The Ship Report, Monday, May 18, 2026

The Ship Report: a look at patterns in our ships and ports

Thursday, May 28, 2026 We see a lot of the same kinds of ships here, going to a set series of places. Today we'll talk about the different kinds of ships, and ports, we see here locally, and the inland water highway that makes much of our commerce possible.

The Ship Report: Astoria honors lost mariners on Memorial Day

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 Astoria honors lost mariners in annual waterfront memorial day ceremony Today we’ll take a look at a memorial day commemoration that happened here in Astoria on Monday. This event has, in fact, happened each year, for many years. Family and friends gather on the banks of the Columbia for the annual Uniontown Association Maritime Memorial Day Ceremony. It happens on Memorial Day each year at 3 pm, rain or shine. The ceremony takes place at the Maritime Memorial, located on Bay Street, under the Astoria Megler Bridge. I attended this year, and I’ll share some sound from the event, and my impressions of what I saw and heard.

The Ship Report, Wednesday, May 20, 2026

A look at an unusual vessel anchored off Astoria, and strong ebb tides this week On Tuesday some observant folks noticed an unusual ship in Astoria's anchorage - a car carrier. Such ships usually pass us by on their way to Portland or Vancouver, but this one experienced engine problems outbound and had to stop in Astoria's anchorage. We'll talk about why an outbound stopover like this doesn't happen often, and why, when it does, it's a complex feat to accomplish safely. We'll also talk about strong ebb tides this week, and why mariners will be watching this closely.

The Ship Report, Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Sailboat racing on the Columbia Today we'll take a look at ship traffic and weather, and also at a seasonal tradition that started again this year a few weeks ago: sailboat racing on the Columbia River off Astoria and Hammond. Every Tuesday night through the summer, through the Astoria Yacht Club.

The Ship Report, Monday, May 18, 2026

A deeper look at a familiar subject: maritime pilots I talk a lot in general about maritime pilots on the show: they are so central to everything that happens with ships in the river. But what we see off Astoria is just a snapshot of a much larger picture. Today we’ll talk about pilots on ships, from outside the river in the ocean, passing Astoria where we often see them, to upriver in port. It’s a complex process involving multiple pilots, each one an expert at the top of their profession.