The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at https://www.boatnerd.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026
Labor Department Eases Insurance Rules for U.S. Shipbuilders
Mike Schuler
February 6, 2026
The U.S. Department of Labor has issued new guidance easing insurance requirements for shipbuilding and other strategically important industries, a regulatory shift aimed at lowering costs across America’s maritime industrial base.
The guidance lays out a clearer, more structured framework for how insurers calculate security deposit requirements under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). By formalizing how risk is assessed, the department says it is reducing unnecessary financial burdens while preserving protections for injured workers.
“As we restore America’s maritime and energy dominance, the Department of Labor continues to put American workers’ safety and health first,” Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said. “These guidelines will protect workers while creating a fairer environment for businesses that do vital work for our country.”
Under the new approach, the department will consider multiple factors when determining insurance security requirements, including an insurer’s financial strength, experience writing LHWCA policies, and track record for paying accepted claims promptly. While the LHWCA has long allowed for reduced security under certain conditions, this marks the first time the department has applied a formal risk- and performance-based framework.
The LHWCA and its extensions, administered by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, require private-sector employers to provide workers’ compensation coverage for employees in covered maritime roles. Insurers approved to write those policies must post security with the department to cover potential liabilities.
The move aligns with President Trump’s executive order on “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance” and is expected to lower insurance costs for U.S. shipyards, improving their ability to compete with foreign builders.
The guidance is scheduled for publication in the February 9, 2026 edition of the Federal Register.
The change comes as the Trump administration is months late rolling out a broader Maritime Action Plan to revive domestic shipbuilding. U.S. yards currently account for roughly 0.2% of global ship production, compared with an estimated 74% in China—an imbalance the administration says justifies a coordinated federal response, including new financing tools and incentives to attract private investment.
[gCaptain]
Algoma Steel makes first plates for new Canadian icebreaker
SAULT STE MARIE, ON – Representatives from Quebec-based Chantier Davie Canada were in the Sault Feb. 5 as Algoma workers made the first plates for the shipbuilder’s new icebreaker.
Davie ordered the steel for its Polar Max project, two icebreaking vessels commissioned by the federal government to be operated by the Canadian Coast Guard.
As part of the deal, which was in response to tariffs imposed by the U.S., steel for the project was to be sourced from Canadian manufacturers.
Algoma Steel will send a total of 600 net tons of metal plates to Davie for the Polar Max project.
The first steel plates for the order were rolled in Algoma Steel’s plate mill Thursday, with representatives from Davie on hand, as well as George Pirie, Ontario’s minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth.
Pirie said this first shipment of steel from Ontario to Quebec is a promising sign of things to come.
“Two magnificent Canadian companies partnering together — one in Ontario, one in Quebec — I don’t think there’s a better story that could be created.”
Marcel Poulin, vice-president of public affairs for Davie, said the Quebec-based shipbuilder will begin constructing the icebreakers in March, using steel that rolled off the line this week.
“Shipbuilding is important, but there’s no ships without steel and what we will be building starts here,” said Poulin during a presentation at Algoma Steel after a tour of the plate mill.
MP Terry Sheehan spoke during the presentation by video from Ottawa. In his remarks, Sheehan thanked Algoma Steel workers for their part in the process.
“We are rebuilding our military, our Coast Guard and our national ship-building program that will serve the Royal Canadian Navy as well. This is about our sovereignty, in particular, our Arctic sovereignty,” said Sheehan.
Sault MPP Chris Scott, who sits as an independent, was not in attendance, but Algoma – Manitoulin MPP Bill Rosenberg was.
In his remarks, Algoma Steel chief commercial officer Chris Ford commended the higher levels of government for encouraging Buy Canadian and Buy Ontario policies.
“The ambitious Build Canada initiative from our prime minister and the commitment from the premier has opened up many doors and many opportunities for our domestic market.
“We are positioned well as a partner in the national strategic projects that will strengthen the Canadian supply chains and help secure Canada’s economic sovereignty,” Ford said.
“It’s not what we are capable of, it’s what we are willing to do. That’s what all of these policies are starting — to get us back together as a country.”
Rajat Marwah, CEO of Algoma Steel, who wasn’t in attendance, said the company “is proud to supply Canadian-made steel for programs that matter to Canadians.”
“This partnership supports skilled jobs in Ontario and strengthens the industrial foundation Ontario and Canada needs to build and maintain critical assets for the future,” Marwah said in a news release.
[Northern Ontario Business]
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Lake Superior water levels drop more than average in January
The International Lake Superior Board Of Control expects the total St. Marys River flow in February to be 1,870 m3/s (66,000 ft3/s) as prescribed by Regulation Plan 2012.
The gate setting of the Compensating Works at the head of the St. Marys Rapids will remain at the typical winter gate setting of one-half gate open (Gates #1 and #7 through #10 open 20 cm (8 in) each). The St. Marys Rapids flow will remain at approximately 83 m3/s or 2,900 ft3/s (equivalent to approximately one-half gate open). The Poe Lock closed for scheduled winter maintenance on January 15, 2026, and is expected to reopen in March.
Water supply conditions were drier than average in the Lake Superior basin while supplies were near average in the Lake Michigan-Huron basin in January.
Lake Superior decreased by 9 cm (3.5 in) last month, while the seasonal long-term average pattern is for Lake Superior to decline by 7 cm (2.8 in) in January.
Lake Michigan-Huron declined by 2 cm (0.8 in) last month, consistent with the seasonal long-term average pattern for Lake Michigan-Huron to decline by 2 cm (0.8 in) in January.
Water levels as of the beginning of February
At the beginning of February, the lake-wide average water level of Lake Superior was 13 cm (5.1 in) below the seasonal long-term average (1918-2024) and 3 cm (1.2 in) above the level of a year ago.
At the beginning of February, the lake-wide average water level of Lake Michigan-Huron was 31 cm (12.2 in) below the seasonal long-term average (1918-2024) and 13 cm (5.1 in) below the level of a year ago.
Forecast outlook
If weather and water supply conditions are near average in February, Lake Superior may decline by approximately 5 cm (2.0 in) and Lake Michigan-Huron may decrease by approximately 1 cm (0.4 in).
If conditions are much wetter than average, Lake Superior may decrease by approximately 1 cm (0.4 in) and Lake Michigan-Huron may rise by approximately 5 cm (2.0 in) in February.
If conditions are much drier than average in February, the water level of Lake Superior may decrease by 9 cm (3.5 in), and Lake Michigan-Huron may decrease by about 5 cm (2.0 in).
[Soo Leader]
