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W hile running the risk of sound,ng redundant, the maritime industry continues its trend toward consolida- tion. This month — appropriately so — the news involves the workboat market. Seacor Chairman Charles Fabrikant — a familiar player on the acquisition front these days — announced his company's intention to acquire all offshore supply vessel assets of Smit Internationale for $140.2 million. This move is just the latest in a trend of the large getting larger, but long-term ramifications concerning how vessels are procured, outfitted and maintained, is significant. Our work- boat coverage, which includes reviews of recently delivered vessels and related news from the worldwide industry, begins on page 52. Another interesting merger announcement points out the dire need for continued research and devel- opment of safer, faster and more effi- cient maritime transportation. Specifically I refer to the English Channel situation, and the fierce com- petition which has ensued between ferry operators and the Channel Tunnel. Despite the "Chunnel's" well- documented financial difficulties, it has had a swift effect on the prestigious cross-channel ferry service. After two years of rate-slashing, overscheduling and subsequent Losses, The Wall Street Journal reported that Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation and Stena Line AB will merge their short sea routes on the channel. In addition, at press time, the U.K. government had approved P+O's pro- posal to purchase a 50 percent share- holding in North Sea Ferries from Dutch Royal Nedlloyd. Technological developments and updates are abound in this edition, from the new "Pick Up Cat" tanker concept (pg. 8) to the repair/rebuild November, 1996 challenge facing Harland & Wolff in its attempt to make the Sea Empress seaworthy again (pg. 74). In addi- tion, several major engine manufac- turers announced new engine intro- ductions and updates at the recent SMM exhibition in Hamburg, including MTU/DDC (pg. 41); Wartsila & New Sulzer (pg. 126); and Scania (pg. 127). Gregory R. Trauthwein Editorial Director Circle 204 on Reader Service Card 11 American Technology that talks to toe world The only logknl choice in GMDSS systems ; ; ' * ** •IHH • Introducing the new 400-A3 GMDSS Console System from SEA, Inc. No system offers more to make your buying decision easier. Fully integrated, the 400-A3 is already assembled in a rugged console for instant installation onboard. Its logical, intuitive operation is so easy to learn, your crew will get up to speed—fast. And no system offers greater reliability. Guaranteed. Need another reason to buy? Its made in the U.S.A. by a company that has manufactured and provided SSB,VHF, Telex and SatCom products for more than 20 years. And service stations are located around the world. So parts and maintenance support are close by to keep your system up and costs down. For more information on today's most logical choice in GMDSS systems, call. SEA at (206) 771-2182. 7030 220th S.W. Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 USA Phone (206) 771-2182 Fax (206) 771-2650
