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senger ferries for the short-haul link with Sicily, while four 70-m versions of its passenger/vehicle- carrying Aquastrada design are to be laid down at Pietra Ligure for operation with state-owned region- al operators. While Rodriquez has a long tradi- tion in the commercial fast craft field, Italy's standing as a producer has been strengthened by Fincantieri's activities, to the con- siderable benefit of the industry's export earnings. The group's out- put so far this year has included the first two of six, 38-knot mono- hulls for Sea Containers, and delivery of a second, 36-knot, 95-m monohull for Ocean Bridge Investments, for charter to Norway's Color Line. Fincantieri's stake in the busi- ness now is such that at least 50 percent of its naval ship division's turnover is accounted by high- speed ferry design and construc- tion. Korean moves As with the Japanese, the nature of Korean research and develop- ment work in the field of high- speed seaborne transportation sig- nifies a long-term vision. All the major shipbuilders on the Korean peninsula have projects underway. The industry sees business opportunities rising on the domes- tic front from increasing economic activity and mobility within the population, combined with govern- ment efforts to secure a modal shift in favor of waterborne trans- portation. At the same time, companies are gearing up to respond to an antici- pated demand for fast seaborne movement of higher-value goods around the Pacific rim, and to break into the wider international market. Product strategy also reflects the need to progressively increase the more specialized, higher technology component of Korean workloads against the prospect of current competitive- ness in conventional shipbuilding being eroded by lower-cost yards in China and elsewhere. Samsung Heavy Industries', with a sole high-speed vessel reference to date, by way of a 32-m, SES (sur- face effect ship), is intent upon expansion into the fast ferry, con- ventional ferry and cruise ship markets. It has set up a dedicated passenger ship division and facili- ties at its Koje Island yard, and commissioned a new towing tank and cavitation tunnel at its Taeduk R&D center, near Taejon, equipped to test models at up to 100-knots. At the time of writing, it was at a detailed stage of discussions with a European company over a requirement for two fast monohull ferries. The yard is promoting a clutch of designs of monohull and catamaran-type car/passenger fer- ries in the 75 to 83-m range, plus smaller, twin-hulled, passenger- only vessels. At Ulsan, Hyundai Heavy Industries has followed up last year's delivery of a 34.6-m foil catamaran passenger ferry, and the earlier completion of the 45-m Han Ma Eum Ho with the develop- ment of an 80-m, high capacity. 46 Maritime Reporter/Engineering News Circle 206 on Reader Service Card (318) 237-5300 221 Rue de Jean, Suite 300 P.O. Box 51271 Lafayette, Louisiana 70505 THE RIB/WORKBOAT THAT REALLY WORKS. No other RIB/workboat offers ALsafe's combination of speed, durability and design features: • extruded aluminum construction for long life and low maintenance • external foam sponson offers exceptional durabilty and deck space • unique deep vee hulls provide exceptional seakeeping abilities • proven in 15+ years of extreme North Sea service • inboard diesel wateijet or outboard power • exceptional load capacity and working deck area • self bailing, self righting, and USCG/SOLAS approved • accommodates up to 10 persons (SOLAS versions) • available in lengths to 12 meters with many topside configurations For more information, call 1-800-64-AMBAR Visit AMBAR Marine on the internet at www.ambar-inc.com/marine available on GSA CONTRACT #GS07F89440 H a R MARINE, INC ijoimCrsnel "SEALING SOLUTIONS TRUSTED WORLDWIDE COASTGUARD ANTIPOLLUTION SEALING SYSTEM Rest assured you have the right seal for • On board pump seals • Sternseals • Rudder stock seals • Bulkhead seals • Stabilizer seals • Thruster seals • Packing and Gaskets John Crane Marine FROM PLEASURE CRAFT TO SUPER TANKERS See us at Workboat Show Booth #868 USA 1536 Barclay Boulevard, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 847/808-9240 Fax: 847/808-9295 Circle 372 on Reader Service Card