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asking industry how practical a measure it was." In theory, the di- rective should greatly simplify the process of bringing products to the market in accordance with the needs of the shipping industry across Eu- rope — a principle which has been welcomed by the marine coatings industry. It is the wording of the proposal, however, that has gone awry. Jotun, a pioneer of TBT-free antifoulings, along with Interna- tional, has taken environmental fac- tors to heart with the development of its TBT-free Seaguardian prod- uct but, nevertheless, Marketing Manager Linda Diamond points out: "A number of our larger cus- tomers requiring five years fouling free sailing periods have now switched back from tin-free to the TBT type self-polishing antifoulings and would certainly continue along this route until a tin-free product guaranteeing the same type of pro- tection is available." She also ques- tions the true environmental ben- efit of a TBT ban: "When consider- ing the environment there are a number of factors to be taken into account. Since the introduction of self-polishing antifoulings, the TBT content has been reduced. As tin- free antifoulings remain less effec- tive than tin-bearing products over longer sailing periods, users must be prepared to accept shorter drydocking intervals or possible fouling and a rougher hull. Then it is relevant to ask whether the envi- ronment is better served by greater fuel consumption than the release of minute quantities of biodegrad- able TBT compounds into the oceans." Marine coatings manufacturers are strongly petitioning for amend- ments. The Marine Painting Fo- rum (a 20-member strong group of shipyards, contractors, manufactur- ers, etc.) is urgently attempting to clarify the situation, and the SSA has participated in discussion of the directive and its likely effects within the Association of West Eu- ropean Shipbuilders Group on Shiprepair and also within the Board of the Committee of EU Ship- builder Associations (CESA). Concerns have further been raised with the industry Director- ate (DGIII) in the European Com- mission and with individual mem- ber states. J. Ventura de Sousa, director of Portugal's Lisnave, one of Europe's foremost ship repairers, acting in his capacity as a member of the Transport Working Group of the Association of Portuguese Ship- yards, has written to the president of UNICE (Union of Industrial and Employers Confederation of Eu- rope) to ask that the matter be added to the agenda of the next annual OECD hearing of interna- tional governmental and profes- sional organizations. He expresses his concern: "Unless modifications are made, the directive will cause drastic losses of business and possi- bly closure of some European yards, mainly those which are devoted to the building and repair of high- tonnage vessels." Changes at Malta Drydocks May, 1995 Circle 202 on Reader Service Card 17 With a healthy repair and conver- sion orderbook extending beyond the summer and every one of its seven large drydocks occupied, Malta Drydocks has managed to instantly expand its facilities. This has been achieved by absorbing neighboring Malta Shipbuilding Company and its two drydocks capable of accept- ing vessels up to 120,000 dwt. Sammy Meilaq, chairman of Malta Drydocks, told MR I EN on a recent visit to the yard that the merger, which was agreed upon late last year, is taking place gradually. He confirmed that shipbuilding ac- tivities will continue but with a greater concentration on smaller vessels such as tugs, supply and support vessels, specialized steel workboats, small product carriers, crane barges and pontoons. Located on the adjacent Marsa Creek of capital Valletta's Grand Circle 210 on Reader Service Card Bol-lin-ger\bal-in-jer\ n. Synonym for quality and service; also known as "The Boat People;" see also: COMPLETE MARINE SERVICE. Bollinger... redefining your idea about new construction and repair. Bollinger P.O. Box 250 • 8365 Highway 308 South • Lockport, LA 70374 Phone: 504/532-2554 • Fax: 504/532-7225 bwck deck seam sealant TYPEP K rn P0URABLE GRADE m LifeCalk... the name says it all. * No wonder ifs become the industiy standard! There's no longer-lasting deck and hull seam compound man LifeCalk: When the job is done, the job is done. LifeCalk is a two-part polysulfide that goes on without S prime coat, and cures as quicklyfas only a two-part product can. Perfect for all bedding and sealing applications, both above and below the water line. It's the ideal sealant for &Mry size bolt, from cruise liner to pleasure craft. Don't settle for less than LifeC; P name ... it's a promise. s more than gootUFE Life Industries Corporation 205 Sweet Hollow Rd. • Old Bethpage, NY 11804 USA 516454-0055 • fax: 516454-0452
