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Editor's Note Quality, quality, quality. Ship and boat owners seeking to build a long-term profitable marine business are making this factor the cornerstone of decision making. Whether it be mandated by new legislation, or simply chosen as a marketable competitive advantage, companies that own and operate vessels should be demanding that everything — from vessel design, to equipment and sys- tems, to personnel training techniques — are of the highest quality, or more accurately, the highest quality within the company's budget. Marine companies in 2001 and beyond are seemingly in a perpetu- al battle to prove that their company, their industry, is a quality run operation, and an operation that is the most cost-effective, environ- mentally sound method of moving cargo, as compared to air, road, and rail. Unfortunately, though, a scant number of high-profile disas- ters and the resulting pollution problems — the latest being the sink- ing of the Petrobras rig off of Brazil — leave an indelible mark on the mind of the public, thus forcing legislators to act, sometimes in haste. At a recent meeting of the Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) in New Orleans, owners and operators representing some of the largest inland marine companies in the world — Kirby, Ingram Barge Co., Canal Barge Co., etc. — stressed the need for marine com- panies to be proactive in promoting the industry's "good news." In addition, the companies discussed the steps that must be taken, such as investment in new technology and a strong commitment to training and education, that will lead to an overall raising of the standards bar. (see story on page 66). In fact, three of the world's leading classification societies, ABS, DNV and LR, have developed a series of initiatives designed to improve safety in international shipping. Details of this 10-point plan can be seen on page 73. Germanischer Lloyd's Lutz Wittenberg goes so far as to suggest that the classification societies should become the technical knowledge providers over the life of the ship, rather than the rules enforcer. Mr. Wittenberg's views are detailed in David Tinsleys Investment in Design column, starting on page 8. MARITIME REPORTER AND ENGINEERING NEWS NEW YORK 118 E. 25th St., New York, NY 10010 Tel: (212) 477-6700; Fax: (212) 254-6271 e-mail: mren@marinelink.com Internet: www.marinelink.com FLORIDA 215 NW 3rd St., Boynton Beach, FL 33435 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Gregory R. Trauthwein • trauthwein@marinelink.com EDITORIAL Senior Editor Regina P. Ciordiello • ciardiello@marinelink.com Editorial Intern Adrienne B. Crabtree Technical Editor David Tinsley Editorial Consultant James R. McCaul, president, International Maritime Associates MARKETING Vice President of Marketing Susan Cosme • cosme@marinelink.com Marketing Manager Richard Grable • grable@marinelink.com Tel: (561) 732 1659; Fax: (561) 732-6984 PRODUCTION Production Manager Sharon Griffin • griffin@marinelink.com Asst. Production Manager Oksana Martemy • martemy@marinelink.com CIRCULATION Circulation Manager Dale L. Barnett • barnett@marinelink.com ADVERTISING SALES Vice President of Sales Lucia M. Annunziata • annunziata@marinelink.com National Sales Manager Robert C. Howard • howard@marinelink.com Tel: (561) 732-3001; Fax: (561) 732-6984 Regional Sales Manager Jennifer Truman • truman@marinelink.com Regional Sales Manager Brett W. Keil • bkeil@marinelink.com Tel: (561) 732-1185; Fax: (561) 732-6984 Regional Sales Manager/Electronic Product Sales • @marinelink.com Tel: (561) 732-4368; Fax: (208) 575-3217 Accounting Manager Angelica Rivera • arivera@marinelink.com Assistant to the Vice President of Sales Tina Angelino • angelino@marinelink.com Classified Sales Tel: (212) 477-6700 PUBLISHER John E. O'Malley John C. O'Malley • jomalley@marinelink.com Chief Financial Officer Al Adinolfi ®fe[? [MaOedL OGDtoGD©!} S i@Gto0D0G PrfooGte Publications MarineNews Repair Report • £. www.marinelink.com trauthwein@marinelink.com MarineNews Published 18 times per year, MarineNews is the acknowledged provider of information and analysis for the North American inland/offshore shallow draft market. Maritime Week Published weekly, Maritime Week provides unequalled financial insights, reports, news and statistical analysis on the trends driving the international maritime business. Electronic Products & Services www.maritimetoday.com Customized e-mail news service deliv- ered twice a day, including the latest contracts, casualties, people & compa- ny reports. www.maritimejobs.com The marine industry's recruiting & J. employment resource. I www.marinelink.com The Internet's largest marine website, recording more than 270,000 "hits" ZZ per month. Daily news, data & statis- ts tics, industry directories. Looking for service reliability, we deliver it. ABB Turbochargers AIM* New York/NJ, Miami, Houston, Seatde/Tacoma, Los Angeles - email: turbochargers@us.abb.com 6 Circle 202 on Reader Service Card Maritime Reporter/Engineering News
