MacGregor Acquires Rapp Marine
MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has signed an agreement to acquire Rapp Marine Group (RMG) in order to strengthen its offering for the fishery and research vessel segment. The enterprise value of the acquisition was approximately €16 million ($19 million). With RMG, MacGregor is able to expand upon its existing portfolio which already includes various deck handling equipment, such as cranes and booms, to now offer complete solutions with advanced winches and related control systems. "MacGregor has a strategic interest in widening services for customers within fishery and research segment," said Michel van Roozendaal, President, MacGregor. "Products needed for these demanding vessel types have to be safe, robust and reliable with a good after sales network.
PC Operator Workstation Uniquely Suited For Maritime Use
For the maritime industry, the advent of the personal computer and related control systems has been a boon. Bridge, propulsion and a host of other onboard controls, formerly a hodgepodge of nonstandard analog and digital systems, now are beginning to benefit from the compactness and standardization of the PC and related control architectures. "Open" systems (PC industry terminology for a variety of compatibility standards) and the familiar Windows user interface makes PC-based systems relatively easy to integrate, install, maintain and use. From bridge and deck stations to the engine room and the hold, the PC is here to stay. But between the familiar "pizza box" or "tower" design of commercial PCs and the rugged models that can stand up to the rigors of onboard operation lies a wide gulf.
