Tug & Salvage

What our readers think of International Tug & Salvage magazine

... the last 10 years of IT&S

I am pleased to take this opportunity to congratulate IT&S on its tenth anniversary of publication. There is no question that this journal is the premier magazine dealing with the towage industry. It is without question the best source for accurate technical information on new deliveries, as well as the general activities within the industry. Most of all, I appreciate that there is a serious attempt to discuss new designs in a critical and objective manner, rather than simply reiterating standard press releases. The complementary publications of Annual TugWorld Review and the A-Z Guide to Tug Builders are constant reference documents in our office. Of course, no compliment to the magazine can be made without acknowledging parallel kudos to the organisation of the much celebrated bi-annual ITS Conventions, which represent the best possible opportunities to meet, discuss and share ideas within the industry. As we celebrate our own 75th Anniversary this year, it is a pleasure to extend our thanks to a much younger organisation, sharing a passion for the wonderful world of tugs!

Robert Allan - Robert Allan Ltd, Canada.

Congratulations to IT&S on its 10th Anniversary. It is splendid that we have our own specialised and successful publication to cover everything from piston rings to court reports. So much has happened in our industry during that period that it is hard to pick out the most significant events. However, we should certainly note that Lloyd’s Open Form has undergone two revisions, in 1995 and 2000, Article 14 of the Salvage Convention has all ut fallen by the wayside, and SCOPIC, now on its third revision, is proving a popular and successful replacement. This year FCAP, the low cost version of LOF arbitration, has appeared. These improved contract forms evidence, I think, the willingness of the industry as a whole to co-operate to produce workable and pragmatic solutions to what appeared at first sight as intractable problems. There can’t be many industries that can match this degree of integration between technical, commercial and legal skills. Here’s to the next 10 years.

Richard Harvey - Richards Butler, UK.

Over the past ten years, International Tug & Salvage has, in my view, developed into one of the foremost publications in our industry, more often than not being at the forefront of breaking news, particularly in the areas of new and innovative tug design, not to mention ancillary equipment. As independent towage and salvage consultants and brokers, we need to keep abreast of developments world-wide, and - such are the contents of each publication - we find that there are always subjects of relevance and interest from which to glean valuable information and insight. It is for this reason that IT&S has become an important part of our reference library. Coupled with the ITS Conventions, which are, without doubt, the best organised of its kind anywhere - and which I have had the pleasure of attending since 1990 in Halifax – IT&S continues to play a very important part in not only keeping us informed, but also availing us of the opportunity to meet on a regular basis with all the important players with whom we share a common interest. I have much pleasure in taking this opportunity to offer heartiest congratulations from us all to IT&S on attaining this 10th Anniversary, and we wish Andy Smith and his team every success in the forthcoming years.

Tim Cowley - Marint (Offshore Services) UK.

Heartiest congratulations to IT&S magazine on reaching its 10th anniversary. Although other journals include mention of tugs and salvage, IT&S is the only specialist magazine solely covering tugs and salvage and consequently has a unique place in our industry. Since it first appeared there have been numerous changes in the design and power of tugs. The number of shipyards building tugs has increased particularly in the Far East with China merging as a major force. All of these changes have been expertly reported in International Tug & Salvage magazine, which has become an essential work of reference. On top of this there has been the emergence of new tug operators and mergers between many former household names, all of which have been fully covered. The same applies to the salvage industry. The most notable development being the emergence of SCOPIC which gives salvors compensation for their efforts in dealing with pollution and other related matters where in former years they would have received nothing. Well done and we look forward to the 20th anniversary.

Tony McGinnity, Yarmouth

Kumera A/S has been a subscriber to IT&S magazine from the very earliest issues and, from time to time, a contributor to the editorial content. We have found the magazine, in parallel with the ITS Convention programme, to be the ideal medium in which to promote the Norgear product range in the tug and salvage industry over the last ten years. Congratulations on a job well done and sincere wishes for continued success.

Jon Hansen - Kumera A/S, Norway.

Congratulations for having created a magazine that provides us with precious information about the industry we are working in. Over the years, you have created more than a magazine; you have transmitted a common spirit and a common passion to your readers. Merci et bonne continuation!

Michel Piret, Twin Disc, Belgium.

The people at EBDG wish to congratulate IT&S magazine for its impressive contribution to our industry for the past 10 years. You have done much more than record the technical development and the growth of our industry by being a part of a forum. We have all been kept up to date on technical issues and business trends and able to exchange ideas and express our opinions. Tugs have evolved significantly during this time. Z-drive propulsion has almost become the standard choice for new boats due to improved reliability and performance. This has lead to major improvements in cycloidal propulsion. Propulsion engines have been improved ecologically and become more compact due to strong competition among the engine manufacturers. And we designers have done our part by incorporating smaller more efficient pilot houses into our designs. This has contributed to reduced manning levels which is an important cost saver. This has its lighter side sometimes. With tongue in cheek I quote the late George Shaver, former president of Shaver Transportation Co. in Portland, Oregon, USA, who liked small pilot houses and said: “A large pilot house is just another place for the crews to hold union meetings”. IT&S magazine has done well for all of us and we feel an attachment that hopefully will carry it on for many more years.

James A Cole - Elliot Bay Design Group, USA.

Hearty congratulations to ABR and the ITS staff on the 10th Anniversary of International Tug and Salvage. It’s hard to believe that 10 years have passed since its conception, yet it seems longer in some ways because of the almost seamless transition from past marine and tug related publications from the Brunton-Reeds. We believe that IT&S and its sponsored events provide a singular and valuable service to our company. No other magazine is as dedicated to the industry nor provides information and exchange of ideas as does IT&S. The business of Guarino & Cox LLC is largely the design of tugs and barges and we rely on it to augment information about the industry and its people. This has been especially true of the past ten years of rapid change when we have seen the Z-drive tug virtually become the rule and not the exception, further maturation of ATB systems and the promulgation of a plethora of new and changing regulations. I was privileged, 23 years ago, to have a paper I authored presented at the Convention, which celebrated 200 years of publishing, by Allan Brunton-Reed’s family. We sincerely hope that this tradition continues with future events celebrating ABR’s and IT&S’s longevity. Sal

Guarino - Guarino & Cox LLC, USA.

I would first of all like to congratulate Andy Smith and his team for reaching this significant milestone - reporting on a fascinating period, these last 10 years. IT&S is simply a must for any professional working in the towage and salvage industry. Looking back over these past 10 years, we have moved, at least in the ocean towing market, from a high peak during the late 90s, a dismal market during the start of the century, but fortunately moving to a more friendly towing market at the moment. These friendly conditions and confidence in the market are reflected in the number of ocean going tugs on order, which we have not seen since the late 70s. I must admit that I still find it remarkable that over the last 25 years hardly any ocean going tugs have been built, this in comparison to the offshore supply boat market. No doubt a signal that there was considerable doubt whether a decent return on investments could be made. The more remarkable, if you compare the ocean towing market and the offshore supply boat market. The first one, being a risky lumpsum market, while the offshore supply boat market is a more relaxing time charter market. It certainly puzzles me that the offshore supply boat market has always been a much better paying market than our markets. I guess we are seriously underselling ourselves. As far as salvage is concerned, we have seen some frightening developments after the Prestige accident. The place of refuge issue became front page news. Putting Capt. Mangouras in jail in Spain was quickly followed in Pakistan, where salvage master Nick Pappas was detained during his efforts to salve Tasman Spirit. Another consequence of the Prestige and Erika accidents is the criminalisation of seafarers and in this respect I am extremely concerned how salvors will be treated in case they try to salve a spilling casualty. Only time will tell. I am confident that IT&S will keep its readership informed about all these issues, which are all close to our hearts. No doubt the next 10 years will be equally fascinating for the readers of IT&S.

Joop Timmermans – ITC Management, The
Netherlands.

In China, I am told, the expression “may you live in interesting times” is a curse, but I suspect most people in our industry would take a different view. Allan Brunton-Reed must surely have been hoping for interesting times when he first published International Tug and Salvage, and his timing could hardly have been better. The last ten years have seen the industry face numerous challenges, not least because of ewer salvages and a massive increase in oversight and regulation. At the same time, and possibly as a result of these factors, we have seen a wave of innovation, which is quite breathtaking. The development of the Rotor tug, the Carrousel tug, the Z -Tech tug and the advances in scort tug technology are all tributes to the courage f men and women who dare to challenge the accepted wisdom and look for new and better ways of doing things. Those of us who prefer the cautious approach and look for a gradual evolution of proven designs can only watch in awe as our colleagues in the industry seek to expand the envelope in every conceivable direction. It is IT&S magazine which has kept us in touch with all these events and developments. The team at ABR Publications has used its international connections to record an unprecedented period for towage and salvage world-wide, and have never been afraid to wade in with pithy editorial comment when required. The magazine has become required reading for many of us both within the industry and beyond. So perhaps we should hope for the interesting times to continue, and for IT&S to continue to record them, for the benefit of us all.

Alan Loynd, Hongkong Salvage & Towage.

Congratulations to IT&S magazine on its 10th anniversary. My first participation in an ITS Convention was Cape Town in 98, but I felt very lonely as there were very few Asian people there. I think I was the only Japanese among the delegates. Now I can enjoy Tug Conventions very much as I believe the Niigata brand has been well recognised and maybe myself as well. We will deliver 70 ship sets of Z-peller and engine propulsion package this year and 80 during 2006. These are the largest numbers since production began in 1969. So, taking this opportunity, we would like to express our sincere thanks to all of our customers, who have supported and encouraged the company, even when on hard times. Niigata would like to contribute to IT&S’s further development and that of the industry as well. Lastly, I am looking forward to seeing all of you in Rotterdam next year!

Yuji Matsui - Niigata Power Systems Co Ltd Japan.

During the last 10 years, the tug industry has been enhanced by revolutionary designs that have provided the shipping industry with efficient and safe assistance in ports, rivers, coastal regions, channels and any other areas in which ship manoeuvrability, unaided, is limited. International Tug & Salvage magazine has provided the world with the latest information not only of revolutionary designs but also other valuable technical information. This includes salvage operations with a certain degree of complexity and the latest tug deliveries, including the main particulars and components. This magazine has made a significant contribution to the tug industry by being one of the main sources of information, innovation and news. Today, the tug industry would have never been the same without International Tug & Salvage. Congratulations to Allan Brunton-Reed and his team for a job well done.

Capt. Max A Newman - Panama Canal Authority.

Tenth Anniversary! WOW! I don’t know where the time has gone. International Tug & Salvage is one of the many magazines to which I subscribe, but the only one that I read cover to cover. It always provides interesting, up-to-date information, inportant to those of us who love the unique industry of marine salvage, and its partner industry, marine towing. Over the past ten years, we have seen two of my favorite topics, liability salvage and treasure salvage, take on greater prominence. In the United States, those ten years have borne witness to a very positive business development, i.e., the formation of the American Salvage Association. This group of the country’s fifteen or so most prominent salvage companies, while still maintaining their vigorous competitiveness, have now joined forces to promote their common good. But all is not good. Although, to my knowledge, no salvor has yet been charged criminally as a result of an oil spill or other environmental incident, the spillover from the growing use of this form of sanction in the maritime industry is bound to have that effect sooner or later. We must now work to see “responder immunity” address both civil liability and criminal liability, so that I (or someone) will be reporting positively on that development five years from now. Thanks very much for the great job that you do in keeping our community informed.

James T Shirley, Jr - Holland & Knight LLC,
USA.

In congratulating the IT&S magazine for 10 years of excellence, it may be appropriate to look back at the Salvage Association and forward to the role of BMT in the salvage and towage industries. Historically surveyors from the Salvage Association became directly involved in casualty response. When cablegrams provided the sole means of secure communication, the surveyor would deal directly with salvors on site to protect underwriters’ interests and maximise the likelihood of a successful outcome. This meant the site surveyor had to have the trust of the salvor and confidence of the underwriter. As the ocean towage industry grew, so underwriters increasingly required a predeparture survey as part of their risk management. Salvage Association surveyors work closely with tug owners as part of their “warranty” duties. Thus there is great empathy between tug operators, salvors and SA. When The Salvage Association was sold off, it was losing money; now it is a commercial success. The BMT model, where employees share the profits through profit-share initiatives, allows each employee to have a direct connection with the commercial performance of their company. The pool of some 80 BMT surveyors holds skills across the maritime field with nearly 1000 years of surveyor experience to call on. Like IT&S, BMT Surveys looks forward to a bright future.

John Noble – BMT, UK.

It is testimony to the success of IT&S that it does not seem like 10 years since I read the first issue of the magazine. Since then, it has, without doubt, developed into the leading magazine for our industry, read and enjoyed by all our employees, from tug crews to directors. Together with the ITS Convention, IT&S is as big a part of our industry as tow ropes and propulsion systems. In addition to my warm congratulations on the 10th anniversary of IT&S, I offer my thanks. Without the magazine and the Convention, I would never have met my wife!

Mark Hoddinott, Adsteam (UK) Limited.

It maybe hard to believe but we still have a copy of the first IT&S magazine in our files! Being tug enthusiasts, it was exciting to look at each new magazine arriving, knowing that it included the latest and unbiased news of the industry. The IT&S magazines, the ITS Conventions and Club have broadened our knowledge and vision of the industry worldwide. In addition, without question IT&S was a gateway for Sanmar to introduce itself to the whole international arena. Allan Brunton-Reed himself and his kind team have always supported us both in a professional and friendly way. On this 10th anniversary, we would like to congratulate all who have contributed to publishing this wonderful magazine. Thank you guys!

Cem Seven - Sanmar Marine, Turkey.

The ten years of International Tug and Salvage magazine spans the period from the UK’s response to the Braer incident through Sea Empress (Donaldson; SOSREP), Castor, Erica and Prestige (the 'Erica packages'; places of refuge; EMSA) and 9/11 (ISM; port security). Against this background the SOSREP role and system was created, tested and developed within the UK. I believe it works. Respect for the UK system and the Agency and individuals, who maintain and operate it, has grown. Feedback has come in from unexpected sources such as salvors and salvage companies, harbour masters, ship owners and the legal and insurance world. International Tug and Salvage was one of the few magazines that a thoughtful MCA had ordered for me before I joined. And it is through this and other nautical publications, the ITS Conferences, through the ISU and a background of marine incidents that the intercourse necessary to develop and maintain the mutual trust so essential to joined-up response has grown. Happy Birthday International Tug & Salvage – may your participation and contribution during the next ten years remain undiminished!

Robin Middleton - SOSREP, UK.

My warm congratulations on the 10th anniversary of International Tug & Salvage magazine and my compliments to the editor for a decade of continuous professional and valuable information on our industry. Having been in the towing business now for more than 15 years I appreciate the high value of information this magazine has contributed in such a professional manner to our industry. Many other industries would be pleased to have a similar publication covering all areas of their business in such a way. May be that the open communication platform IT&S has established over the years to all partners of our business enabled us in such an easy way to exchange our point of views, despite naturally different interests. I wish International Tug & Salvage a further successful decade and many critical but satisfied readers like me.

Jens Bartels – Voith, Germany.

Congratulations! During the past ten years your magazine has become one of the leading sources of information in our industry. With up to date articles and pictures, it is a magazine which I enjoy receiving and reading thoroughly. With the world-wide network of tugboat and salvage related subscribers, it is the magazine for promoting the activities of ship owners, ship yards, vendors and all other related products. Especially the so called Editor’s Comment, which is always on the dot and clear about what’s going on in our industry. For Allan Brunton-Reed, the man who brings the whole industry together every two years, it must be very satisfying that this magazine has been such a success. From me a well meant “chapeau”.

Ton Kooren – Kooren Shipbuilding & Trading, The Netherlands.

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS Congratulations! We at Rolls-Royce want to express our congratulations to International Tug & Salvage magazine producers for the 10 year’s mileage. Over these years it has been very interesting to follow the development of this specific business sector and to see the improvement of the magazine as well as being involved in this development. Today we can see that the new tugs are needing increasing power and are bigger in size to cater for ltirole operations with highest efficiency. In this process we at Rolls-Royce want to play the major role. We are confident that IT&S agazine will see us through to a prosperous future.

Risto Järvinen - Rolls-Royce Marine, Finland.

I was delighted to hear that you are celebrating your 10th anniversary with your Nov/Dec issue. Congratulations and thank you for producing a magazine of such interest and quality. It really is testament to how much you care for this industry. Congratulations also to Allan Brunton-Reed for what he has achieved. Not only putting together the team that has made the magazine what it is, but also in making the ITS Conferences such a success. I don’t think that anyone anticipated the changes to the Tug and Salvage Industry that have happened over the last ten years. I enture to suggest that Allan and his team, through the magazine and the conferences, helped it all to happen. I wish you all the very best.

James Dowson - Former CEO, Shipowners Protection, UK.

International Tug and Salvage has been the tug and salvage industry’s key source of global news and information. Our company, McAllister Towing, spans the entire East Coast of the United States, and we rely on this important publication to stay informed about tugboat innovations and operations world-wide. IT&S, in my mind, not only documents, but continually influences the evolution of the tug and salvage industry.

Captain Brian A McAllister, president - McAllister Towing. USA.

Congratulations to International Tug & Salvage on its 10th anniversary. Over the past decade you have done an exceptional job of keeping the industry and the world informed on key issues of significant importance to the salvage Industry. Further, your biennial Convention and Exhibition always seem to provide the optimum forum for the international salvage and towing community to meet, exchange ideas, network and forge lifelong relationships. On behalf of the entire American Salvage Association, I reiterate my congratulations for a job well done.

George Wittich, president - American Salvage
Association

International Tug & Salvage is a flag ship publication for the salvage industry, including all members of the International Salvage Union. Over the years IT&S has always been a strong and powerful supporter of the companies who are responsible for providing emergency services at sea. On behalf of the ISU, I offer our congratulations to IT&S and its editorial team on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the launch of a very important publication.

Hans van Rooij, president - International Salvage Union.