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to a number of companies that include small to mid-size ß eet operations. In part, the result of the collaboration with former USCG ofÞ cials, Chief Engineers, and Operations Managers, BLÕs CORSAIR seamlessly facilitates the towing audit process and assessment and is speciÞ cally designed in a scalable format for commercial compliance, planned maintenance, document control and dispatch. But, software is only one piece of the Sub M puzzle. Germanischer Lloyd and its sister company, Noble Denton (acquired by GL in 2009) form the basis of a global network that provides certiÞ cation/inspection processes within the tug and barge, workboat, and offshore energy markets. GL, bolstered by its worldwide lead containership classiÞ cation, is recognized as a top tier classiÞ cation society. It is also the largest inspector of inland towing vessels in Europe. Serving clients from the oil and gas sectors, shipyards, ship owners, designers and Þ nancial institutions across the wide spectrum of marine and energy industries, GLÕs workforce now amounts to more than 6,400 employees in 80 countries. Together with Noble DentonÕs technical and survey expertise which extends into many specialties, the two present one of the more diverse maritime services groups on the planet. The new partnership with BL widens that scope of service even further. LEVERAGING SYNERGY : EVERYONE WINSThe strategic alliance commenced in August with a network of sales, administrative and Þ eld personnel deployed in key TSMS regions. It works like this : Baker Lyman will provide the TSMS Company/Vessel Assessment, TSMS Plan Creation, CORSAIR Towing Vessel Record, and annual TSMS Internal Audits. Germanischer Lloyd (USA)/ Noble Denton will provide TSMS Plan CertiÞ cation, TSMS Audit & Survey Services, TSMS Vessel ReclassiÞ cation, and TSMS Training through GL Academy. The BL/GL relationship is contractual, although customers Ð according to their needs Ð will contract separately with each. That said, the two Þ rms working together, are stronger. In this relationship, everyone wins. GL wanted to strengthen its domestic inland contacts and get better access to the U.S. brown water markets. BL had those contacts. Likewise, BL, well known in domestic maritime circles, yearned for the reach afforded by a major, global classiÞ cation society. 200+ years of combined cumulative maritime experience is further bolstered by a cadre of more than 100 U.S.-based GL surveyors, who already possess Coast Guard recognition for certain alternative compliance program (ACP) duties elsewhere. From the customerÕs perspective, it arguably gets even better. Leveraging the combined expertise of the two Þ rms, a www.marinelink.com MNSept2012 Layout 32-42.indd 37MNSept2012 Layout 32-42.indd 378/31/2012 12:40:27 PM8/31/2012 12:40:27 PM