Page 49: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (July 1997)

Welcome to Cruise Ship Capitol!: Pictured is Dr.

Corrado Antonini, Fincantieri chairman and CEO, with

Disney Magic

I dustry To Remain Competitive hulls, includes the largest high- speed ferries ordered to date worldwide. Each of two MDV 3000

Jupiter class RoRos measures 479 ft. (146 m) long and is designed to convey 1,800 passengers and 460 cars, or up to 30 trucks plus 100 cars, at speeds of 40 knots using a

CODAG (combined diesel and gas) installation.

Notwithstanding the successful diversification and the perception of fast-going commercial vessels as a growth business sector, Dr.

Antonini does not see high-speed ferries as a substitute for naval work. He stressed the need for a resumption of Italian fleet renew- al, and is in doubt about the long- term importance of the naval sec- tor to the group.

Fincantieri has continued to invest in its capabilities in the naval field, in terms of both research and facilities. Although the most recent contract dates from 1993 when a fleet oiler was ordered, it seems that fresh work could be in the offing, given cur- rent requirements for two diesel- electric submarines and four high- seas patrol vessels.

In looking to further strengthen the organization for the future, Dr.

Antonini has an eye on the long- mooted withdrawal of intervention subsidies, and also on the longer- term implications of the growth in world shipbuilding capacity. This is already impacting price levels, and the Fincantieri head believes that "overcapacity is going to give problems to all of us, including those who created it." ly, 1997