A question of ownership
Finnish shipbuilding has made headlines during the last months. Unfortunately the interest of the press has not concerned the excellent ships delivered – it has mainly focused on the newbuildings not handed over in time. Aker Yards presented a poor result for 2007 and states that the losses have mainly been generated by ferries built in Finland. Many of the deliveries have been seriously delayed due to different problems. According to Aker Yards the operations in Finland are suffering from a high pressure on subcontractors: “A stretched suppliers’ market causes delays, and a number of deliveries from suppliers are still suffering from unacceptable quality”, they state.
SSG 8, April 18, 2008
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Photo: Jörgen Språng
Long hours on watch
The working hours for masters and watch keeping officers on small vessels have escalated and frequently exceed 91 hours per week. Research student and Captain Fredrik Hjorth at Kalmar Merchant Marine Academy has studied how safety at sea is affected by the working conditions on board.
SSG 8, April 18, 2008

Photo: Joachim Sjöström
Growing demand for an ageing fleet
Growing demand, an ageing fleet and the entry of private equity investors are signs indicating a positive future for the ro-ro industry and an accelerated newbuilding activity as soon as opportunities arrive, that is when there are shipyard slots available at affordable costs.
SSG 8, April 18, 2008

Photo: Anna Lundberg
Looking for the perfect time to order
John Engström at Swedish Dag Engström Shipping stands with the specification in hand, funds are substantial after several good ship deals and he has been travelling the world of shipbuilding yards for some years now. Everything is prepared, down to the last detail, for ordering a number of new ro-ro ships. But when is the right time to order?
SSG 8, April 18, 2008
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