People & Company News

Friede Goldman Halter, Inc. (FGH) announced the appointment of Robert L. Champagne, CPA, as its Executive Vice President and CFO. Champagne has been employed with KPMG for 28 years, 18 of which he served as a partner in the firm. In addition to Mr. Champagne's appointment, Chuck DeCuir has been appointed Senior Vice President, Contracts, Legal Affairs and Risk Management, of Friede Goldman Halter, Inc. "Since becoming CEO, I have made it a major focus to strengthen the financial and Corporate Risk Management areas of the Company. Bobs 18 years of partnership experience, working with a number of publicly held companies, gives us solid financial leadership. Bob will also be working with Chris Cunningham, who was recently appointed Vice President of Investor Relations, to improve our corporate communications. I am extremely pleased to announce these appointments to our Senior Management Team," said John Alford.

GE Capital Launches Gecfo.com Portal

GE Capital has further established itself within the online information marketplace with the launching of a new portal featuring a vast array of financial products, services, research and information geared for CFOs and financial executives. The new GE CFO Solutions (www.GECFO.com) leverages the resources of four GE Capital businesses to meet all financing needs - from equipment to real estate leasing, working capital, term loans and senior debt. The site is designed to assist senior financial managers of middle market companies find the financing products they need for organic growth, acquisition, tax and balance sheet or restructuring.

Crowley Promotes Sweeney

Crowley Marine Services has promoted Alex Sweeney to vice president, Valdez Business Unit. Sweeney is responsible for all marine activities in support of the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company's Ship Escort Response Vessel System (SERVS) in Alaska. SERVS' mission is to prevent oil spills by assisting tankers in safe navigation through Prince William Sound and to protect the environment by providing rapid and effective response services. Sweeney and his staff and crews are helping SERVS meet this critical mission in the harsh environment of Prince William Sound by operating the most technically advanced fleet of escort vessels in the world. Sweeney joined Crowley in 1980 and has more than 20 years experience in marine operations for Crowley on the east and west coasts. In 1998 he was promoted to the director of Atlantic Operations, and in 1999 was relocated to Valdez and promoted to the position of general manager, Valdez Services. In 1997, Sweeney was presented with the Thomas Crowley Trophy, which is Crowley Maritime's highest honor. Crowley has also reported that Tim Gleason has joined as director of Business Solutions at the company's Jacksonville locale. In this position, Gleason will be working with the business development group to devise and coordinate supply chain solutions for customers.

Safeco Announces Appointments

Safeco Credit Co. has elected Alan Keefe to National Maritime Marketing Executive. Keefe has been with Safeco since 1989 and has worked closely with many marine operators in the tug & barge and passenger vessel industries in the Pacific Northwest. Safeco has promoted Kevin J. Vitulli from senior marketing representative to division manager of National Accounts. A graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in Economics, Vitulli has more than 19 years of experience in sales and marketing.

Rockwell Automation Offers Free CD-ROM and Brochure

Rockwell Automation, a leader in complete automation, announces a free CD-ROM and brochure that offers users convenient and comprehensive information on capabilities and industry application experience of Rockwell Automation Drive Systems.

The CD-ROM will help users understand drive systems and how Rockwell Automation can help implement a total, integrated drive systems solution. The CD-ROM also provides an overview of how drive systems are applied to the crane and hoist industry. Additionally, the four-page brochure details Rockwell Automation's expertise in drive systems. It highlights industry applications, systems solutions and expert knowledge.

Imtra Offers Range of Access Hatches

Imtra is now offering a new range of access hatches in 4000 and 3000 series. The 4000 series is available in four sizes and three colors. They open 180 degrees and lay flat to deck. They are available with rotating handles and a continuous cutout for easy installation. The fasteners are hidden by the cove and the large hatches are available with an optional locking assembly. In addition, Imtra has 8 in. and 10 in. round hatches. The round hatches have removable covers and feature the same low-profile styling as the 3000 series rectangular hatches.

The 3000 series offers three rectangular hatches in small medium and large. They are available in white, dream white and grey. Imtra access hatches are made with durable UV resistant ASA plastic and have a soft gasket that insures a weather tight seal. Installation is easy and can be used as a battery box lid or inspection port.

Delmar, BP Install Suction Anchors

Delmar Systems, Inc., utilized multiple mooring techniques to successfully moor a semi-submersible rig for BP at is Gulf of Mexico "Mad Dog III" location.

Due to the sloping nature of the sea floor, Delmar moored Diamond Offshore's Ocean Victory at the 4,300-foot location using a combination of the rig's on-board mooring equipment and three preset mooring legs. The preset mooring legs were installed on location using Delmar's patented Subsea Connector and single-vessel installation procedure.

The rig's mooring systems consists of conventional chain and wire segments attached to high-holding capacity anchors. The Delmar suction anchor legs consists of two suction anchors, one 9.5-ft. diameter x 60-ft. long and the other 9.5-ft. diameter by 50-ft. long. These suction anchors were connected to 3,000-ft. x 3.25-in. sections of chain and 6,000 ft. x 3.5-in. sections of wire rope. Additionally, Delmar preset a 15-MT Bruce anchor and subsequently connected the rig to this system upon arrival at location. Convention anchor handling operations and connection to pre-set moorings were completed in an efficient 28 hours. "Given the severe seafloor conditions, the 'Mad Dog III' location presented numerous design challenges in developing a sound mooring system. Delmar modified and fabricated suction anchors from one of our standard designs to accommodate site-specific soils and loading requirements. Delmar's suction anchor technology, efficient installation method and patented connector proved to be not only the most time efficient mooring system for 'Mad Dog III', but also the most cost effective." said Evan Zimmeman, Delmar Chief Engineer.

Trans-Positioners Helps Save Time, Reduce Labor

Trans-Positioners from Interthor allows workers to lift, transport, and position up to 3,000 pounds at a time. Whether used for loading or off-loading pallets, picking orders or positioning materials at workbenches or production machines, Trans-Positioners significantly increase safety and productivity.

Trans-Positioners is designed to handle any type of pallet or skid and is easy to use. Low 52.5 in.overall, height and dual-wheel steering provide unobstructed operator views and optimum maneuverability. The customer can choose manual or electric lift and drive. Standard features on all models include infinite height adjustment, safety wheel/toe guards, and auto-stop release. Electric models have extended-duty cycles, battery discharge indicators, and integral battery chargers.

Additionally, Trans-Positioners is available in two basic configurations. The "Fork Over" handles skids and pallets with no cross-bottoms boards. The "Straddle" handles pallets and skids with either opened or closed bottoms. Standard fork lengths are 42-in. for "Straddle" models and 45-in. for "Fork Over" units. Other fork lengths are available.