Marine Log - May 2008 - (Page 43)

Show Review AFTER SEATRADE THE SHOW uring the State of the Industry at this year’s Seatrade Cruise Shipping convention, panelists expressed optimism regarding cruise industry growth amidst the decreasing value of the U.S dollar and rising oil prices. The six-man panel included CEOs from major cruise lines who each expressed faith in the cruise industry’s ability to be resilient during these trying economic times. According to Daniel Hanrahan, chairman of the marketing committee for Cruise Lines International Association, (CLIA) and president and CEO of Azmara Cruises and Celebrity Cruises, the cruise industry has “a history of being recession resistant.” Gerald Cahill, president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines, said the cruise industry will continue to grow because it provides an inexpensive alternative to land-based vacations for those who do not want to give up their vacation time and want to spend less money. The panelists’ resounding optimism was, of course, backed by numbers. According to a poll conducted by CLIA in February of this year, 86% of travel agents expect for cruise booking sales to be as good or better than last year. CLIA also noted that its member lines are curwww.marinelog.com The exhibition floor at this year’s Seatrade D NY EXCEEDS 1.06 MILLION Even with the economy gasping for air, New York City managed to draw a MAY 2008 MARINE LOG 43 PHOTO: MICHAEL LEON rently operating at or over 100% occupancy with steady capacity growth within the last five years. CLIA projects that 12.8 million passengers will board cruise ships this year, with 10.5 million of those passengers coming from North America. Last year alone, 12.6 million passengers went on cruises, 10.3 million from North America. The increase in passengers goes hand in hand with the proliferation in ships. This year, ten new ships are joining the CLIA fleet and 36 new ships are on order with deliveries expected to be completed by 2012 bringing CLIA’s fleet total to 203. The new ships will result in a possible $300 million in commissions for travel agents who sell the 77,000 new beds. In addition, CLIA expects that the increase in ships will augment the number of jobs related to cruise lines to 440,000. The odds that the cruise industry will continue to grow are favorable; according to Richard Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises, as long as there are waters to sail, cruise lines wont have much to worry about. healthy 1.06 million passengers in 2007. The Manhattan terminal, which has undergone renovation, served 808,331 passengers. The $200 million renovation on the terminal includes its reconstruction, the widening of Pier 88, new gangways, and renovated heating and cooling systems. The Brooklyn terminal, which was reconstructed, serviced 255,080 passengers. According to a 2006 Economic Impact study by CLIA, New York City’s cruise industry provides 13,421 jobs and led to more than $1 billion in direct purchases. LLOYD’S SUPPORT CENTRE GOES GLOBAL Lloyd’s Register is expanding its Passenger Ship Support Centre (PSSC) to service its clients around the world. The expansion includes creating two new centers based in Europe with completion expected in 2009. According to LR the new PSSCs in Europe will “help Lloyd’s Register align its service delivery process with clients’ needs.” LR will have an increased presence with ship owners, regulators and organizations. LR’s Fort Lauderdale, Fla., office, which has houses the original centre, is also expanding to include an additional 1,300 sq ft. ML http://www.marinelog.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Marine Log - May 2008

Marine Log - May 2008 Contents Editorial Second Thoughts Update Inside Washington Europe Plots Its Tech Strategy SDNV Container Ship Update Diesels Can Burn Anything: Even Clean Fuel Boost for Small Shipyards Gateway to the Caribbean Room to Grow Show Review Tech News Newsmakers Contracts Events Website Directory ML Buyer's Guide ML Marketplace Maritime Salvage Letters

Marine Log - May 2008

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