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EDITOR'S NOTE vM f ' My N or-Shipping in Oslo again proved its reputation as one of the industry's pre-mier events. The exhibition featured a record number of companies — ship and boat yards, as well as product and service suppliers — causing it to literally spill out of the Sjolst Center. "Show buzz" was good, as companies gener- ally expect business to remain brisk for the remainder of the year. This attitude was perhaps aided by the recent pick-up of business in the host country's shipyards. Norwegian vessel builders continue to win a wide variety of contracts, driven by North Sea activity and led by the omnipresent Ulstein Group. The Norwegian shipyards and ship's equipment suppliers have proven to be astute international marketers, and while the new business on its home turf is welcome, the industry has considerable interests in all regions of the world where vessels are built and repaired. This global view of doing business is necessary for survival in tomorrow's maritime market, and the trend is catching, proven by the 20 different international pavilions on hand at Nor-Shipping, including a U.S. pavilion featuring 27 companies. MR/EN s cruise ship coverage this month revolves around Senior Editor Bridget Murphy's one-on-one with Cunard CEO Antti Pankakoski. Mr. Pankakoski provided MR/EN with a candid picture ofthe liner's recent reorganization, as well as the company's plans to dominate the luxury cruise niche. The country focus this month is Italy, and Technical Editor David Tinsley provides an insightful view of the country's technical trends and business developments. Fincantieri's prominence in the cruise ship segment is a central theme — especially given its high-profile contract with Disney — but newbuild, repair and conversion business is strong and diversified. The story starts on page 48. On the equipment side, this month's Diesel Power Review includes listings of top diesel engine suppliers, accompanied by news of recent introductions. As noted at the start of the section (page 33), the marine diesel engine market is a microcosm of world business, complete with massive consolidation and intense competition. Diesel engine makers, among a host of other challenges, are driven by shipowners to increase efficiencies, by ship- builders to reduce cost and by legislators to improve emissions. Finally, on the technology side, communications from ship to shore and ship to ship has become increasingly sophisticated, economical... and confusing. This month's Navigation & Communications section clarifies some recent advances, as well as delivers recent product and service announcements. Gregory R. Trauthwein, editorial director Please contact me with any comments regarding the publication and!or news leads at: tel: +212-477-6700; fax: +212-254-6271; or e-mail: trauthwein@marinelink.com —i AUGUST U.S. Ship & Boatbuilding Annual Corrosion Control Review Deck Machinery & Cargo Handling Equipment International Offshore Review Country Focus: Finland SEPTEMBER Marine Propulsion Technology Information Technology Tanker Technology SNAME Preview Country Focus: Canada OCTOBER International Workboat Show Preview N. American Shallow Draft Business Australian Maritime Review Fast Craft Design Marine Financial Annual Country Focus: Spain NOVEMBER Nav/Comm Equipment Guide Marine Environmental Offshore Technology Review Regional Focus: BENELUX DECEMBER Great Vessels of 1997 Software Solutions Ship & Boatbuilding Technology Country Focus: Japan MARITIME REPORTER & ENGINEERING NEWS Editorial & Executive Offices 118 E. 25th St., NY, NY 10010 Tel: (212) 477-6700; Fax: (212) 254-6271; e-mail: mren@marinelink.
