C
omputers in the future may have only
1,000 vacuum tubes and perhaps only
weigh 1 1/2 tons. — Popular Mechanics,
1949 (Source: http://whatis.techtarget.com)
Shipbuilding technology is the feature focus of this
month’s edition, and the Q&A this month with
Bruce Crager, CEO of Intec Engineering — con-
ducted late in the spring — got me thinking about
the evolution of technology in the marine business. In our report, Crager notes
that when he entered the maritime business in 1975, floating production sys-
tems did not exist, whereas today there are more than 200 FPS’, as well as more
than 2,000 subsea wells, and rigs that can drill in more than 10,000 ft. of water.
Dramatic strides, to say the least.
Being so close to the work, the evolutionay strides taken by our industry are
perhaps not always readily evident, but taking a step back to examine some of
the historical milestones lends an interesting perspective. I had the chance to do
just that on a recent, hellishly long road trip to a South Carolina beach house in
July. Following the trek south on I-95, delayed more than six hours by traffic
tie-ups, I — tired and frustrated — stopped off with my son in Wilmington,
N.C. to jump onboard the Battleship North Carolina. The memorial is a worthy
stop for anyone going through the area — not solely as a respite for the road-
weary — but pertinant to this edition of MR, it provided a solid book-end ref-
erence to Edward Lundquist’s article “Combat in a Container,” which starts on
page 22. Lundquist, a regular contributor in our pages, delivers insights on the
development of combat system packages designed to make the new generation
of Littoral Combat Ships a multi-tasking productive force.
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Founder: John J. O’Malley 1905 - 1980
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On the Cover: Pictured on this month’s
cover is Lafarge’s new articulated tug-
barge, the latest addition to its Great
Lakes fleet. The Samuel de Champlain tug
and Innovation barge were built and are
owned by American Transport Leasing
Inc., a subsidiary of Lafarge. See story on
page 10.
Editor’s Note
www.marinelink.com trauthwein@marinelink.com
On the Cover
Coming in Maritime Reporter & Engineering News
September 2006
THE SMM EDITION
MR goes to Hamburg, Germany for the world’s largest Marine Industry exhibition.
Marine Propulsion Annual Coatings & Corrosion Control Maritime Security
Marine Electronics: Shipboard Monitors & Displays SatCom Products & Services
October 2006
THE SNAME/MARINE DESIGN EDITION
In conjunction with the SMTC&E in Ft. Lauderdale, MR explores the latest trends in
ship, boat and offshore design.
www.marinelink.com
6 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News
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