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cent of North American residents (the world's largest cruise market) have actually taken a cruise. "Our commitment to continued expansion of our core brands through newbuildings demon- strates our confidence in the future of the cruise industry," said Carnival chairman Micky Arison in a statement. "Although cruising is becoming an increasingly popu- lar vacation option, still only eight percent of the vacationing North American public has ever taken a cruise, and the market for cruising in Europe is just beginning to develop. We are very bullish on the future; the growth potential is tremendous." Also, statistics touted by the major lines and generated by the Cruise Line International Association (CLLA) an impressive 8.6 percent increase in passengers in the North American market in 1997, as more than 5.05 million passengers took to the seas last year. Similar good news, particu- larly for industry skeptics who have taken to the soap box to deride the continued addition of new tonnage, capacity was also at an all-time record or 90.8 percent. (Gulp!) I don't like to be in the middle!!! We don't either. That's why we are in the front! Our order books are bursting with interesting jobs from shipyards and shipowners all over the world. For all types of marine installations. In less than 30 years, we have successfully established ourselves as the world's leading supplier of galleys, washing-up and laundry facilities. Sure, life is wonderful! BD Electrolux ELECTROLUX MARINE Electrolux Marine, S-441 82 Alingsas, Sweden. Telephone +46 322 740 00. Telefax +46 322 377 47. ELX Marine Division, 17901 N.W: Miami Court, Miami, F1 33169. Telephone +1 305 653 1600. Telefax +1 305 654 1217. Circle 230 on Reader Service Card In the next five years, the market will absorb an astounding 51 per- cent increase in capacity Combined with strong market prospects, legislative matters are also playing a hand in keeping cruise ship orderbooks full. Ever- restrictive safety codes and stan- dards have made it more attractive for shipowners to opt for new ships with endless amenities, rather than upgrading older tonnage for tens of millions of dollars. While cruise ship newbuildings generally fall in the $300 to $500 range, this end of the maritime market is by far the most image conscious, and long-term success demands sub- stantial capital investment. While it is no doubt that the size and content of these new floating palaces are pushing shipbuilders as well as equipment and service providers to the edge, it has also been a continuing exercise in the development of superior solutions in terms of maritime safety and performance. While a debate could long rage as to which areas onboard cruise ships have experi- enced the most significant techno- logical advances, a strong case could be made for machinery. Power to spare The diesel electric arrangement has been whole-heartedly embraced by the cruise market, as ship designers and owners alike enjoy the flexibility and ability to squeeze in additional passenger cabins which it provides. The innovation advanced a step further with the installation of the diesel electric powerplant control technology found aboard Princess Cruise Line's Grand Princess. Woodward Governor Co. worked in A Bigger Piece Of The Pie While the North American cruise market is by far the world's largest, markets outside the States are quickly emerging as lucrative business poten- tial for major cruise operators. For example, the European cruise market, in terms of passenger capacity has grown an astounding 98 percent between 1992 and 1997. The following chart highlights the growth. (thousands of passengers) Country '92 '93 '94 '95 '96 '97 '92-'97 Growth U.K. 219 254 270 340 429 510 +133 Germany 165 173 210 220 255 283 +72 Italy 80 90 120 151 183 202 +153 France 113 118 130 135 154 160 +42 Spain 18 18 20 25 31 40 +122 Switzerland 19 21 24 25 29 30 +58 Others 68 80 91 106 117 123 +81 TOTAL 682 754 865 1002 1198 1348 +98 34 Maritime Reporter/Engineering News
