ITS '96

In early September, Seattle will host an extraordinary, if not unique collection of maritime events.

According to Allan Brunton-Reed, the U.K.-based organizer of the 14th International Tug & Salvage Convention and Exhibition (ITS '96), this is more by accident than design, since Superyacht Northwest '96, now in its fourth year, also chose the same time and venue. Since trade space at both exhibitions was sold out at an early stage, the organizers of the separate events decided to join forces and launch Workboat Northwest '96.

All three events will be held during the same week at the new Bell Harbor facility on the waterfront in downtown Seattle. ITS '96 will run from September 9 to 13, and Superyacht Northwest '96 and Workboat Northwest '96 will take place from September 11 to 14. Trade visitors to one event will be given complimentary access to the other two.

Workboat Northwest '96 will be housed in a tented structure on the apron adjacent to the Bell Harbor International Conference Center, and the organizers of ITS '96 have reserved 800 ft. of mooring space alongside the apron so that local tug owners can moor their craft.

Workboat builders exhibiting at Workboat Northwest '96 are also expected to make use of this facility to display their latest vessels. Crowley's American Salvor, reportedly the largest salvage vessel on the North American West coast, will also be stationed alongside for the week. The gleaming superyachts will be moored at Bell Harbor Marina.

On the afternoon of September 11, a tug and salvage display/demonstration will take place as part of ITS '96, which is expected to be one of the world's largest gathering of international towage and salvage professionals, with delegates from more than 40 countries. For more information on Workboat Northwest, contact Kristie Ferguson, 135 Lake St., Ste. 115, Kirkland, WA 98033, tel: (206) 827-3200; fax: (206) 827-7455.

For more information on ITS '96, contact the ITS '96 Secretariat at 19 Bridge Road, Hampton Court, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9EU U.K., tel: +44 (0) 181 941 7878; fax: +44 (0) 181 941 8787.