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www.seadiscovery.com Marine Technology Reporter 37we get more work. When they go down, we slow down. Renewables work is based on whether or not a project can attract investors, and can demonstrate clear demand for its output, so the condition of the economy, the clarity of permitting routes, and the long-term energy policy of the country have a large impact on how projects progress. I think it?s clear that the offshore renewables market will not truly take off until there is a clear legislative path for permitting and a long-term energy policy with bankableincentives and production goals that will attract investors. The power cable market is similar -- projects are backed by investors, and need demonstrated demand. It is really challenging for us to determine how to staff up for the long term, because it is hard to predict the market and its needs. This is a very capital-intensive business, so it can be hard to make long-term projections on equipment needs. We go through some dramatic swings, but we are lucky to have a parent company willing to support us through the lean times. That really helps us focus on a long-term plan. What do you see on the Legislative front, either nationally or locally, that you believe holds the biggest promise to help your business in the coming years (i.e. the proliferation of offshore windfarms?) I?d turn that question around ? one of the biggest threats that the industry faces is that our country has no clear long-term energy policy. This impacts investment, partic- ularly in the renewables market, in two ways: investors don?t like uncertainty, and they need the financial incen- tives and clear power-generation goals this type of policy will provide. A clear commitment and a long-term roadmap would be a plus for our industry. Another issue, especially in the renewable sector, is regulatory permit- ting, which needs to be streamlined and in some cases We introduced a new line of camera technology to the States, developed byGardline, including a freshwater lens system. It?s specially designed to capture clear images in highly turbid conditions,which are common in both shallow ocean and fresh-water environments. Rob Mecarini, President, Alpine Ocean Seismic Survey MTR#8 (34-49):MTR Layouts 10/10/2011 12:40 PM Page 37
