A new year

摘要

The first year for Ship & Boat International's new schedule has been a great success. Where several other publications have got smaller, or ceased publication altogether, this journal has increased its size and strength. Reduction of the publication frequency in order to save on the considerable distribution costs of an international magazine has paid off handsomely. The publishers have been able to bring readers more, rather than fewer, editorial pages, and to provide several longer features with more in-depth technical coverage. We hope that the success of our magazine can be echoed in the industry. Fast ferries, often quoted as a barometer of the smaller-tonnage shipping industry, are certainly in a better state than this time last year, despite losing their dedicated exhibition and conference. The patrol vessel market continues to benefit from the heightened emphasis on security. Tugs, workboats and offshore vessels show few signs of any slowdown in the market. The one area of near-universal pessimism - at least in Northern Europe - is fishing. However the industry is hanging on, and there are some causes for optimism. Ship & Boat International wishes its readers and advertisers a happy and successful 2004. And please remember, by keeping us informed you can help make our future coverage even better. Unfortunately some of the material received, particularly by e-mail, is not suitable for publication. We will be pleased to provide information as to how best to submit articles, press releases.