Page 6: of Marine News Magazine (April 2012)

Every once in a while, I get to put together an edition where every single bullet on the Editorial Calendar ties into the other, in some shape, form or manner. This is one of those times. Thats because oil spill response and recovery, offshore service operators, marine propulsion and yes ? satellite communications all come together when it comes to todays workboat market. Every one of those line items profoundly affects the other. As you read on, youll understand why. Our focus on Offshore Service Providers takes a broad look at the current climate in the U.S. GOM and how all of that is shaping whats to come. Hand in hand with that is the renewed focus on safety and preparedness for the next oil spill, should it come to that. The Marine Spill Response Corporation (MSRC), the largest U.S.-based standby oil spill and emergency response compa- ny has something to say about that. So does James A. Watson, the New Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). As one ramps up its footprint in the U.S. Gulf, so too will the other. GOM oil & gas operations will never be the same. Not to be outdone, WQIS, a premier global provider of marine environmen- tal insurance and services, introduces the maritime industrys newest marine pollution knowledge tool: the WQIS Marine Pollution Academy. Read on to find out how, and more importantly, why. Surprisingly, and in a challenging marine market and economy, SATCOM providers want inland, OSV and shallow draft operators to spend money on upgrading their communications platform(s) to high tech systems that heretofore, only their blue water cousins could afford. But, with less than 10 percent of the inland and coastal markets penetrated by SATCOM to date, its a natural progression for providers facing an increasingly mature and crowded playing field out to sea. To succeed, theyll need to price their offerings attractively, with a smaller footprint while also demonstrat- ing value and improved operating margins for potential customers. It turns out that all three metrics are in play. Very soon, those operating without SATCOM in brown water may find themselves at a competitive disadvantage. Our Tech File and Propulsion both have something in common this month, as well. On board DC Grids and new hybrid power applications combine to raise the bar for operators who want to go the extra mile in obtaining better fuel economy, a greener footprint and a more efficient power package. Separately, both systems offer true breakthroughs in the quest to design clean, quiet, environmentally responsible vessels. The one-two punch of a challenging economy and a much stricter environmental operating environment demand no less. Rounding out this edition is a look at Rhode Island, where maritime business, spread over countless firms, schools and manufacturing efforts, serves notice that the Ocean State is indeed open for business.? This and a raft of usual features make this edition a must-read resource for you and your staff. What are you waiting for? SUBSCRIBESubscribe to the print or electronic edition of MarineNews at www.marinelink.com/renewsubscr/Renew04/subscribe.html or e-mail Kathleen Hickey at [email protected] DAILY NEWS via E-MAIL Twice every business day we provide breaking news, tailored to your specification, delivered FREE directly to your e-mail. To s ubscribe visit http://maritimetoday.com/login.aspx POST & SEARCH?JOBS Job listings are updated daily and help match employers with qualified employees. Post a position or keep abreast of new employ ment opportunities at http://www.maritimejobs.com ADVERTISE MN offers a number of print and electronic advertising packages. To see our editorial calendar and advertising rates, visit www.marinelink.com/AdvRates/Rates.asp Joseph Keefe, Editor, [email protected] Online Resources 6MNApril 2012EDITORS NOTEkeefe@ marinelink.com