January 12 - Andre Grikitis, president and chief executive of Intermarine, says that in 2010 we can expect a very complex and demanding marketplace where only the well-experienced and well-financed will be able to ultimately satisfy the requirements of sh

In a statement of the company's website, Mr Grikitis says that forecasting 2010 into 2011 in the project and heavy lift sector is neither difficult nor terribly encouraging. "Our sector typically lags the rest of the shipping industry by some 12-18 months, and the overall signs of a recovery are not yet strong. 

Mr Grikitis predicts that "projected cargo volumes will generally be insufficient to overcome the large number of newbuildings scheduled for delivery in 2010-2011. The excessive number of vessels ordered with 200+ ton lifting capacity - many of which were ordered without regard to marketplace demandswill impact all aspects of the project/heavylift sector for years to come. While the excess of new heavy lift vessels may not be as dramatic as the glut of vessels in the container and bulker industries, the resulting overcapacity will continue to drive rates down in our sector. 

"There has never been such a disproportionate gap between high and low rates given in any market on a sustained basis as we see today. The chaotic nature of the current freight market is exacerbated by new entrants with scant experience and by others inadequately staffed to meet the complexities of our changing industry. Our industry is no different than most others: experience and expertise count. I can buy golf clubs, maybe even at a discount, but I'll never be Tiger Woods. 

"The management cost of doing business in our sector is increasing as the requirements of shippers and their clients become more exacting. Heightened technical expectations and enhanced environmental, health and safety requirements both require in-house staffing that further pressures bottom line results. With eroding margins, not all carriers will have the financial resources to provide staffing to meet the ever-increasing demands of the marketplace." Mr Grikitis concludes. 

Agree? Disagree? Have you say now by emailing the editor on editorial@heavyliftpfi.com

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