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Handling Tug Supply vessel (AHTS 120 tons) for Shell Malaysia.

The Towage & Salvage Division report- ed revenue growth of 18.5 percent in the first quarter of 2006 against the backdrop of a strong market, particularly in the international segment. The assistance and salvage activity benefited from the com- missioning 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 diversi- fy its client portfolio in its traditional operating zones and should accelerate its growth in new zones (particularly South- east Asia).

Bourbon will continue to deliver "next generation" offshore oil and gas marine services vessels, so as to meet the expec- tations of its major customers. In bulk shipping, revenues should continue to be influenced by market freight rates.

Ameri-Force Craft

Services Acquires

SyCom Services

Ameri-Force Craft Services Inc. has completed the acquisition of SyCom Ser- vices, Inc., a defense industry engineering and professional staffing services firm.

SyCom will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Ameri-Force Craft Services

Inc.

The SyCom Services acquisition is part of Ameri-Force's strategy to complement its existing position in the marine new construction and repair segment of the federal market with targeted growth in information technology, administration and engineering services.

Ameri-Force Craft also announced that it has hired Beth Cahallan as the Virginia

Branch Manager. Cahallan has more than 16 years experience in the contract labor support business in the Tidewater Virginia

Marine and Industrial markets. She was the founder and owner operator of

Alliance Staffing Services, a contract labor provider to the marine and industri- al sector in Virginia. In addition to her hiring, Ameri-Force has gained the mar- ket share and employees of the former

Alliance Staffing Services. 16 • MarineNews • June, 2006

See us at www.wagnerengineering.ca

Wagner Engineering Ltd.

Engineered Marine Steering Solutions

Phone 604.988-1111 - Fax 604.986-0334

Email: [email protected]

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News

MTU Group: Influx of Orders

Boosts 1Q Results

MTU reported a strong first quarter of 2006. "We have succeeded in carrying last year's impetus, with its 18 percent rise in sales rev- enue, over into the new year" said Volker Heuer, Chairman of the

Board of Management of MTU. In the marine applications sector, by tradition the company's strongest area, shipyards in the U.S. and Aus- tralia placed orders for a total of 12

Series 8000 engines. These engines are destined for three fast-ferry catamarans (one 105-m vessel and two at 88 m) to go into service between the Hawaiian islands and on the Bosphorus at Istanbul.

Twelve more of the flagship Series 8000 engines have also been ordered for three Danish Navy patrol boats. Capable of producing up to 9,100 kW, Series 8000 units are the largest in the company's program.

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