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Investment in Design could be the result of the response by regulators to the next high profile tanker casualty and ensuing pollution, especial- ly if a double-hull tanker is involved. "We now have a redundant hull. The next step will be redundant engine rooms, possibly double hull engine rooms, redundant steering gear, two pro- pellers, twin rudders, redundant naviga- tion systems, perhaps even double colli- sion bulkheads," he suggested. Models for future designs can already be found, according to Dr. Liu: "They have been taking shape in U.S. ship- yards and elsewhere with the first series of tankers, having many of these redun- dant features delivered to Polar Tankers from Avondale shipyard. So will the next series of tankers for BP from NASSCO, to be followed by the innova- tive series of shuttle tankers for Cono- co." While many of the projects have been driven by oil majors. Concordia Maritime's V-Max series of VLCCs (very large crude carriers) was referred to as an example of innovative thinking on the part of the shipowning communi- ty. "If the case of the Amoco Cadiz were to occur today, there is no doubt in my mind that redundant system legislation would follow almost immediately." con- sidered Dr. Liu. He felt that mandatory introduction of such requirements would have an equally disruptive effect on the industry as the double-hull stipulations, with the fundamental difference in the nature of implementation. The double- hull process started with U.S. unilateral action in the shape of OPA 90, and con- tinued a decade later with unilateral action on the part of the European Union, in the aftermath of the Erika dis- aster. With the redundant system approach, Don Liu considers that it will be worked out within IMO and will impact the global fleet from the outset. Cargo Handling's New Force A bold investment policy by TTS Technology of Bergen has hoisted the Norwegian group into the world's top three equipment suppliers in its special- ized market segments. In many minds, the TTS name is synonymous with ship- yard production systems and design, which remains an important part of its activities. But diversification and acqui- sitions since 1997, reaching a new high- point with the purchase of Hamworthy KSE's dry cargo division and takeover of cranemaker Hydralift Marine at the tail end of last year, has seen the emergence of a powerful new force in the market for shipboard equipment, including total vessel packages. Annual turnover has doubled to approximately $96.3 million as a result of the absorption of Hamwor- thy KSE and Hydralift Marine, and the group is set fair for income growth. Headquartered in Gothenburg, the home of the erstwhile Kvaerner Ships' Equipment, the new TTS Dry Cargo Handling Division embraces the former Swedish and German cargo access spe- cialist companies and Chinese joint ven- ture of Hamworthy KSE, along with TTS' existing interests in the field, hith- erto vested in TTS-Mongstad. The vari- ous cargo access firms have now been retitled TTS Ships Equipment, while the assimilated Shanghai operation has become TTS Hua Hai Ships Equipment. The Marine Cranes Division has been formed from the existing TTS-Norlift augmented by Hydralift Marine, while the long-established business in ship- yard production and heavy load han- dling equipment as well as recently developed activities in container termi- nal systems have been vested in TTS Handling Systems. Viking Enhanced Softloop Fender JANET M. MCALLISTER » When Push Comes To Shove, Have A Viking On Your Side! • The softest, most forgiving ship assist fender on the market 1 Designed for greater energy absorption and gripping ability • Ideal for tractor tugs, bow, stern and side fenders • Side hip fenders for tug ond barge units • Pier cell fenders a division of Viking Marine Products, Inc. 1160 State Street • Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 USA Tel: (732) 826-4552 fax (732) 826-5533 www.vikingtender.com Circle 316 on Reader Service Card or visit www.maritimereporterinfo.com Circle 265 on Reader Service Card or visit www.maritimereporterinfo.com 22 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News LiquiSear Purge Control UquiSeal Purge Control is a fully integrated level sensor for liquid cargo/service tanks or for draft measurement. External mounting on the tank or at remote location. Rugged brass construction with pneumatic or two wire (4-20 mA) output. Compressed air required for operation. LevelBAR" Replaces Fluid-Filled Gauges LevelBAR offers direct replacement for fluid-filled manometer tank gauges. Built for greater reliability, analog LED column graphically displays tank level. Rugged stainless enclosure and shatterproof window. Models for electronic or air driven systems. Call 50 242 871 Fax734-662-6652 LeirelBan KING-GAGE KING ENGINEERING CORPORATION Since 1937 3201 S. State • P.O. Box 1228 • Ann Arbor, Ml 48106 • 734-662-5691 Ballast and Tank Level Indicating Systems for the Marine and Offshore Oil/Gas Industries LevelPROM Multiple Tank Level Processors LevelPRO provides continuous measurement of ballast levels and shipboard service tanks. Up to 8 tank levels with local display and operator terminal. Digital multidrop network compatible with auto- mated control systems. Durable corrosion-proof housing and sealed keypad.
