Editor’s Note

Image ...

Integrity ...

is it impossible?

In case you haven’t noticed, the marine industry has been engaged in a systematic metamorphosis of sorts, with a good deal of energy and resources dedicated lately towards the dubious achievement of crafting a “good public image.” From inland operators concerned with local communities to oceangoing ships adhering to international statutes, the forum and the jury range widely in size and makeup, but the judge — “public” opinion — is always the same, and the verdict of “good image” or “bad image” can go a long way in ultimately determining a company’s long-term success.

Industry leaders traveling the well-worn conference circuit have increasingly addressed the need for the marine business to essentially clean-up its collective act. Never mind the impressive statistics which indicate that most every cargo is delivered without incident: all it takes is for one tanker to break in half; one picture on one news network of one oil soiled sea creature; for public opinion to sway and condemn an entire industry. With a heightened security posture around the world and the advent of the Internet as a fast, reliable means to disseminate information and pictures in an instant, the clandestine, under-the-radar business model for the marine business is quickly fading.

ABS president & CEO Robert Somerville addressed Bulk Carrier Safety last month in London (story starts on page 58). In his comments he laments the “public face of this industry is the 27-year-old bulk carrier that is detained in a European port with 90 safety deficiencies ...” While not championing a single, one-size-fits-all solution, he accurately points out that a collective effort is needed ... from class, to shipyards, to owners to industry organizations ... to raise the quality bar, while simultaneously building a stronger industry.