I
love the opportunity to have a person on the
cover of Maritime Reporter, for as often as we
discuss vessel design, machinery technology and
legislation within these pages, it is people, of
course, that are the heart and soul of the maritime
business. Don’t get me wrong, I, as much as the next
guy, am thrilled to step aboard some of today’s true
modern marvels and examine construction techniques
and capabilities that would have been thought impos-
sible only decades ago. However I’m equally intrigued
by the people who envision, design, build and operate these machines.
In this edition I’m pleased to present information on one of the industry’s pio-
neers, R.G. LeTrouneau, who was central to the design, construction and opera-
tion of mobile platforms for the offshore oil industry. The story on LeTourneau’s
first jack-up rig, built 50 years ago, starts on page 28.
People are central to this edition’s main feature, the Question & Answer with
some of the world’s leading classification societies, including: Todd Grove of
ABS, Bernard Anne of BV, Fritz Grennemann of GL, Alan Gavin of LR and
Ugo Salerno of RINA.
Classification societies, justly or not, have become a lightning rod for criticism
in recent years. When a ship breaks up and sinks — as rare of an occurance as
that may be today — the mainstream media grabs tight and quickly looks for a
destination to assign blame. Often lost, or simply ignored, are the tremendous
strides our industry has made in regards to safe, efficient and environmentally
sound navigation of the world’s waterways — initiatives often eminating from
class. And where there is often a maze of owners, managers and charterers to
navigate, the most expedient doorstep to drop blame seemingly is that of the
classification society. Each of these executives, in a forthright and often revealing
manner, discuss the inherent successes, shortcomings and challenges they face
every single day to ensure the shipping industry’s integrity and future.
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Founder: John J. O’Malley 1905 - 1980
Charles P. O’Malley 1928 - 2000
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No. 8 Vol. 67
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Business Publications
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33 Communications
43 Finland
46 Deck Machinery
47 Repair & Conversion Facilities
52 Buyer’s Directory
55 Classifieds
56 Ad Index
On the Cover: Classification Societies
today play a more critical role than ever in
ensuring safe, efficient marine transporta-
tion. The business of ship classification,
however, faces many hurdles. Read the
opinions of the world’s ship classification
leaders starting on page 18.
Editor’s Note
www.marinelink.com trauthwein@marinelink.com
On the Cover
Circle 200 on Reader Service Card
Coming in Maritime Reporter & Engineering News
September 2005
The Marine Propulsion Annual
Offshore Production System Technology • Software Solutions
Annual Internet Resources Guidebook
October 2005
The Marine Design Annual
MEGAYACHTS Marine Salvage Maritime Security Products Annual
CADCAM Suppliers Guide Country Focus: Germany
www.marinelink.com
6 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News
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