Welcome The Little Black Box
There is a groundswell of commitment for mandating the installation of "black boxes" aboard ships, so that in the in the unlikely case of a disaster, history will not repeat itself. At an estimated cost of $75,000 to $150,000 per ship, however, safety will not come cheaply. If it has not already, in a few years time the name Erika will conjure many of the same emotions and financial achings as the name Valdez. The tanker that broke up and sank off the coast of France just prior to Christmas 1999 has resulted in a veritable groundswell of political and industry activity which will likely result in fundamental changes to the way in which ships — particularly those carrying oil products or hazardous materials — are outfitted and operated.
Editor’s Note
This month’s edition amply displays how two of the maritime market’s driving forces — technology and legislation — simultaneously clash, meld and otherwise work together and apart to dictate the look, design and outfitting of ships and boats of tomorrow. The marine market, which has often and unfairly been labeled conservative, is embracing many sweeping changes, which are designed to enhance safety and operational efficiency. As usual, the impetus for change has been an unsightly and costly — both in terms of sullied beaches, animals as well as tarnished reputations — casualty. In this instance, the name Erika is being thrown about with the same invective as Valdez was more than a decade ago; a name that is sure to become synonymous with the drive for safer ships.
