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The Towage & Salvage Division reported revenue growth of 18.5 percent in the first quarter of 2006 against the backdrop of a strong market, particular- ly in the international segment. The assistance and salvage activity benefited from the commissioning of the Abeille Bourbon and the Abeille Liberté. The Bulk Division recorded revenues of 41.1 million euros at March 31, 2006, down slightly as expected from the same period in 2005. This change was driven by the combination of two opposite trends over the period: an increase in the volume shipped, specially in the trade of coal and iron ore in Far East; and a slight decrease in freight rates despite a still favorable market. The company forecasts positive trends for the coming year. In an offshore oil and gas market that is still expected to be very strong in 2006, Bourbon plans to diversify its client portfolio in its tradi- tional operating zones and should accel- erate its growth in new zones (particu- larly Southeast Asia). Siemens, Rolls-Royce Tech for New Rig Sevan Drilling Pte. Ltd., Singapore has signed an agreement with a consor- tium consisting of Siemens and Rolls- Royce for deliveries to a new deepwater drilling rig. Siemens will deliver electri- cal, automation, telecom and control systems together with the rig's dynamic positioning systems. Rolls-Royce will deliver diesel generators and thrusters. The drilling rig is equipped to operate in rough climatic conditions, will operate at extreme depths and is expected to be ready for delivery during the first half of 2009. Sevan Drilling´s parent company, the Norwegian Sevan Marine ASA, has developed a new cylindrical platform, the "Sevan Stabilized Platform" (SSP), which combines excellent sea-going properties with reasonable building costs. The commissioned deepwater rig is based on the SSP concept. The new rig is classified as an offshore installa- tion and will be constructed and partly built in Norway. Hybrid Ferries Planned for Alcatraz Tours Two hybrid ferries will carry visitors to Alcatraz under a new 10-year contract between the National Park Service and Hornblower Cruises and Events. The ferry operator reportedly committed to build two new hybrid-electric passenger vessels that maximize the use of solar and wind energy, with zero emissions at the wharf. The first will be built within two years, and the second by year five. The hybrid vessels in the winning pro- posal by Hornblower were designed by Solar Sailor and modeled on the Solar Sailor ferry in Sydney, Australia. Bluewater Network introduced the Solar Sailor concept to ferry planners on the Bay five years ago. The new ferries hold 600 passengers and operate at 12 to 15 knots. The vessels will be fitted with a large, rigid wing covered in solar panels that will capture sun and wind power. When conditions are right, the vessels will be able to sail back and forth. In extreme weather, the sail will automati- cally fold down flat above the deck like a roof. Much like a hybrid car, large bat- teries on board the vessels will store electricity generated by the diesel gener- ators and collected by solar panels. The electricity then powers the electric motors. While loading and unloading passen- gers, the diesel engines will be turned off and run solely on electricity. News Circle 257 on Reader Service Card 12 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News MR JUNE2006 #2 (9-16).qxd 6/2/2006 11:15 AM Page 12
