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Keeping Connected
September 2026 Newsletter Working As Partners Makes All the Difference
The maritime and fishing business is always changing…and always challenging. While one sector is thriving, another may be fighting for its life. Staying connected is how we help each other keep up with what’s happening and what’s working. This summer brought plenty of chances to support local charities, spend time out on the water, and reconnect with friends who lead this industry. Alfa Marine & Protein stays connected with you and for you. |
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Addressing Dry Dock Issues with Stabbert Maritime
How We’re Helping Provide Solutions
Northwest shipyards are at capacity and short on experienced hands right now. We’re working to make sure our customers never feel that squeeze. It was thrilling to see five to six vessels come into dry dock this season through coordination with Stabbert Maritime Group.
Alfa Marine and Protein has built strong relationships over years in the industry, including two returning customers: Trident Seafoods and Centerline Logistics. We were honored to help reconnect these quallity companies with Stabbert. Both clients have said the same thing: Kevin Oakley’s connection with Stabbert was a key element rebuilding the bridge with Stabbert and giving them the confidence they needed. |
 | Min Zidell Push Tug, fresh out of dry dock in Ballard
Our relationship with and confidence in Stabbert Maritime keeps growing and together we’re providing everything you need for: Shipyard Services Marine Services Vessel Decommissioning Scrapping
A new dry dock is underway in Anacortes, and an even larger dry dock is already in the works (more information to come). The AMP and Stabbert connection can benefit everyone. |
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New Product of the Year:
Sonihull by Alfa Laval
Biofouling is costly to your bottom line long before it’s a compliance problem. A lightly fouled hull can burn 25 to 30% more fuel, a heavily fouled one up to 40% more. For a mid-size vessel, that’s $200K to $1M or more in extra fuel cost a year, and it can exceed $8M over five years once you add maintenance, repainting, and lost speed.
That’s why we’re proud to now offer Sonihull, Alfa Laval’s ultrasonic anti-fouling system. With 17+ years of experience and 4,000+ installations worldwide, it protects hulls, propellers, sea chests, and cooling systems using low-power ultrasonic pulses, no chemicals, no anodes, nothing released into the water.
The regulatory clock is ticking, too. The IMO is developing a legally binding biofouling framework targeted for 2029, and Brazil, Norway, Australia, and New Zealand already enforce their own rules today, with real penalties for vessels that don’t comply.
Get ready. We’ll get you ready. In one case study, a vessel protected with Sonihull saved roughly $242,000 a year in fuel and ran up to 16% more efficiently than its sister ships. READ MORE HERE
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The Fishing Business: Slow but Optimistic
Global challenges and low fish prices have kept the fishing side slow this summer. Much of the equipment on board is built in Europe, and parts costs are now running higher. Companies are holding off on new capital purchases and sticking to emergency service only. Without new parts and quality service, some are experiencing higher prices than ever. There’s real desire out there to build new trawlers, too, but the costs still need to pencil out before anyone commits.
The fishing side of things tells a better story: King crab quotas are increasing again, black cod prices are strong, and there’s plenty of Pacific cod and pollock. There’s growing optimism about where things are headed.
When companies aren’t ready to invest in new equipment, they can lean on us to keep what they already have running efficiently and effectively. Staying connected can mean the difference between failure and success.
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Stock Photo of the Kaori
An Evening Aboard the Kaori
As President and Vice President of the Society of Port Engineers of Puget Sound, Kevin and Collette hosted this summer’s evening sail aboard the 80-foot yacht S/Y Kaori on July 14th, sponsored by Stabbert Marine & Industrial and made possible by owner Dan Stabbert. The evening brought together high-level colleagues from across the Seattle maritime community for a relaxed cruise, appetizers, drinks, and plenty of good ideas shared along the way.
It struck a chord well beyond the boat. Our LinkedIn recap drew more than 1,000 views (click here to check it out).
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| On the Green: Propeller Club Golf Tournament
We were proud to co-sponsor the 19th hole at this year’s Propeller Club Golf Tournament, where participants enjoyed post-round refreshments for all 188 players. Kevin also spoke to the full group about our business.
It was a strong networking day: 20 to 30 new LinkedIn contacts, plus a conversation with Charlie Jors of Crowley Maritime that’s now turned into active talks on re-powering two vessels. Charlie played in Kevin’s foursome that day, alongside Larry Bronson and Jack Cuttite of Stabbert Maritime (pictured below).
Collette (Alfa Marine & Protein) and Meegan (Stabbert Maritime) hosted the hot dog stand at the 4th hole, and Kevin spoke to the full group of industry professionals at the 19th hole party afterward. |  |
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New & Noteworthy
New or Used Equipment, We’re Here
As new equipment budgets stay tight, we’ve been buying used fish oil machines back from customers who no longer need them, repairing them, and reselling them to customers who can’t yet justify purchasing new.
Looking Ahead to 2027
As fishing companies return from B Season in late September and early October, planning for 2027 projects begins in earnest. Projects on hold may move forward if this season’s results come in strong. Don’t wait too long to keep things moving forward. Whatever challenges you’re facing – tariffs, prices, or downtime – Alfa Marine & Protein is here as your partner and we look forward to advancing projects together in 2027.
Society of Port Engineers Annual Picnic Kevin and Collette also organized this year’s SOPE Annual Picnic on Lake Sammamish. It was a lighter, family-friendly afternoon alongside all the shipyard talk. This year’s highlight: Josh Bittain of Vane Bros took home the “Chicken of the Year” award.
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