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Investment in Design • By David Tinsley Italian Versatility A judicious policy of business expan- sion based on a broader product range has been taken an important stage fur- ther by Italian shipbuilder Rodriquez Cantieri Navali, through the acquisition of Intermarine, a specialist in craft con- structed from composite materials. With Intermarine now part of the growing Rodriquez network, earlier strengthened by the takeover of yacht builder Conam, the Italian group has given new expression to its intent in widening its scope in higher value- added sectors of the market. Hydrofoils, fast monohull ferries, catamarans and patrol boats remain cen- tral to the group's business endeavors, and other building blocks in the current development program have increased its capabilities in the ferry market. C SAFETY | Basic Firefighting Basic First Aid | Personal Survival Personal Safety/ Responsibility S COME WITH QUIZ AND WORK BOOKS P YOUR CREW VOUR VESSEL SAFE V / BST / ISM-COMPLIANT www. walportusa. com Mpk^Mi 399-5A Dover Road South Toms River, NJ 08757 Tel: 732-818-9883 • Fax: 732-818-9884 ^^^PUSA Email: sales@walportusa.com However, the acquisition of Intermarine denotes a further commitment to prod- uct diversification, not least to the com- paratively recent drive into the large yacht construction sector. Intermarine's standing in the naval and agency vessel category, reinforced by a current newbuild series of customs patrol boats for Italy's Guardia di Finanza, also complements the Rodriquez portfolio. December's domestic contract for a 40-knot monohull ferry of 164 ft. (50 m), following announcements during the year of two projects involving newbuilds of 275.5 ft. (84 m), has ensured continu- ity of production of fast monohull ferries embodying homegrown Aquastrada technology. A major order from Brazil for commuter ferries, involving a new Brazilian shipbuilding affiliate of Rodriquez, has also boosted the group's stake in the ferry market, while a 28-unit series of patrol boats has also enabled the group to play to its strengths. However, the companion move into the luxury yacht business has been such that the Rodriquez workload now includes craft of 118 ft. (36 m), 125 ft. (38 m) and 239 ft. (73-m), the latter ranking as the largest yacht to be built in Italy for 20 years. The Rodriquez Yachts division, based at the group's shipyard in Pietra Ligure, in northeastern Italy, can handle craft in aluminum or steel up to 492 ft. (150 m) in length. With Intermarine's Sarzana facility near La Spezia, now part of the organization, the offering has been embellished with yachts up to 148 ft. (45 m) of composite construction. At a time when outsourcing is the order of the day, Rodriquez holds faith by the principle of self-sufficiency in key areas, demonstrated by in-house affiliates Rodriquez Marine Systems, versed in a range of shipboard technical disciplines and equipment, and Rodriquez Engineering, the Genoa- based design, and research and develop- ment undertaking. Propulsion Report Available The World Marine Propulsion Report 2003- 2007, is available from Douglas-Westwood Ltd, Canterbury, Kent, U.K. For more infor- mation: Circle 99 on Reader Service Card Maritime Reporter & Engineering News Circle 272 on Reader Service Card Circle 277 on Reader Service Card ^ / Marine Deck Hardware il f and Equipment W 4 JmmM • ANCHORS: • ^ / ' 50 to 60.000 Lbs - New and Used Stockless - Danforth • L.W.T. - Halls • Snug Stowing • CHAIN • ^ to 5' a" - New and Used Stud Link • Cast Steel - Grades 2 and 3 • Oil Rig Quality for Moorings. 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