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and on multiple U.S. state and local police, Þ re and law enforcement vessels-18Õ through 45Õ.Ó Labrecht continued, ÒOur 2013 projects are underway and/or planned. Recent infrastructure expansion allows us to meet all current and planned projects, and infrastructure enhancements will continue in 2013 in anticipation of further growth.Ó In 2013, Metal Shark expects to expand its staff from 150 employees in late 2012. Lambrecht said vessel builders will be affected by the nationÕs Þ nancial climate in 2013. ÒThe current outlook for government spending is showing a decrease in available funds for out-year projects and the looming Þ scal cliff is a serious concern,Ó he said. ÒMetal Shark has expanded its international presence to help mitigate some of this risk.Ó EASTERN FULFILLS CONTRACTS FOR HARVEY GULF, HORNBECKIn Florida, Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. is under contract to build Þ fteen large, diesel-electric OSVs in its ÒTiger SharkÓ series for customers in the United States and in Brazil. On Dec. 12, Eastern launched the HARVEY DEEP-SEA, the fourth of its Tiger Shark Class OSVs being produced for Harvey Gulf International Marine, LLC in New Orleans. Eastern is also under contract to build ten 302Õx64Õx26Õ OSVs for Hornbeck Offshore Services in Covington, La. Because of upcoming manpower needs, Eastern has expanded its training programs. With two shipbuilding facilities in Panama City, Fla., Eastern builds, converts and repairs steel and aluminum vessels of all types. GOM OUTLOOK TIED TO REGION?S OFFSHORE SECTOR The health of the GOMÕs oil-and-gas sector is critical to the regionÕs marine industry, though vessel builders also cater to domestic and foreign governments. A deadly oil platform explosion off Grand Isle, La. on Nov. 16 underscored the need for safety and recently tightened regulations on offshore oil. The marine industry watched closely as a federal trial in New Orleans kicked off late last year, intended in part to ultimately determine BPÕs 2010 spill liabilities. Also of interest is the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy ManagementÕs oil-and-gas lease sale, slated to be held in New Orleans on March 20, offering 38 million acres in offshore Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. On balance, the Gulf marine industry expects to thrive in 2013, with several companies planning to expand their payrolls to fulÞ ll vessel contracts. Uncertainties remain, but the uptick in GOM activity is expected to continue, regardless of what happens on a federal level in Washington. And, thatÕs because Oil & Gas and the marine sector that supports it remain one of the few bright spots in the so-far tepid economic recovery. www.marinelink.com MN 31MN Jan2013 Layout 18-31.indd 31MN Jan2013 Layout 18-31.indd 311/4/2013 3:01:59 PM1/4/2013 3:01:59 PM