Page 6: of Marine News Magazine (August 2019)

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EDITOR’S NOTE

MN100

That’s what it takes to make it, ‘on the wa-

Staying power.

terfront.’ In the iconic 1954 ? lm of the same name, set on New York’s competitive water- front, dock workers struggled for work and eked out a living under the toughest of conditions.

Similarly, today’s maritime industry is powered by some of the toughest and smartest profes- sionals to be found anywhere, all working towards the same goals in an increasingly dif? cult, if not somewhat different version on the modern version of those rough and tumble docks. Many, like you, perhaps, have been at it for decades.

Indeed, this year’s version of MarineNews’ annual look at the very best of the North Ameri- can maritime industry – our MN100 list – boasts many ? rms that are celebrating signi? cant [email protected] anniversary milestones. And, that’s important. As this list took shape, I took that into consid- eration – because it takes staying power to make it in our little corner of the globe’s greater economy. The ups and downs and unpredictable business cycles that characterize the marine industry is no place for the faint of heart. On the other hand, for those who can sustain their business model through all of the inevitable troughs and crests that the waves of business bring, the rewards are many.

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it 100 times; the MN100 can be (and typically is) one of the most challenging editions of the year to assemble. It is also my favorite, primarily because it al- lows me the opportunity to dig deeper into a large swath of companies that serve and compete within this b-to-b genre. At the same time, believe it or not, it is also one of the most valuable editorial efforts that I make time for. And, while most if not all MarineNews editions have speci? c editorial calendar bullets to hit, this one runs the full gamut on the waterfront – the collective North American waterfront.

In this year especially, the entries for our MN100 were numerous, impressive in their delivery and left me with the dilemma of ? nding space for the very best 100 ? rms, while unfortunately also leaving a large swath of (worthy) contenders to try again in 12 months. To that end and as always, the buck stops at my desk. That said; if you didn’t populate an entry form to apply, then you couldn’t expect to be included. This is therefore an appropriate time to thank everyone who took the time and effort to participate.

This year’s long awaited and much coveted MN100 list of companies features many ? rst timers, a raft of perennial stalwarts and perhaps, some surprising inclusions that, nevertheless, once you’ve read their stories, you’ll understand why they are featured in the pages to follow.

Take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, for example.

In the past year alone, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry made history by promoting three women to rank of Captain in the Marine Department. These three female Captains are doing more for the industry than just oversee the safe navigation and operation of the vessel; they serve as a symbol that the role of piloting a ship is a female-friendly role with ample opportunity for those looking for a long-term, stable and rewarding career path.

Women make up only an estimated two percent of the global maritime industry. In the U.S., the statistics are a little better, with less than eight percent of ship and boat captain operator roles held by women. Still, for a female to have the opportunity to train up to ship captain is considered “unique.” In the maritime ‘year of the woman,’ then, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry stands out as a leader, certainly worthy of top 100 consideration. And, on the often male-dom- inated rough and tumble waterfront, it takes staying power to rise to the top. These deserving

Cape May-Lewes Ferry employees certainly have checked that box.

Separately, The Apprentice School at Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Ship- building division celebrated its 100-year anniversary just last month. That’s bigger news than

August 2019 6 MN