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Pictured on the (Over: Kvaerner-built Sea Launch Commander was selected as one of MR/EN'S GREAT SHIPS of 1997. Read up on ail 15 ships honored this year, starting on page 45. 24 Far East Update

Despite tumultuous financial markets, Far East shipyards remain atop the commercial shipbuilding mount. China, propelled by low employ ment costs, leaps to No. 3. — by Alan Thorpe, international editor 45 GREAT SHIPS OF 1997

This year's roster of Great Ships includes a U.S.-built tanker; a refined sugar carrier; a double-ended combi ferry; and an assembly and command ship designed to transport and assemble rockets for offshore site launching.

Newport News Shipbuilding brought American Progress from computer screen to sea. 8 22 27 28 31 33 62 70 73 78 81 81 81 82 87 88 91

Marine Finance

Workboat '97s Post-show wrap-up.

Market Report: Seaborne trade to grow 3.8 percent.

Ship Repair & Conversion: Repair and conversion players continue to grapple with quantity and quality issues.

Software Solutions

Ship & Boatbuilding Technology: Using high-tech tools to aid efficiency.

Marine Literature Review

Japanese Maritime Review

People & Company News

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Index Fleet Valuation

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