New sectors, new business

摘要

It has now been over four years since the Gulf of Mexico offshore slump began. But at November's International WorkBoat Show there was little talk about hard times. Instead, I witnessed a lot of people running around with no time to chat. Why? They were busy conducting business. A good indicator of how business will be in the future are the shipyard booths. This year, like last, their booths were buzzing with people inquiring about what the yards can build and when. Yards, especially those in the Gulf, are continuing to diversify, a trend that started after the offshore downturn began. More and more, these yards are going after hot sectors like passenger vessels.