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EDITOR’S NOTE ombat & Patrol Craft. Short Sea Shipping. Lubricants. And, there’s Oil Spill Prevention and Response. It isn’t that often that I get to present an edition that encompasses so many diverse and seemingly disconnected topics, but this month’s version does just that.

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And yet, once packaged into the format that only MarineNews, in this genre, can deliver, it all makes perfect sense. Turning the pages of this edition, you’ll soon see why.

In both a challenging economic and regulatory climate – like the one we ? nd ourselves wad- ing through today – it is tempting to eschew the little things that cost money but perhaps don’t necessarily improve our bottom lines. On the other hand, and as the regulatory noose cinches ever tighter, that’s probably a mistake. To that end, this month we explore the environment from all angles; the EPA’s VGP and viable solutions for compliance, the use of economical [email protected] multi-mission boats for spill response, analysis of recent developments in the all-important area of responder immunity, and we tie it all together with some sage advice from one of the most experienced environmental professionals on the planet. Listen in as Steve Candito explores the full range of issues facing oil spill responders and maritime stakeholders alike.

It is indeed a challenging business climate. We found that out as we assembled our annual outlook for the Combat & Patrol Craft sector. That said; and while it may be a little quiet on the federal side of the equation, there’s plenty of good news elsewhere. This is always a good time to remind folks that the U.S. workboat builder can and does compete in a robust way across the proverbial pond. Indeed, the export market for U.S.-built craft is active, with more than a few hulls produced for foreign governments – especially when it comes to small military craft. But, as we also found out, you need to spend some money in order to make a lot more, down the road. West Coast-based Vigor Industrial has done just that in recent years; both through savvy acquisitions and providing a focused boots-on-the-ground presence in key off- shore markets. That story begins on page 36.

Finally, the thoughts and ideas of Bob Kunkel are always an apt way of addressing any num- ber of current events and tough issues. This month, he takes on shortsea shipping, the always controversial Jones Act discussion, the state of oil, the economy, and at the same time offers op- tions for consideration. Kunkel – agree or disagree – is never boring and always well informed.

Often, you’ll ? nd him at the pointy end of some new and innovative service, newbuild or en- terprise – both here and across the big pond. Arguably, that’s the kind of tenacity that will lead us out of the current malaise and onto our next ‘up’ cycle.

That up cycle is coming. I see it when I get out of my of? ce and visit the rough-and-tumble waterfront. I hear it from you every day. As it evolves, you’ll read about it here in MarineNews.

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Joseph Keefe, Editor, [email protected]

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