tax to a level commensurate with the federal share of the required RAMP investment.

View the videos, recorded webcast, graphics, summary booklet, press release, and highlights page at interstate.trb.org .

Renewing the National Commitment to the Interstate Highway System: A Foundation for the Future

The Highway Safety Manual can be used to identify sites with the most potential for crash frequency or severity reduction; identify contributing factors to crashes and mitigation measures; and estimate the potential crash frequency and severity on highway networks, among other uses.

The TRB National Cooperative Highway Research Program's NCHRP Web-Only Document 323: Highway Safety Manual User Guide is a user-friendly, companion and reference document that helps safety analysts use the Highway Safety Manual .

Supplemental to the document are three Peer Exchange Reports from Irvine, California ; Baltimore, Maryland ; and Nashville, Tennessee ; and three Tech Briefings ( 1 , 2 , and 3 ).

Highway Safety Manual User Guide

The most common approach that state departments of transportation (DOTs) use to address highway traffic noise impacts is noise barriers—usually noise walls.

The TRB National Cooperative Highway Research Program's NCHRP Research Report 984: Breaking Barriers: Alternative Approaches to Avoiding and Reducing Highway Traffic Noise Impacts presents the results of a review of innovative strategies to avoid and/or reduce highway noise impacts. A practitioner's handbook to identify which of these innovative strategies may be appropriate for a highway project is also included.

Supplemental to the report are Appendices A through E , covering terminology, a summary of 14 noise-reducing strategies, and further investigations of low berms, solid safety barriers, and acoustically soft ground; strategy flowcharts ; and a final presentation .

Breaking Barriers: Alternative Approaches to Avoiding and Reducing Highway Traffic Noise Impacts

ADA paratransit demand continues to grow while resources are dwindling. Because of this, transit agencies continue to explore models to more effectively meet the demand.

The TRB Transit Cooperative Research Program's TCRP Synthesis 161: ADA Paratransit and Other Demand-Responsive Transportation Services in Small to Midsized Transit Agencies explores paratransit delivery models for small and midsize systems and documents the way various service and contract models are structured, to enhance the knowledge base of small agencies.

ADA Paratransit and Other Demand-Responsive Transportation Services in Small to Midsized Transit Agencies

Transit agencies in the United States are beginning to experiment with fare caps to ensure that passengers who pay for single rides do not pay more than multiple-ride passes included in their fare structure.

The TRB Transit Cooperative Research Program's TCRP Synthesis 160: Fare Capping: Balancing Revenue and Equity Impacts includes a review of the literature; a survey of 35 North American transit agencies that have recently considered implementing, are in the planning stages of implementing, or have implemented fare capping; and detailed case examples for five transit agencies that provide greater insight into the motivations, program designs, implementations, and lessons learned.

Fare Capping: Balancing Revenue and Equity Impacts

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and equity issues will be included soon in

. In this report, which is updated periodically by the TRB Executive Committee, a series of challenging questions are posed to explore issues and opportunities that may arise 10 to 20 years into the future. These questions, 63 in all, have been organized into 12 topic areas and provide a way to frame future areas of research, policy analysis, and debate.

Critical issues identified in this report deserve attention because of transportation’s central role in serving individuals and society. This document serves to sharpen society's collective understanding of transportation and its ramifications, while informing decisions by individual citizens and officials in both the public and private sectors. The issues have been identified and documented from a U.S. perspective, and are also common across developed nations.

Download the executive overview, Critical Issues in Transportation: Policy Snapshot and or visit www.TRB.org/criticalissues from your mobile device.

On March 5, 2019, TRB and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) cohosted a webinar that covered TRB’s Critical Issues in Transportation 2019 report and the 2019-2020 NTSB’s Most Wanted List . Presenters focused on issues of safety and security across all modes of transportation.

Critical Issues in Transportation 2019

In the United States, traffic signal timing is traditionally developed to minimize motor vehicle delay at signalized intersections, with minimal attention paid to the needs of pedestrians and bicyclists. The unintended consequence is often diminished safety and mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The TRB National Cooperative Highway Research Program's NCHRP Research Report 969: Traffic Signal Control Strategies for Pedestrians and Bicyclists is a guidebook that provides tools, performance measures, and policy information to help agencies design and operate signalized intersections in a way that improves safety and service for pedestrians and bicyclists while still meeting the needs of motorized road users.

Supplemental to the report are presentations of preliminary findings , strategies , and summary overview .

Traffic Signal Control Strategies for Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Although only 19% of the population live in rural areas, more than 70% of the U.S.’s four million miles of roadways are in rural areas. The rural transportation system also includes numerous airports; railways; inland and coastal waterways; rural and intercity buses; and bicycle, pedestrian, and multi-use paths and trails. In addition, approximately 47% of the nation’s motor vehicle fatalities occur in rural areas.

The TRB National Cooperative Highway Research Program's NCHRP Research Report 988: Rural Transportation Issues: Research Roadmap is designed to assist state departments of transportation and other public agencies and help inform policy–driven investment decisions.

Rural Transportation Issues: Research Roadmap

For public agencies, attracting qualified, technically competent, culturally sensitive, and motivated planning staff can be challenging in a competitive landscape.

The TRB National Cooperative Highway Research Program's NCHRP Research Report 980: Attracting, Retaining, and Developing the Transportation Workforce: Transportation Planners presents an assessment of current and emerging forces that are shaping transportation planning practice and the transportation planning workforce.

Supplemental to the report are downloadable tools (one for employees and one for employers ), an implementation memo , a Quick Reference Guide , and a Summary .

Attracting, Retaining, and Developing the Transportation Workforce: Transportation Planners

Micromobility refers to small, low-speed vehicles intended for personal use and includes station-based bikeshare systems, dockless bikeshare systems, electric-assist bikeshare, and electric scooters. Micromobility has the potential to increase the number of transit trips by expanding the reach of multimodal transportation, but it also could replace transit trips.

The TRB Transit Cooperative Research Program's TCRP Research Report 230: Transit and Micromobility provides an analysis of the full benefits and impacts of micromobility on public transportation systems in transit-rich markets as well as in medium-sized and smaller urban areas.

Transit and Micromobility

Small gasoline-powered aircraft are the single largest emitter of lead in the United States, as other major emission sources such as automobile gasoline have been previously addressed. A highly toxic substance that can result in an array of negative health effects in humans, lead is added to aviation gasoline to meet the performance and safety requirements of a sizable portion of the country’s gasoline-powered aircraft.

Significantly reducing lead emissions from gasoline-powered aircraft will require the leadership and strategic guidance of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and a broad-based and sustained commitment by other government agencies and the nation’s pilots, airport managers, aviation fuel and service suppliers, and aircraft manufacturers, according to a congressionally mandated report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

While efforts are underway to develop an unleaded aviation fuel that can be used by the entire gasoline-powered fleet, the uncertainty of success means that other steps should also be taken to begin reducing lead emissions and exposures, notes the report, titled TRB Special Report 336: Options for Reducing Lead Emissions from Piston-Engine Aircraft .

Piston-engine aircraft are critical to performing general aviation (GA) functions like aerial observation, medical airlift, pilot training, and business transport. Other GA functions, such as crop dusting, aerial firefighting, search and rescue, and air taxi service, have particular significance to communities in rural and remote locations.

Accompanying the report is a three-page highlight summary that provides a condensed version of the findings.

Options for Reducing Lead Emissions from Piston-Engine Aircraft

Addressing decision-making challenges in pandemic response in the transportation context is a multi-dimensional task, involving not only transportation/transit organizations, but health organizations, emergency management agencies, and communications outlets as well.

The TRB National Cooperative Highway Research Program's NCHRP Report 769: A Guide for Public Transportation Pandemic Planning and Response from 2014 is designed to assist transportation organizations as they prepare for pandemics and other infectious diseases such as seasonal flu.

The guide is designed to outline broad guidance on dealing with pandemic preparedness planning, not detailed procedures. It provides information, tools, tips, and guidance on where to find up-to-date recommendations from federal agencies and other resources, prior to and during a pandemic.

In addition to the guide, a methodology report and a PowerPoint presentation describing the entire project are available online.

A Guide for Public Transportation Pandemic Planning and Response

Distracted driving is a complex and ever-increasing risk to public safety on roadways. Drivers’ use of electronic devices significantly diverts human attention resources away from the driving task. The enforcement community faces significant challenges as electronic device use has expanded beyond simply texting or talking. Legislation regulating electronic device use while driving is inconsistent in content and implementation.

The TRB Behavioral Traffic Safety Cooperative Research Program's BTSCRP Research Report 1: Using Electronic Devices While Driving: Legislation and Enforcement Implications presents the results of an examination of the current state and provincial legislation on electronic device use while driving; evaluates the benefits and impediments associated with enacting, enforcing, and adjudicating electronic device use; and proposes model legislation and educational materials that can be used by relevant stakeholders to enact a law and educate key individuals on the importance of the law.

Supplemental the report is a presentation for law enforcement .

Using Electronic Devices While Driving: Legislation and Enforcement Implications

TRB’s Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Report 155: Track Design Handbook for Light Rail Transit, Second Edition provides guidelines and descriptions for the design of various common types of light rail transit (LRT) track.

The track structure types include ballasted track, direct fixation (“ballastless”) track, and embedded track.

The report considers the characteristics and interfaces of vehicle wheels and rail, tracks and wheel gauges, rail sections, alignments, speeds, and track moduli.

The report includes chapters on vehicles, alignment, track structures, track components, special track work, aerial structures/bridges, corrosion control, noise and vibration, signals, traction power, and the integration of LRT track into urban streets.

A PowerPoint presentation describing the entire project is available online.

Track Design Handbook for Light Rail Transit, Second Edition

This 2010 TRB report on planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of roundabouts remains useful in helping to explain the trade-offs associated with roundabouts.

The TRB National Cooperative Highway Research Program's NCHRP Report 672: Roundabouts: An Informational Guide – Second Edition updates the U.S. Federal Highway Administration’s Roundabouts: An Informational Guide , based on experience gained in the United States since that guide was published in 2000.

Equation 6-3 on page 6-58 incorrectly contains an addition sign (+) as an operator. The correct operator should be a subtraction sign (-).

Exhibit 5-23 on page 5-29 of NCHRP Report 672 contains an incorrect calculation of estimated injury crashes.

There is a summary document, Paths to Practice, available .

Roundabouts: An Informational Guide – Second Edition

TRB’s Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Report 25, Airport Passenger Terminal Planning and Design comprises a guidebook, spreadsheet models, and a user’s guide in two volumes and a CD-ROM intended to provide guidance in planning and developing airport passenger terminals and to assist users in analyzing common issues related to airport terminal planning and design.

Volume 1 of ACRP Report 25 explores the passenger terminal planning process and provides, in a single reference document, the important criteria and requirements needed to help address emerging trends and develop potential solutions for airport passenger terminals. Volume 1 addresses the airside, terminal building, and landside components of the terminal complex.

Volume 2 of ACRP Report 25 consists of a CD-ROM containing 11 spreadsheet models, which include practical learning exercises and several airport-specific sample data sets to assist users in determining appropriate model inputs for their situations, and a user’s guide to assist the user in the correct use of each model. The models on the CD-ROM include such aspects of terminal planning as design hour determination, gate demand, check-in and passenger and baggage screening, which require complex analyses to support planning decisions. The CD-ROM is also available for download from TRB’s website as an ISO image.

View information about the TRB webinar on ACRP Report 25, Airport Passenger Terminal Planning and Design, which was held on Monday, April 26, 2010.

Airport Passenger Terminal Planning and Design, Volume 1: Guidebook

TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Research Report 195: Broadening Understanding of the Interplay Among Public Transit, Shared Mobility, and Personal Automobiles explores the effects of app-based transportation network companies on the cities in which they operate, including on public transit ridership, single-occupancy vehicle trips, and traffic congestion. Built upon the findings of TCRP Research Report 188 , this report explores how shared modes—and ridesourcing companies in particular—interact with the use of public transit and personal automobiles.

Broadening Understanding of the Interplay Among Public Transit, Shared Mobility, and Personal Automobiles

TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Research Report 893: Systemic Pedestrian Safety Analysis provides a safety analysis method that can be used to proactively identify sites for potential safety improvements based on specific risk factors for pedestrians. A systemic approach, as opposed to a “hot-spot” approach, enables transportation agencies to identify, prioritize, and select appropriate countermeasures for locations with a high risk of pedestrian-related crashes, even when crash occurrence data are sparse. The guidebook also provides important insights for the improvement of data collection and data management to better support systemic safety analyses.

The Contractor's Final Technical Report and a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the project accompany the report.

Systemic Pedestrian Safety Analysis

TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 130: Battery Electric Buses—State of the Practice documents current practices of transit systems in the planning, procurement, infrastructure installation, operation, and maintenance of battery electric buses (BEBs). The synthesis is intended for transit agencies that are interested in understanding the potential benefits and challenges associated with the introduction and operation of battery electric buses. The synthesis will also be valuable to manufacturers trying to better meet the needs of their customers and to federal, state, and local funding agencies and policy makers.

Battery Electric Buses—State of the Practice

TRB’s Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Research Report 16: Guidebook for Managing Small Airports. Second Edition is designed to help airport practitioners, owners, operators, managers, and policymakers of small airports, who may have varying degrees of experience and backgrounds, to fulfill their responsibilities in such areas as financial management, oversight of contracts and leases, safety and security, noise impacts, community relations, compliance with federal and state obligations, facility maintenance, and capital improvements.

The first edition has been edited and reformatted for currency, relevance, and usability and updated with additional information and new subject areas (e.g., unmanned aircraft systems, geographic information systems, digital Notices to Airmen, social media, and federal and state obligations).

Since the publication of ACRP Report 16: Guidebook for Managing Small Airports (2009), a significant amount of research that could be of direct benefit to small airports has been completed, and the Federal Aviation Administration, state agencies, and trade and industry groups have developed and initiated new policies and guidance. In addition, small airports are facing new industry challenges not addressed in the first edition (e.g., unmanned aerial systems). Therefore, an update was needed.

ACRP WebResource 6 : Resources for Managing Small Airports is a companion to ACRP Research Report 16: Guidebook for Managing Small Airports, 2nd edition. The web resource serves as an electronic library delivering additional resources and tools to allow small airport managers to dig deeper into topics of interest frequently encountered in their airport manager roles. It also contains implementation resources and tools associated with recommendations in the guidebook.

Guidebook for Managing Small Airports - Second Edition

TRB’s second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2) Report S2-R19A-RW-2: Design Guide for Bridges for Service Life provides information and defines procedures to systematically design new and existing bridges for service life and durability.

Design Guide for Bridges for Service Life

Examples of transformational technologies—many are discussed in technical and popular media—include wireless telecommunications, shared vehicles, connected vehicles, fully autonomous vehicles, alternative-fuel vehicles, smart cities and communities, big data analytics, internet-of-things, as well as UAVs or drones, 3-D printing, and more.

Public agencies face significant challenges continuing to perform their governmental functions in the face of the private sector’s prodigious output of these new technologies. Agencies need to rethink how they develop their policies and plans—and they need to obtain new expertise.

The TRB National Cooperative Highway Research Program's NCHRP Research Report 924: Foreseeing the Impact of Transformational Technologies on Land Use and Transportation reviews the characteristics of new transportation-related technologies and their applications in the transportation sector and explores a wide variety of potential impacts on areas such as travel and land use and planning projects.

Foreseeing the Impact of Transformational Technologies on Land Use and Transportation

The light-duty vehicle fleet is expected to undergo substantial technological changes over the next several decades. New powertrain designs, alternative fuels, advanced materials and significant changes to the vehicle body are being driven by increasingly stringent fuel economy and greenhouse gas emission standards. By the end of the next decade, cars and light-duty trucks will be more fuel efficient, weigh less, emit less air pollutants, have more safety features, and will be more expensive to purchase relative to current vehicles. Though the gasoline-powered spark ignition engine will continue to be the dominant powertrain configuration even through 2030, such vehicles will be equipped with advanced technologies, materials, electronics and controls, and aerodynamics. And by 2030, the deployment of alternative methods to propel and fuel vehicles and alternative modes of transportation, including autonomous vehicles, will be well underway. What are these new technologies - how will they work, and will some technologies be more effective than others?

Written to inform The United States Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards, this new report from the National Research Council is a technical evaluation of costs, benefits, and implementation issues of fuel reduction technologies for next-generation light-duty vehicles. Cost, Effectiveness, and Deployment of Fuel Economy Technologies for Light-Duty Vehicles estimates the cost, potential efficiency improvements, and barriers to commercial deployment of technologies that might be employed from 2020 to 2030. This report describes these promising technologies and makes recommendations for their inclusion on the list of technologies applicable for the 2017-2025 CAFE standards.

Cost, Effectiveness, and Deployment of Fuel Economy Technologies for Light-Duty Vehicles

Transit ridership is down across all modes except commuter rail and demand response. Bus ridership is down the most in mid-size cities (populations of 200,000 – 500,000), and, after six years of consecutive decline, it is at its lowest point overall since the 1970s.

The TRB Transit Cooperative Research Program's TCRP Research Report 209: Analysis of Recent Public Transit Ridership Trends presents a current snapshot of public transit ridership trends in the U.S. on bus and rail services in urban and suburban areas, focusing on what has changed in the past several years. It also explores and presents strategies that transit agencies are considering and using for all transit modes in response to changes in ridership.

Ten case studies are included to better understand individual strategies transit agencies are using to mitigate ridership losses and increase ridership overall. Seven of the 10 transit agencies investigated in the case studies followed the trend, with ridership increases between 2012 and 2015 followed by steady decreases in ridership. Generally, on-time performance has been improving, although it is not causing transit ridership to increase.

Analysis of Recent Public Transit Ridership Trends

There are issues, opportunities, and challenges related to technology-enabled mobility services, and lots of ways that transit can learn from, build upon, and interface with new ways of traveling.

The TRB Transit Cooperative Research Program's TCRP Report 188: Shared Mobility and the Transformation of Public Transit examines the relationship of public transportation (including paratransit and demand-responsive services) to shared modes, including bikesharing, carsharing, microtransit, and ridesourcing services provided by companies such as Uber and Lyft.

A supplemental infographic summarizes the aspects of of the sharing economy and its intersection with transit.

Shared Mobility and the Transformation of Public Transit

TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Synthesis Report 527: Resilience in Transportation Planning, Engineering, Management, Policy, and Administration documents resilience efforts and how they are organized, understood, and implemented within transportation agencies’ core functions and services. Core functions and services include planning, engineering, construction, maintenance, operations, and administration. The information gathered details the motivations behind the policies that promote highway resilience, definitions of risk and resilience, and the relationship between these two fields. The report also explores how agencies are incorporating resilience practices through project development, policy, and design.

Appendix A , A Survey of State Departments of Transportation, accompanies the report.

Resilience in Transportation Planning, Engineering, Management, Policy, and Administration

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TRB Minority Student Fellows Program

Drones Are Still a New Technology, but the Research Is Spreading Its Wings

Ongoing Research to Advance Aviation Safety

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Search Resumes for British Mogul and 5 Others After Yacht Sinks Off Sicily

The body of the vessel’s cook was recovered while divers searched the hull of the Bayesian for passengers, including the tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch.

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By Elisabetta Povoledo

Deep-sea divers with Italy’s firefighter corps resumed their search on Tuesday for six missing passengers — including a British software mogul and his daughter — of a yacht that sank off the coast of Sicily the previous day.

Twenty-two people were on board the 180-foot British-flagged sailing yacht, the Bayesian, which was anchored near the port of Porticello, when it was hit by what witnesses described as a waterspout, a small tornado on water, during a sudden and violent storm.

Fifteen people who managed to get to a raft were rescued by the captain of a nearby sailing cruise ship. The body of the yacht’s cook, identified by news outlets as Recaldo Thomas, a Canadian Antiguan, was recovered on Monday. But several people are still unaccounted for, according to Salvatore Cocina, an official with Sicily’s civil protection agency.

Those still missing are Mike Lynch, a British technology entrepreneur; his daughter Hannah; Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley International; his wife, Judy Bloomer; Christopher J. Morvillo, a lawyer at Clifford Chance; and his wife, Neda Morvillo.

Mr. Lynch was acquitted of fraud in a U.S. trial in June, ending a high-profile, decadelong legal battle against accusations that he had defrauded Hewlett-Packard when he sold his company, Autonomy, to Hewlett for $11 billion.

Mr. Lynch and the others went missing days after Mr. Lynch’s co-defendant at the fraud trial, Stephen Chamberlain, a former vice president of finance at Autonomy, was fatally struck by a car on Saturday while out for a run, his lawyer, Gary S. Lincenberg, said in a statement.

Prosecutors in the Italian city of Termini Imerese, east of where the yacht sank, are opening a formal investigation into the yacht’s sinking. Reached by telephone, the chief prosecutor declined to comment.

The search for the missing passengers began on Monday but was suspended late that night as crews found themselves limited to the bridge deck and items like furnishings “obstructing passage,” the firefighters’ corps wrote on social media .

When divers resumed the search on Tuesday, ships trawled the waters near the site, the corps said in a statement. The Italian Coast Guard also said in a statement that search operations were “continuing unabated,” with the deployment of helicopters. There was no evidence that gasoline was leaking from the yacht, the Coast Guard said.

The yacht was lying on its right side in about 165 feet of water, meaning that divers, working in pairs, could stay underwater for only about 12 minutes at a time, said Luca Cari, a spokesman for the firefighters’ corps.

Divers were seeking a safe point of access to the vessel’s cabins. “Obviously, everything fell and the space is very tight,” Mr. Cari said, adding that the divers were having to remove obstacles, like furnishings and electrical wiring, that were “completely blocking passages.”

The firefighters’ corps said in a statement that it was impossible to verify whether people were inside the hull.

Mr. Cari said that several divers had been part of the search-and-rescue operations when the Costa Concordia, a cruise liner, capsized off the Tuscan island of Giglio in 2012, killing 32 people. It is considered one of the worst maritime disasters in modern Italian history.

“It’s like the Costa Concordia, but much smaller,” Mr. Cari said in a telephone interview, comparing the search operations. “In the Costa Concordia, we came across many obstacles but we somehow were able to overcome them. Here, the obstacles block the passages and have to be removed.” He added, “This makes it more difficult.”

Crews were also trying to raise the yacht, which experts will examine to try to determine why it sank. Until then, experts can only hypothesize what happened.

Karsten Borner, the captain of a ship, the Sir Robert Baden Powell, which picked up the Bayesian’s 15 survivors, said in an interview that when the wind picked up around 4 a.m. Monday, the Bayesian was about 490 feet behind his vessel. Once the wind wound down, he said, he could not see the yacht anymore.

“My theory was that she was capsized first and then went down over the stern,” Mr. Borner said.

Dario Boote, a ship structures and naval architecture professor at the University of Genoa, said: “Now I imagine that a whole series of lawsuits will be triggered, obviously to ascertain whether there is any responsibility, as always happens very unpleasantly in these situations.” He said, however, that in this case, responsibility might be hard to determine. “Clearly, only once the wreck is raised will we know more,” he added.

Several fishermen told Italian news outlets that they had witnessed a waterspout. Peter Inness, a meteorologist at the University of Reading, said they were relatively common in the Mediterranean, though their occurrence and intensity are unpredictable.

“Until one actually forms, you can’t start telling people where it is,” Mr. Inness said, or “how to get out of the way.”

The inclement weather — with lightning intermittently streaking through the sky — made it hard to know exactly why the yacht sank. Col. Attilio Di Diodato, director of the Italian Air Force’s Center for Aerospace Meteorology and Climatology, said the agency had registered intense lightning activity and strong gusts of wind in the area at the time the boat sank.

The Bayesian had one of the tallest aluminum masts in the world, according to its builder, Perini Navi. “Having a tall aluminum mast would not make it the safest port to be in case of a storm,” said Andrea Ratti, associate professor of nautical design and architecture technology the Politecnico di Milano. The type of intensity unleashed by a violent lightning storm “could have created a significant shock wave,” he added.

He, too, cautioned that “a lot of questions will remain until we have other elements at our disposal.”

Modern yachts are built to withstand meteorological events of reasonable intensity, and all international naval registers suggest that new ships be designed for higher waves and more frequent and extreme weather events.

But “this seems a case of an unreasonable extreme event,” said Emilio Fortunato Campana, an expert in Naval Hydrodynamics at Italy’s National Research Council. “In that case, no ship is 100 percent safe,” he added. “I think the Titanic showed that nothing is unsinkable.”

Elisabetta Povoledo is a reporter based in Rome, covering Italy, the Vatican and the culture of the region. She has been a journalist for 35 years. More about Elisabetta Povoledo

Scramble to find survivors after Bayesian yacht sinks off Sicily coast

A rescue operation is ongoing for 6 missing people, including british entrepreneur mike lynch. an american was also among the missing..

One person died and six people were missing after a luxury yacht sank Monday in Italy off the coast of Palermo, the capital of Sicily, after a sudden storm hit the area, according to Italy's coast guard.

The Bayesian, a 184-feet-long, British-registered sailboat, went down just before sunrise, capsizing its 22 passengers and killing one man, the ship's cook, t he coast guard said in a statement. On Monday, rescue teams identified the body as Antiguan citizen Ricardo Thomas.

Of the 15 passengers rescued, eight were taken to a local hospital for treatment and were in stable condition, local news reported. A 1-year-old was among those rescued.

"We are providing consular support to a number of British nationals and their families following an incident in Sicily and are in contact with the local authorities," the U.K Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said in a statement emailed to USA TODAY.

The people missing were American, British, and Canadian nationals.

What caused the Bayesian to sink?

The ship sank after unexpectedly strong storms recently dumped heavy rainfall, causing flooding and landslides, in parts of the country. Among those missing are British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, and his daughter, a person familiar with the rescue operation told Reuters.

Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley International, and Chris Morvillo, a lawyer at Clifford Chance who represented Lynch in a  U.S. trial , were among the missing. The wives of both men were also unaccounted for, said Salvatore Cocina, head of civil protection in Sicily.

"The fear is that the bodies got trapped inside the vessel," he told Reuters.

The yacht was owned by Lynch's family and had 22 people on board when it sank just before sunrise. The captain of a nearby ship told Reuters his crew rescued some survivors from a life raft, including three seriously injured.

"We managed to keep the ship in position and after the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone," Karsten Borner said. The other boat "went flat on the water, and then down," he said.

"A little baby and the wife of the owner" were rescued, while the ship's owner and a child were missing, he said.

The boat was located 160 feet under the water and divers were deployed to inspect the wreck, according to the coast guard.

The search-and-rescue operation continued on Monday morning, a Reuters live feed showed . A helicopter and four coast guard ships were at the scene on Monday morning, according to the coast guard.

Bayesian had set sail off Amalfi Coast in July

Prosecutors in a nearby town have opened an investigation into the events leading up to the ship sinking.

The Bayesian set off for Palermo from Positano, a village on Italy's southern Amalfi Coast, on July 30, according to marinetraffic.com . It last docked in the town of Milazzo, in Messina, on Wednesday, according to VesselFinder.

The ship has the tallest aluminum mast in the world, according to Perini Navi , its manufacturer. It was built in 2008.

Contributing: Reuters