Ramifications and future fall-out on the world, nation and marine business from the terrorist attacks of September 11 will surely be a long, evolving process. It is impossible to conceive of what the next year will bring — business-wise — when it is difficult to project what is in store for the coming weeks and months. Gloom is surely the mood of the day, fed by daily reports of plummeting freight rates and oil prices, as well as Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings, such as was recently announced by American Classic Voyages and Renaissance Cruises. It is, however, more critical than ever to realize that the sun, both literally and figuratively, will rise again.