Editor’s Note

Reactive by nature, the marine business is perpetually embarked upon the path of transformation, with new rules and regulations handed down from international, national and regional authorities as to how ships and boats should be equipped and operated.

Tomorrow will be no different.

Whether it is new legislation dictating the timing and form of reporting cargos ["I'm Looking Through You" by Dennis Bryant, page 18] or the way in which vessels are outfitted [AIS Update, page 46], marine companies are increasingly being stretched, forced to consume and digest a veritable smorgasbord of statutes just to stay in business.

Next month in Oslo, the international maritime community gathers in Oslo for the bi-annual NorShipping 2003 Exhibition, one of the world’s leading marine events. From around the globe companies will gather to discuss and discover the latest developments which are designed to make the process of designing, building, outfitting and operating vessels more cost efficient.

But while change is the constant, the adage “the more things change, the more they stay the same,” is similarly apt for the marine business. I personally relish the historical aspect of our business, and receive tremendous satisfaction in discussing the evolution of the business with people in the know. In this edition, I am happy to offer a unique perspective on the evolution of the marine business from Robert G. Allan, the third-generation leader of Robert Allan Ltd.

Delivery of the spectacular new fireboat — L.A. Fireboat 2 — was the impetus for an inquiry e-mail to Mr. Allan, a simple request which quickly mushroomed into a feature on the industry and his company, its heritage and its future.