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www.marinelink.com 67fer such a product line of standardized regas barges. The customer would be utilities and power plants on islands and in areas that lack pipeline access. But this is only an example. There are many other possibili- ties for leveraging product development to enter this market sector. But there are barriers to entry. They include (1) requirements for local content and/or local partner participation, (2) experience with standards, rules and codes unique to offshore production units and (3) frame agreements and established customer/supplier relationships that ex-clude new entrants. This is also a very conservative indus-try in terms of accepting unproven sup-pliers who have no record of production ß oater performance. Ultimately the question is whether this market can produce an attractive return on investment. In our view, we think it can be very attractive. It is a huge mar- ket involving big ticket purchases that shows no indication of slowing. And current competitors are likely not as en-trenched as they might appear. Their costs are growing and the market is con-tinuously evolving. We think shipbuilders and repair yards not now in this sector should look into opportunities in the ß oating production market space. About IMA & Jim McCaulIMA provides market analysis and stra- tegic planning advice to companies in the marine and offshore sectors. Over the past 40 years we have performed more than 350 business consulting assignments for 170+ clients in 40+ countries. Advising clients on market positioning strategy in the offshore sec- tor is one of our specialties. We have assisted numerous shipbuilders, ship repair yards and equipment manufactur- ers in formulating a strategy and struc-turing a plan of action to penetrate the offshore market. We have worked at all levels of the off- shore supply chain. Our assignments have included advice on acquiring an FPSO contractor, forming an alliance to bid for large FPSO contracts, satisfying local content requirements and targeting unmet requirements through technology development.For further information contact Jim McCaul at: Tel: 1 202 333 8501 Email: [email protected] www.imastudies.comTerms Used: FPSO ? Floating Production, Storage and Ofß oading Vessel FSO ? Floating Storage and Ofß oading Vessel (no production plant) FSRU ? Floating LNG Storage and RegasiÞ cation Unit FLNG ? Floating LiqueÞ ed Natural Gas Plant EPC ? Engineering, Procurement and Construction ContractTLP ? Tension Leg Platform MR #9 (66-73).indd 67MR #9 (66-73).indd 678/30/2013 10:15:42 AM8/30/2013 10:15:42 AM