NEWSLETTER BEGIN For Immediate Release CaptainSuite for Transportation Management Gains Customers; Phase II Launched by Horizon Services Group Dallas, TX, Aug. 20, 2002 ­ Horizon Services Group, the leading provider of logistics management software and consulting services for ocean shipping, has launched the second wave of CaptainSuite solutions for transportation management. Phase II of CaptainSuite includes an additional six software packages designed to solve management and operations issues specific to logistics and transportation companies worldwide. The first CaptainSuite products, introduced in May, have received a warm market welcome, raising expectations for this second phase of solutions. "CaptainSuite software gives us what we need to reduce business costs without the big upfront price tag and commitment to process change," said Monty Smith, Chief Information Officer of Pacific Alaska Forwarders, based in Washington. "Horizon understood where we needed to go and gave us a way to get there within a week. We have been running the software ever since without a glitch." Pacific Alaska Forwarders, a leading third-party logistics provider to Alaska, has implemented HAZcaptain from Horizon Services. PAF has been doing business in the Alaska trades for 40 years. The first CaptainSuite launch included HAZcaptain for monitoring hazardous materials shipments; FREIGHTcaptain for managing less-than-truckload shipments; SEDcaptain for filing Shipper Export Declarations electronically with Customs; DISPATCHcaptain for automatically assigning intermodal moves to third-parties; GATEcaptain for managing port yard access; and LOADcaptain for optimizing container and pallet loads. A new version of SEDcaptain based on Microsoft .NET technology will be released in coming weeks. Using .NET, Horizon can develop solutions based on XML programming technology, making integration between systems inside and outside a company far more cost-effective and simple. Phase II includes the following products. Each solution is web-based: TEXTcaptain Allows business users to manage content displayed on designated web sites. A great product for marketing departments who want to be able to implement content and changes, quick and efficiently without the bottleneck or cost of IT department and web development resources. SALEScaptain A tool for container carriers Sales and Marketing departments to manage sales. Includes Account Reporting and Tracking System modules, this tool is used to improve and proactively manage customer accounts in the ocean business. RAILcaptain Designed to facilitate the management and automatic sending of EDI messages to and from railroads. This also interacts with ROUTEcaptain to determine rail routes to take and if a rate is assigned. There is special processing for hazardous materials rail billing to comply with rail billing standards. The user also has the ability to track if the rail billing has been received by the carrier. COSTcaptain System that automates the reconciliation of rail moves and minimizes the amount of manual processes from an administrative role. The reconciliation of truck moves is charted and tracked effectively and at the leg and trip level, allowing for greater control over inland costs. ROUTEcaptain Routing system to assign routes based on business rules for rail and truck routes, ocean routes and barge routes. The routes are dynamically generated and optimized based on criteria sent to the system for each booking, which allows for business control and updates. There is a common interface between all systems retrieving routes which eliminates differences in routes returned to different systems. Core functionality includes - cutoff, departure, arrival and availability times, mileage, modal delay ability, dry docking logic, hours of operation/holiday schedule for each facility, and the ability for logistics departments to interface with the system, for example, to warn the users or lock a vessel per service. AUTOcaptain Provides detailed shipment tracking and management for automobile shipments. This system collects additional data regarding the individual autos to track customer information, detailed tracking for shipment status including: received, load, stage (targeting a vessel), in route, projected arrival at port, actual arrival at port, devan, deliver (to next carrier) to final delivery, and bar code scanning/tracking for data collection automation. This system also provides EDI interchange to satisfy auto manufacturer requirements. The system automates the EDI transmission of shipment information and statuses based on events that occur in processing vehicles, such as received, shipped, delivered, etc. The AUTOcaptain application also produces shipping documentation such as port directions/instructions for personally owned vehicles delivered to the port, delivery receipts, dealer notifications, and staging receipts to gate in the loaded auto stack. About Horizon Horizon Services Group was formed in 2001 as a wholly owned subsidiary of CSX Lines, the leading U.S. Jones Act shipping company. Horizon is based in Dallas, Texas. Its mission is to assist logistics companies in applying creative information technology solutions for improving customer service while reducing the cost of doing business. Horizon recently entered into a partnership with Microsoft Corp. to design next-generation software for logistics management using Microsoft¹s new .NET XML-based development technology. For more information please visit http://www.horizonservicesgroup.com/. Contact: Gordon Forsyth BSY Associates Inc. (973) 226-8580 Press Release 14/08/2002 The Public Warehousing Company (PWC) and Danisat Ltd. Announce a Customs Modernization and Fleet Tracking and Security Management Partnership Danisat Ltd., leading service providers of fleet management via the Thuraya Satellite System and The Public Warehousing Company KSC, a leading provider of supply chain and logistics services, have formed a partnership to provide PWC with the technology to assist their customers in controlling their fleets of vehicles moving across international borders, securing the drivers against assault and the cargo from theft, hijacking, tampering, or misuse - wherever their fleet might be. Through the partnership, Danisat and PWC will provide the technology and technical support as a value added service to customers. The partnership will enable PWC customers to improve the control and security of inbound and outbound goods for delivery to high security areas, provide the ability to track containers through the internet, offer connectivity to customers through numerous input and output devices, monitor and assess, in real time, the quality of fleets of goods in transit and real time shipment information to PWC's customers. Moreover, Danisat's global fleet tracking and security management solution will enable PWC to extend their ISO certification to seamlessly quality control shipments from a stock control and temperature perspective. Danisat the producer of Thuraya based Fleet Management Systems has departments for development, production and distribution in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Danisat is also one of the leading Thuraya Service Providers and received the 2002 Thuraya performance award for performance in the market. PWC's partnership with Danisat is a clear demonstration of PWC's dedication of offering their customers the most reliable and cost effective technology based solutions for their goods while also enabling PWC to offer centralized, real time, warehouse management solutions to geographically dispersed locations and transit warehouses. By choosing Danisat as a partner PWC is ensured cost effective and highly reliable products and services. Danisat website: www.danisat.com PWC website: www.pwc.com.kw Danisat - Thuraya Satellite based communication systems Danisat Ltd. is an international communications company, with subsidiary companies in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, specialized in satelite communication particular in rural areas and Fleet Management Systems. The product portfolio of Danisat includes integrated satellite systems for professional applications and Fleet Management Systems - all based on the Thuraya satellite network, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and GPS (General Positioning System). The Danisat group of companies includes subsidiary companies specialized in research and development of hardware and software, production, distribution and support. It is the vision of Danisat to make communication available to everyone, everywhere. Further information on Danisat can be found at: ww Thought you would be interested. Note there is a web site listed at the bottom of the release where a photo is available for your use. L Information $50 MILLION LOCKHEED MARTIN SYSTEM READY TO MONITOR GULF OF SUEZ SAFETY SYRACUSE, N.Y., August 15, 2002, - Lockheed Martin has completed the final Site Acceptance Test (SAT) for the Gulf of Suez Vessel Traffic Information Management System (VTIMS), which will monitor and control ship traffic in all major port and harbor waters. The $50 million maritime safety system is the foundation of the Arab Republic of Egypt's total port management program. Work boats and fishing vessels traverse the 175-nautical-mile-long Gulf along with huge oil tankers and boats full of tourists visiting the famous Red Sea coral reefs. "The oil rigs on the Gulf of Suez and the tourism that surrounds our popular coral reefs help make up the backbone of our economy," said Admiral Sherin El Kady, chairman of the Ports and Lighthouses Administration, the customer for the project. "This maritime safety system supports Egypt's quest to promote tourism and commerce while preserving the environment and preventing disasters such as oil spills that could harm our natural resources." Lockheed Martin has provided the VTIMS under a contract signed in 1998. The system includes three Vessel Traffic Centers (VTCs) together with eight remote sensor sites, all connected via fiber optic wide-area networks. Two VTCs are in operation on the Gulf and a third is located in the Port of Safaga on the Red Sea. The new VTIMS will be complemented by a Search and Rescue (SAR) system, which Lockheed Martin will provide under a $50 million contract signed in February. That contract will provide the Egyptian Ministry of Transport with all the necessary capabilities to manage and respond to any maritime distress in the Gulf of Suez. "We are pleased to provide a safety system for one of the world's most prestigious waterways," said Mike Smith, president, Naval Electronics and Surveillance Systems (NE&SS)-Radar Systems. "Our VTIMS, combined with the search and rescue system, will provide Egypt and its citizens with one of the best-monitored, most responsive maritime programs in the world." Lockheed Martin's Maritime Safety, Security and Surveillance (MS3) business, based in Syracuse, N.Y., provides maritime safety systems to the United States Coast Guard under its Ports and Waterways Safety Systems (PAWSS) contract. Systems have been installed in Valdez, Alaska, and New Orleans, La. Lockheed Martin also has similar systems in operation or under construction in 14 countries on five continents. A leader in the design, development and integration of radar systems, marine traffic surveillance and port security, simulation and training systems, and other complex electronic systems, Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems (NE&SS) -Radar Systems serves customers including all branches of the U.S. armed forces, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Transportation and State, and defense and transportation departments of countries on six continents. NE&SS-Radar Systems employs approximately 2,300 people at its Syracuse, N.Y., headquarters and is a unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced-technology systems, products and services. The corporation's core businesses are systems integration, space, aeronautics, and technology services. # # # Media Contact: Kerri Donaleski, 315-456-3328; e-mail, For additional information; http://www.lockheedmartin.com/syracuse Photos available at; http://www.lockheedmartin.com/syracuse/news/gosz.html August 15, 2002 Dear Karl Jeffery, We are pleased to announce that L-3 Communications has acquired substantially all of the assets of Ross Engineering and will integrate the Ross product lines into the L-3 Communications' Aviation Recorders Division. With operations headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, L-3 Communications Aviation Recorders will be leveraging Ross Engineering's experience in marine communications, and couple it with L-3's financial, engineering, manufacturing, and marketing resources. This will allow L-3 to become a major supplier of Universal Automatic Identification Systems (UAIS) and Digital Selective Calling (DSC) VHF radios to the maritime industry. This acquisition will also enable L-3 to extend its product portfolio into other new product areas within the maritime industry. The L-3 Aviation Recorders Division is the leading supplier of the Hardened Voyage Recorder (HVR), the fully IMO compliant Final Recording Medium which is compatible for use with most of the currently available Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) systems. The HVR records voice, radar, radio, and shipboard performance data on solid-state memory housed in a crash-protected capsule. The capsule is designed to withstand the harsh environments of ocean going ships, as well as impact, deep-sea pressure, and fire. L-3 Communications, Aviation Recorders is also the recognized leader in the fabrication of Aviation Flight Data and Cockpit Voice Recorders, having supplied over 55,000 recorders to commercial, civil, and military aircraft operators and manufacturers in its 44-year history. Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading merchant supplier of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) products, secure communications systems and products, avionics and ocean products, training products, microwave components and telemetry, instrumentation, space and wireless products. Its customers include the Department of Defense, selected US government intelligence agencies, aerospace prime contractors and commercial telecommunications and wireless customers. In addition to the existing products, our extensive engineering staff is already engaged in the development and certification of the Ross Universal AIS and we expect to bring a fully type approved system to market later this year. For more information on L-3 Communications Aviation Recorders please contact: Alina Cemitier Communications Manager Telephone: (941) 379-1628 E-mail: alina.cemitier@L-3com.com Sincerely, Bruce G. Coffey President == 21 August 2002 UNIQUE SHIP SIMULATOR BOUGHT BY BP SHIPPING PC Rembrandt, the unique ship handling training simulator developed by British Maritime Technology's (BMT) subsidiary BMT SeaTech, has been supplied to BP Shipping for its new gas vessels it has been announced today. The take up of the system by BP Shipping represents a significant development in the continued success of PC Rembrandt. Subsequent systems are to be delivered to BP's newbuild liquid natural gas (LNG) carriers of which BP has 3 on order, with Samsung Heavy Industries in Korea. BP Shipping will use PC Rembrandt for: Ø Familiarisation with ports and to enhance the passage plan compilation Ø Shiphandling and navigational issues in ports Ø Familiarisation of officers with the handling characteristics of the new vessel Ø The evaluation of safe operating limits in ports under different wind, current and water depth conditions Ø The best use of tugs for berthing and unberthing Ø Risk assessments for new berth arrangements The office-based system will enable the assessment of risk during port entry and departure and the establishment of operational limits for proposed new LNG terminals. It will also be possible to present simulation results to pilots, harbourmasters, coast guards and regulatory authorities for approval and to support the operation of new ports. Additionally systems will be installed on the new ships and will be supplied with a dedicated control console and electronic charts of each or all the ports that the vessel's are likely to visit. Gwynne Lewis, Operations Director of BMT SeaTech said: 'Rembrandt is proving its value time and time again. No other system is as effective in terms of cost and resources and it is very encouraging to see the software being taken up by BP Shipping. We are sure that the advantages it provides will be realised by others.' Note to Editors: 1) British Maritime Technology BMT is a leading, multi-disciplinary engineering and technology consultancy, specialising in design, design support, risk management and salvage, principally in the defence, environment, insurance, oil and gas and transportation sectors. BMT invests significantly in research. Its customers are served through a network of international subsidiary companies, based throughout the UK and in Europe, North America and Asia. The assets of the company are held in beneficial ownership for its staff. Web site: www.bmt.org 2) BMT SeaTech BMT SeaTech provides software and complimentary products for structural and hydrodynamic performance assessment, navigation and marine traffic impact studies. 3) PC Rembrandt - further details: PC Rembrandt is a PC based real or fast time ship manoeuvring simulator designed for training and performance evaluation applications. It utilises mathematical ship models developed by BMT SeaTech from many years of research into ship hydrodynamics and manoeuvring performance. The mathematical model is equivalent in accuracy to those found on full mission ship simulators and includes the effects of water depth, wind and current. Simulations can be saved and re-played in a VCR style presentation for ease of use and clarity and detailed reports including position plots can be produced. It can be used for manoeuvre rehearsal prior to entering or leaving a port, training for junior and senior officers, familiarisation with specific control devices (such as podded propulsion), briefing and de-briefing for the ship's officers. Objective assessment of the wind and current in relation to the number of tugs required for the berthing or un-berthing of a vessel. PC Rembrandt is the world's most adopted shipboard simulator, used by many of the world's cruise ships. The first version came onto the market in 1997. The second was released in 1999 and the latest version was released in May 2001. It has been installed on many major vessels such as the P&O Princess Cruises' Golden Princess and Star Princess, as well as Royal Caribbean International's Radiance of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas. It has also been installed at Associated British Ports' (ABP) Port of Southampton. 4) For further information please contact: Shona Benson / Chris White BMT Press Office c/o Republic Tel: +44 (0)20 7379 5000 ext 230 / 235 Fax: +44 (0)20 7379 5133 E-mail: shona@republicpr.com or chris@republicpr.com Videotel warns shipowners over security training requirements LEADING maritime training provider, Videotel Marine International has advised shipowners to prepare themselves for the fundamental changes expected in ship security regulations. In the aftermath of terrorist attacks and increased pirate activity it is likely that shipowners will face a mandatory requirement to provide ship security officers on all sizeable vessels. "We expect that every vessel above 500 gt will be required to have a designated security officer to take responsibility for security issues and the vessel's formal security plan," says Len Holder, chairman of Videotel. "The officer will have to take on these responsibilities in addition to their normal duties. Shipowners will need to demonstrate that security responsibilities are being met and this will mean an extensive training program will have to be implemented across the world fleet." Currently, only passenger ships and nuclear vessels are required to have a trained ship security officer onboard. But the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is widely expected to announce in December 2002 that the role of ship security officer will become a mandatory requirement on all vessels. Videotel has been working closely with the IMO and other prominent organisations to produce a computer-based training course especially designed for training ship security officers. The course, Ship Security Officer, consists of an interactive CD-ROM-based training package which comes complete with on-screen assessment and testing capabilities. Ship Security Officer ensures an officer is trained in all aspects of security and helps the officer to formulate an effective security plan for their vessel. In addition the course provides a training video, designed to assist the ship security officer in the important role of disseminating security information to all the ship's crew, and a printed booklet to allow study away from the messroom or computer. "Today's seafarers operate in an increasingly pressured environment and finding the time to take on additional security responsibilities is going to be difficult," says Chris Haughton, deputy managing director of Videotel. "But ship security is a major issue. The Ship Security Officer training package allows shipowners to demonstrate that security responsibilities are being met whilst ensuring seafarers are provided with a realistic and flexible approach to training. Ship Security Officer can be used at sea or ashore and the course will be accredited by a third party with certificates of completion being issued to all validated candidates." Ship Security Officer is currently in the final stages of completion and is due to be launched in early 2003. To ensure Ship Security Officer meets international requirements, Videotel is currently waiting for the IMO to finalise the security guidelines and amend the STCW convention before completing the training package. * Videotel Marine International is a market leader in the provision of quality computer-, video- and DVD-based training packages for the maritime industry. The company provides training packages through outright purchase and long-term library rental schemes. Videotel currently offers over 350 titles, including the award winning Coping With Stowaways video package and the Collision Avoidance and Safety Officer Training CD-ROM. For more information contact: Issued by: Barbara Steinberg Claire Rich Videotel Marine International Merlin Corporate Communications Tel. +44 (0) 20 7299 1801 Tel. +44 (0) 1293 55 00 44 Fax. +44 (0) 20 7299 1818 Fax. +44 (0) 1293 55 04 04 mail@videotelmail.com claire@merlinco.com www.videotel.co.uk Maritime Telecommunications Network Provides OceanNews Services to ResidenSea Miramar, Florida , March 5, 2002 - August 20, 2002 - Maritime Telecommunications Network, Inc. (MTN) announced today that they have entered into an agreement with ResidenSea Ltd. to become the exclusive provider for onboard Newspaper newspaper Services services for their innovative new vessel, The World, the first resort community at sea continuously circumnavigating the globe. MTN, the leader in maritime communications and a Verestar company, will use cutting-edge technology to meet ResidenSea's remote communication needs. As specialists in providing global satellite services and superior communications facilities for maritime vessels as well as the cruise line industry, MTN has formed a strategic alliancein association with their partner in this joint venture, with NewsPaperDirectNewspaperDirect towill deliver current, full-format newspapers from around the world directly to the cruise vessel while at seain route or in foreign ports. ResidenSea is the innovative developer of live onboard luxury ships. The World of ResidenSea will be the first resort community at sea continuously circumnavigating the globe. Comprised of 110 elegant, spacious, fully furnished privately owned residential apartments - many of which are available for rental - and 88 guest suites available for family & friends of residents, this revolutionary ship is fully equipped with an extensive array of dining venues, sports and fitness facilities, and entertainment choices plus reciprocal privileges at private clubs around the world MTN and NewspaperDirect have made it easy for cruise residents and guests of The World to read the newspapers they want every day with the OceanNews service. State-of-the-art technology and the power of the Internet bring current, digitally imaged, full-format newspapers on board. NewspaperDirect's Network Operations Center collects and receives newspapers from publishers around the clock via the Internet. Newspaper files are stored on MTN servers and pushed through MTN's ShipNet (Satellite High-Speed IP Network) to the printers onboard the vessel. Copies of the newspapers are ready to print on demand, and the cruise onboard guests passengers can receive their hometown newspaper on the open seas. Residents and gGuests of The World can subscribe for the entire cruise days, weeks or months at a time or order individual newspapers at any time during their staya voyage. This newspaper service will enables ResidenSea to provide one more yet another personal amenity to their guests residents and guests of The World, in addition to offering the most sophisticated communications networks available, through services including high-speed telephone, fax and data services and a variety of Internet capabilities already furnished by MTN. ResidenSea is the innovative developer of live onboard luxury ships. The World of ResidenSea will be the first resort community at sea continuously circumnavigating the globe. Comprised of 110 elegant, spacious, fully furnished privately owned residential apartments - many of which are available for rental - and 88 guest suites available for family & friends of residents, this revolutionary ship is fully equipped with an extensive array of dining venues, sports and fitness facilities, and entertainment choices plus reciprocal privileges at private clubs around the world Bradford Briggs, MTN's Senior Vice President and General Manager states, "MTN is excited to bring the extended convenience of full format newspaper service to vessels served by MTN's global satellite network. We look forward to delivering OceanNews and other exciting emerging technologies to our customers." [quote from MTN] [quote from ResidenSea contact] "We are happy to meet our residents' and guests' requests for daily home-townhometown, international as well asand financial news they are used to," said_____________, manager of _______________, Rene Peter, General Manager of The World. "MTN and NewspaperDirect share our vision of complete customer satisfaction, and we are assured that our newthe OceanNews Service will beis an added value to our residents' and guest's' experience aboard The World." About Maritime Telecommunications Network Maritime Telecommunications Network, Inc. (MTN), the leader in maritime communications, provides C-Band voice, fax, data and Internet communications to the cruise and offshore industries, and the U.S. Navy throughout the world. MTN also provides ship-to-shore live video and radio broadcast capabilities in C- or Ku-Band. MTN is owned by its parent company Verestar, Inc. More information is available at www.mtnsat.com .Maritime Telecommunications Network, Inc. (MTN), the leader in maritime communications, provides C-Band voice, fax, data and Internet communications as well as Inmarsat services to the cruise and offshore industries, and the U.S. Navy throughout the world. MTN also provides ship-to-shore live video and radio broadcast capabilities in C- or Ku-Band. MTN is owned by its parent company Verestar, Inc., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT). More information is available at www.mtnsat.com . About Verestar, Inc. Verestar, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of American Tower Corporation (NYSE: AMT), is a carrier-neutral provider of integrated satellite and fiber network access solutions worldwide, delivering and managing customer's mission critical communications on the ground, in space and at sea. Verestar, Inc. also owns and operates: Interpacket Networks, which provides international Internet Service Providers (ISPs) high-speed Internet backbone connectivity and Internet business services; Maritime Telecommunications Network, Inc. (MTN), offering Internet, voice and data services to the cruise ship, oil and gas industries; and General Telecom, Verestar's voice-switching company. The company owns more than 10 Satellite Network Access Points (SNAPs), with an inventory of over 175 antennas. For more information, visit our web site at www.verestar.com . About NewspaperDirect NewspaperDirect is the leading innovator in electronic newspaper delivery. Established in 1999 to open new distribution channels for international newspaper publishers, NewspaperDirect provides global business travelers with their favorite newspaper. NewspaperDirect utilizes its proprietary technology to distribute and print digitally imaged, full-format newspapers to a wide variety of client installations including luxury hotels, cruise ships, airlines, libraries, and research facilities. For more information, visit their web site at www.newspaperdirect.com . About The World The World of ResidenSea is the first resort community at sea continuously circumnavigating the globe, comprised of 88 studio residences available for the high-end vacation market and 110 two- and three-bedroom privately owned residences, many of which are available for rental. The World began its pioneering odyssey in March 2002 on a worldwide itinerary coinciding with major international events such as the Cannes Film Festival, Scotland's British and the America's Cup in New Zealand. Extended stays of up to five days give residents and guests the time to experience all the sights, sounds and flavors of the world's most exciting ports. For more information about The World's residential purchase options, please call 305-264-9090; for residence rentals, call your travel professional or ResidenSea at 800-970-6601 in the US or Canada or +1-305-779-3399 outside the US; or visit ResidenSea's Web site at www.residensea.com. About ResidenSea ResidenSea is the innovative leader in developing, building and selling unique residences onboard purpose-built luxury ships. The World of ResidenSea, a unique new ship specially designed to accommodate spacious private residences and guest suites, will be an exclusive residential community at sea. The ship will sail continuously around the world, always in the most pleasant climate and with an itinerary that includes major international events and attractions. ResidenSea will invite individuals and corporations worldwide to purchase rights to occupy furnished and fully serviced residences, with those sales covering the cost of the ship. The company will operate the Club and guest suites, and manage the ship. For more information please visit This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning our goals, beliefs, expectations, strategies, objectives, plans, future operating results and underlying assumptions, and other statements that are not of historical facts. American Tower Corporation, "the Company," wishes to caution readers that certain important factors could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated the forward-looking statements. Such important factors with respect to Verestar include, but are not limited to (i) the reliance on increasing demand for internet and international data transmissions; (ii) the use of satellites and fiber for internet data and other transmissions; (iii) risks inherent in extensive foreign operations, including governmental regulation of business in general and internet content and operations in particular, government expropriation, currency fluctuations, inability to repatriate any earnings or other funds, and language and cultural differences that could impair management control and operations; (iv) large fixed costs based on long-term leases of satellite space; (v) dependence on third-party satellite operators; (vi) competitive pressures from third-party satellite operators, several of whom are large international companies and (vii) the successful operational integration of acquisitions. Additional important factors relating to the Company include, but are not limited to (a) substantial capital requirements and leverage principally as a consequence of its ongoing acquisitions and construction activities; (b) the success of the Company's tower construction program; (c) the successful operational integration of the Company's business acquisitions; and (d) a significant general slow down in the economy in 2002 could reduce consumer demand for wireless services, thereby causing providers to delay implementation of new systems and technologies. We also believe the slow down, which began in 2001, has harmed, and may continue to harm, the financial condition of some wireless service providers. For other important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements, we refer you to the caption entitled " Factors That May Affect Future Results" in the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, which we incorporate herein by reference. We undertake no obligation to update the information contained in this press release to reflect subsequently occurring events or circumstances. ### Xantic and Faslink Communications to provide on-line banking facilities to The Philippines Xantic has announced the signing of a groundbreaking agreement with Faslink Communications. Xantic will contribute satellite airtime and business support to Faslink, which is providing a new generation of communication facilities to banks and financial institutions across the Philippine archipelago. Faslink Communications provides complete end-to-end turn-key solutions to the banking industry. Working in partnership with Xantic, Faslink is now able to offer financial institutions in The Philippines a solution based on Global Area Network (GAN) terminals, with Mobile Packet Data Service (MPDS) capabilities. This will provide the missing link to banks located in rural areas, where the current communications infrastructure is neither economical nor reliable. The communication infrastructure challenge faced by the Philippine archipelago offers a textbook example of the benefits of satcom solutions. It comprises over 7,100 islands, with vast mountainous terrains separated by bodies of water. Currently, all financial transactions in rural areas are still covered by cheques, with all the delays in both payment and actual financial status data this implies. The new Xantic/Faslink service will offer on-line data and transfers to over 2800 banks spread across the provinces of The Philippines. In excess of six million workers located in rural areas will then receive their wages on time, just one of the practical improvements in service that these banks will now be able to offer their customers. Faslink is now preparing comprehensive EFT/POS and ATM switching facilities using GAN terminals with MPDS. This will offer a secure, quick, cost effective and reliable way of linking the local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) in The Philippines. The turn-key project will be rolled out over a period of three years. Xantic conducted an extensive testing programme, helping ensure that the banks will be able to conduct business without any interruption. "One of the primary reasons for choosing to work with Xantic is the local support it offers us," commented Ronald Fesalbon, Chief Operating Officer of Faslink Communications. "Xantic's staff has been involved in testing the equipment for the first banks involved in the project and will continue in providing on-site assistance with the deployment of the network. As the only Inmarsat Service Provider with viable local presence in the Philippines, Xantic's role will be crucial to delivering quality service with immediate response to customers' problems." "This project demonstrates the success of our 'think global, act local philosophy'," said James de Vroome - Vice President Asia Pacific of Xantic. "It also shows our commitment to act as a genuine business partner to Inmarsat Service Providers. By working together in this way, the quality of the service provided to end users is extremely enhanced. And Xantic's ability to offer added value options such as MPDS gives a genuine technological foundation to such cooperations." The addition of MPDS capabilities is especially important to this project as it offers the required bandwidth for transmitting financial information. MPDS operates on 64kbit/s satellite channels, for both the to-mobile and from-mobile directions. It allows for continuous, always-online connections and because it is being packet switched, users are only charged for the actual data packets sent and received rather than for the time online. The Hague August 21st August 2002 Editor's note: For further information, please contact: Marguerite Evenaar, Xantic Communications, Tel: +31 70 343 2734; email: corp.comms@xantic.net About Xantic: Xantic was formed by the merger between Station 12, Telstra Global Satellite, SpecTec and KPN Broadcast. By combining the knowledge, expertise and skills of four top companies, Xantic has created an unrivalled portfolio of solutions in an area known as CAT: Content, Applications and Transactions. As a result, Xantic is one of the world's leading satellite communication providers, offering high level ICT and CAT oriented solutions to all those who work in a business to business environment. Xantic operates two Land Earth Stations - one in Burum, The Netherlands, the other in Perth, Australia. With offices and agents in more than 29 countries, Xantic provides customers with premium service and quality, wherever they are in the world. For more information about Xantic visit www.xantic.net . About Faslink Communications Faslink Communications is a next-generation information and communication technology company. Its multinational activities are coordinated from its headquarters in Makati City, Philippines. NEWS r e l e a s e Revised Friday, August 16, 2002 For Immediate Release August 19, 2002 Stratos Launches Seamless Prepaid Service for Mini-M (Bethesda, MD) - Stratos, a leading global provider of remote communication solutions and services, announced today that it has launched seamless prepaid airtime services for Inmarsat Mini-M global satellite communications. This service is unlike any other offered in the industry today. Often an Inmarsat Mini-M owner or user would like to prepay for service rather than receive monthly airtime bills. This allows them to manage their airtime expenditures. Stratos Seamless Prepaid Airtime for Mini-M is the perfect solution to this requirement. In addition to being an effective management tool, Stratos Seamless Prepaid Airtime for Mini-M has many other benefits. Some of these benefits include: •It supports voice, fax, and data under one account. All of the primary and secondary dialing numbers (voice2, fax, data) associated with a terminal or SIM card are covered on a single account. •No additional account numbers are required. The terminal dial number or the SIM card is the account identifier. •No short codes to dial, no PINS, no calling cards, and no special software or hardware is needed. Also, no additional training is required. Dialing is as per normal procedures. •The service also allows for the caller's prepaid account to be refreshed with convenient forms of electronic payment, including credit cards and wire transfers. "Stratos Seamless Prepaid Airtime for Mini-M is another example of the leading-edge value-added services provided by Stratos," said Jim Parm, Stratos COO. "With this new offering, Mini-M users can now enjoy an unprecedented level of account manageability and calling convenience." About Stratos Stratos (www.stratosglobal.com) is a publicly traded (TSX:SGB) international telecommunication services provider offering customers operating in remote locations a variety of satellite and microwave wireless technologies to provide Internet Protocol, data and voice solutions through a range of newly emerging and established technologies such as Inmarsat, Intelsat, Iridium, VSAT, and others. Stratos serves an array of diverse markets including government, military, oil and gas, maritime, industrial, aeronautical, media and recreational users anywhere in the world. To learn more about Stratos Seamless Prepaid Airtime for Mini-M, please visit www.stratosglobal.com. - 30 - PRESS RELEASE, Oslo 22 August 2002 BP Marine joins Marine Transaction Services BP Marine, the world's leading supplier of fuels, lubricants and technical services to the global marine industry, joins Marine Transaction Services (MTS). MTS, a new initiative in marine e-commerce designed to bring greater efficiency into e-procurement and marine supplies, was launched in the middle of June. In addition to BP Marine, MTS is supported by leading marine suppliers Alfa Laval, Wartsila and Unitor, global technology and integration provider Cap Gemini Ernst & Young and e-commerce enabler e4marine. The inclusion of BP Marine to MTS extends the MTS offer to the marine industry. MTS covers all elements required for e-enabling of ship owners and suppliers, transmission of business transactions, provision and access to validated product data and notification services. With BP Marine on the team, MTS has included another major supplier to its infrastructure and thereby provides greater choice to the marine market for true e-commerce. Peter Davy, e-Business Manager of BP Marine, says: "BP Marine always look to the future and remain abreast of emerging technologies. Our association with MTS gives us the perfect opportunity to explore the opportunities presented and to position ourselves for the future." - ENDS - For further information please contact: Peter Stockley e4marine AS PO. Box 178 Skoyen N-0212 Oslo Norway Tel: +47 22 13 14 15 Fax: +47 22 13 45 01 Mail: peter.stockley@unitor.com Dear colleague in the Maritime field, The ICCAS 2002 conference will be held in Malmö September 9-12. If you have not registered already it is time to do so now. The final programme as well as registration form and other information can be found on www.iccas-conferences.com. Also the abstracts of the presentations are now available on the web. I am sure that this will be a very interesting conference and I look forward to see you there. I am sorry if you receive this mail several times. Regards, Kaj Johansson Chairman of ICCAS International Programme Committee _______________________________________________________________ Mr Kaj Johansson Director, International Research Tribon Solutions AB PO Box 50555 (visiting addr. Drottninggatan 18) SE-202 15 Malmo, Sweden Tel: +46 40 66 80 337, Fax: +46 40 66 80 301 Mobile: +46 706 910 337, Email: kaj.johansson@tribon.com Web: http://www.tribon.com _______________________________________________________________ == FROM MARTIME EXECUTIVE.COM Maritime Allies Voice Concerns About U.S. Maritime Security U.S. maritime allies, including Japan, the European Commission and International Maritime Organization have voiced their concerns about maritime security legislation to U.S. lawmakers. In a letter to the State Department, a group of foreign embassy attaches warned that proposed legislation could create a gap between United States and IMO regulations governing port assessments, and also highlights other maritime issues. The influential group of attaches handling shipping matters in the Washington embassies of 14 maritime nations including Japan and the European Commission. The letter states: "Given that the IMO process is on track, and that many of the U.S. concerns are being addressed, we urge the U.S. to take account of the international measures being considered by the IMO, the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) when considering the new U.S. legislation on maritime security. Many foreign governments have a number of concerns regarding impending U.S. legislation following the attacks of September 11. Firstly, we believe that port assessment is an important measure to enhance maritime security. At the IMO, most of our governments have agreed that port states should assess their own ports according to an IMO standard. However, in the bills adopted by the Senate and House there are provisions giving the U.S. Secretary of Transportation a mandate to address the effectiveness of the security measures maintained at a foreign port. If a port does not meet the Secretary's expectations, he could ultimately deny entry into the U.S. to any vessel arriving from that port. If enacted, these provisions could open a gap between the U.S. and the IMO approaches to port assessment. The communication will add weight to concerns already expressed by the commission, after US Customs signed bilateral Container Security initiatives with France, Belgium and the Netherlands." Additionally, the letter states; "that the Senate bill seems to be somewhat closer to the IMO approach as it contains provisions committing the Secretary to conduct assessments in consultation with appropriate authorities of the government of the foreign country concerned." It is also pointed out that, in the House bill, there is a provision that the owner or operator of a vessel or facility should ensure the availability of anti-terror measures. We agree that shipping companies will have to take on new responsibilities to attain an acceptable level of security, but at the same time we should make sure that there is a reasonable sharing of the burden between governments and the shipping industry in this respect. Washington is also being asked to consider the issue of Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), which indicate the position of a vessel with a transponder while in US waters. We would encourage legislators to adopt deadlines for AIS application that correspond to deadlines to be agreed upon in IMO. On a general level, the foreign governments support measures in the legislation establishing more reliable ID cards for seamen and the enhancement of container security. But there is a caveat: To be able to reap all the benefits from such measures, however, they should be implemented in a uniform manner on a global level. We hope that the relevant provisions adopted by the US Congress will be in line with the outcome of present deliberations in the ILO and the WCO respectively. We request the Department of State draws the content of this note to the attention of the Department of Transportation and to the appropriate Congressional committees. BALTIC EXCHANGE AND STRATEGIC SOFTWARE LIMITED: AGREEMENT The Baltic Exchange and Strategic Software Limited (Strategic) announce today (Tuesday) that heads of terms have been agreed under which the Exchange will acquire ownership of Strategic, the world's leading systems supplier to the shipping industry. The proposed acquisition of Strategic (which is subject to due diligence inquiries) marks a significant further stage in the Exchange's strategy of developing its electronic platform for shipbrokers, balticexchange.com. Launched a year ago for its shipbroking members and other subscribers, the electronic platform is a key part of the Baltic's strategy to provide a truly international exchange. This agreement follows discussions with the shareholders of Strategic and with Lloyd's Register- Fairplay (LR-F), the maritime publishing organisation, which withdrew from its interest in Strategic. More follows........// Speaking today, Peter Kitching, Chairman of the Exchange said: " The Exchange's acquisition of Strategic will enable us to implement our strategy to offer a total information technology package to shipbrokers and other subscribers. This is an exciting opportunity and enables us to build upon the foundations we established a year ago with the launch of balticexchange.com." Welcoming the agreement, Peter Rygaard Andersen of Strategic said: " I am delighted that we have reached this agreement with the Baltic Exchange. Many of its members and subscribers to balticexchange.com are long-standing customers of Strategic and this agreement secures the continuity of supply of Strategic desktop systems and their further development. The complementary expertise of the two organisations will constitute a formidable combination in the international market place." Jim Buckley, Chief Executive of the Baltic explained: "This acquisition is important to the future development of the Exchange internationally and we are confident that our ability to develop a new suite of software while at the same time enhancing the level and quality of support for our existing electronic platform will make our products and services extremely attractive. The Exchange plans to invest a significant sum to support new software development. The Exchange's acquisition will also safeguard this important channel of distribution for data provided by LR-F. That data is also used in the Baltic's e-platform." On completion of the transaction, Strategic will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Baltic Exchange Limited and will offer its products and services to both members and non-members of the Exchange. The Exchange has pioneered the use of internet - based technology for use by its members, shipbrokers and the shipping industry generally and launched its first system in April 1997. In August last year it launched balticexchange.com which offers users access to: an electronic trading " Floor" enabling members and other subscribers to search for and match available ships with available cargoes on a worldwide basis; a full range of shipping freight market information published daily by the Exchange together with a list of vessels for which charters have been fixed; and a members' area. ENDS More follows........// For further information, please contact: Jim Buckley Peter Rygaard Andersen Chief Executive Business Development Director Baltic Exchange Strategic Software Limited Tel: 020 7369 1624 Tel: 020 7553 7800 E-mail: jbuckley@balticexchange.com E-mail: pandersen@strategic.co.uk Mike Elsom Business Development Manager Baltic Exchange Tel: 0207 369 1656 Mobile: 07968 196077 E-mail: melsom@balticexchange.com SEAFARERS CAN 'SAY IT WITH FLOWERS' VIA INMARSAT Inmarsat Ltd, the World's leading global mobile satellite communications provider, today announced the permanent availability of a service that enables seafarers to send flowers to loved ones anywhere in the world from onboard a ship. The service, run in conjunction with Interflora, builds on the success of a three-month pilot project launched in May 2001 and offers an increased selection of bouquets. Inmarsat's service uses one of the 60,000 Inmarsat C terminals fitted onboard vessels at sea, and enables seafarers to order a bouquet of flowers from Interflora to be sent with a personal message. Moreover, the recipient can respond with an Inmarsat C message to say 'Thank You'. "Of the estimated 1.3 million seafarers who go to sea annually, many can be are away from home for up to 12 months at a time", said David Walker, maritime business development manager at Inmarsat. David continued "Whilst e-commerce, or the buying of goods over the Internet, is any everyday communications need for many of us based on land, it's a very different story for seafarers for whom even basic things like sending gifts to loved ones on birthdays is often difficult. With the Interflora service, the maritime community can now buy and send flowers to friends and loved ones anywhere in the world." Seafarers wishing to send flowers to friends or family simply send an order directly to Interflora via the vessel's Inmarsat C terminal, at no cost to either the seafarer or the vessel. Prices start at $38.00 forand include a bouquet, which includes a 35-character greeting and delivery to virtually anywhere in the world, usually on a next day service. The service is currently available through Inmarsat's global partners KDDI, Singtel and Xantic. Mr Walker added: "As well as offering an unparalleled safety service, our communications are becoming increasingly vital in providing a social lifeline to seafarers, enabling regular contact between ship and shore. It is our aim to deliver the same communications to seafarers that they would expect and enjoy at home." -Ends- About Inmarsat Limited · Inmarsat Ltd owns and operates a unique global mobile satellite network and delivers its communications solutions through a worldwide network of approximately 260 distributors and other service providers operating in over 80 countries to end users in the maritime, land and aeronautical sectors. · Inmarsat Ltd has a portfolio of mobile satellite solutions, including voice, fax, intranet and Internet access and other data services. · Inmarsat Ltd has more than 22 years of experience in designing, implementing and operating satellite networks. · At the end of March 2002, approximately 243,000 terminals were registered to access Inmarsat Ltd's services. · Inmarsat Ltd is also supported by partners in the fields of equipment manufacture, software provision and systems integration. · Inmarsat Ltd is a subsidiary of Inmarsat Ventures plc. · Inmarsat is the exclusive global partner of the FIA World Rally Championships 2002 · Visit http://www.inmarsat.com for more information. For further information, please contact: Sarah Taylor/Dominic Cook Inmarsat Tel: +44 20 7728 1579/1256 Fax: +44 20 7728 1179 Email: sarah_taylor@inmarsat.com Or Paul Mackender/Antonia Christie Bite Communications Tel: 020 8834 3444/3450 Fax: 020 8741 2790 paul.mackender/antonia.christie@bitepr.com PRESS RELEASE FLEET 77 JUE-410F August 16, 2002 JRC's new Fleet 77 JUE-410F Inmarsat is built employing the high quality and advanced technology JRC is known for in the industry. Over 30% of the vessels worldwide equipped with Inmarsat A & B carry JRC manufactured satellite systems, touted in the industry as the most reliable Inmarsat hardware available. The Fleet 77 system is considered by Inmarsat to be the new generation of Sat B which most Captains are familiar with. High powered antennas supporting Inmarsat's new Fleet 77 service sustain internet data transfer rates 7-20 times faster than the Inmarsat B. JRC's JUE-410F satellite employs technology with superior antenna tracking capability compared to the competition. The High MTBF antenna with automatic positioning by an internal GPS sensor allows the antenna to respond instantly to vessel motion and make them reliable in virtually any sea state. Designed to search for, acquire, identify and track the signal, these stabilized antennas are plug-in and play operation once installed. Service packages are available from a variety of vendors. World travelers can use the new Inmarsat Fleet 77 service, which offers global Internet access at 64 Kbps (Kilobits per second). For the end-user this technology delivers true global communications, providing immediate access to business critical information virtually wherever it is needed. Videoconferencing, e-commerce, remote LAN access, internet & intranet access and digital image transfer are an example of the flexibility of services offered on a secure data stream. The Fleet 77 service offers a choice in how to make and receive calls and data, providing cost effective options to mariners worldwide. The savings are substantial. JRC's new JUE-410F Fleet 77 Inmarsat offers the following communications capabilities: High Quality audio, High Quality telephone, fax and data transfer, High-Speed Packet Communications (HSPC) at 64 Kbps, Mobile Packet Data Services (MPDS) and ISDN link 64 Kbps HSD Communications. Multiple interface connections; Ethernet, PCMCIA(Modem/LAN), ISDN (BRI) serial and USB connections, automatic antenna setting by the internal GPS, built-in AC/DC power source, built-in SIM card and networking capabilities, make the JRC F77 a winner for the savvy consumer. JRC supported Remote Diagnostic On-Line Maintenance Function is a unique option that can be added for the JUE-410F, accessing the engineers and technicians directly for quick assessment of repair and maintenance. Worldwide warranty service on all JRC Inmarsat units is another of the valued benefits provided by JRC to mariners who travel the open seas. 1011 SW Klickitat Way, B-100 Seattle, WA 98134 206-654-5644 ph 206-654-7030 fax High Seas: 2125 Center Avenue #208 Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-242-1882ph 201-242-1885fax www.jrcamerica.com Please find attached the latest press release from Kongsberg Maritime Ship Systems [Relevance:International] NEW PRESIDENT AT KMSS Per Branstad, has completed his 2 year assignment to organise and integrate the three companies which together now comprise KMSS and which we are proud to say is one of the leading companies in the Ship Systems industry, and an important part of Kongsberg's Marine and Offshore Operations. Per will now return to his specialist field within Kongsberg in the development of the Maritime Training Business. Commenting on the company's performance during his tenure as President Per said "KMSS has continued to expand & reinforce its positive market position since the merger two years ago and I am delighted to hand over a fit enterprise to an enthusiastic new President. I am confident he will continue to develop the company world wide on the foundations he now inherits." Lars GØrvell-Dahll takes up the role as President of KMSS, setting his sights firmly on developing the company worldwide and especially within the Asian market, which is already the centre of the world ship building industry. Lars is highly experienced in international ship building having worked for many years based in Indonesia, Singapore and Hong Kong. After graduating from the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy he spent 5 years in the Navy reaching Lt Commander and Chief Engineer. It was during his period as a Navy diver that Lars became a keen scuba diver, a hobby that he still pursues. In preparation for a commercial career Lars completed an economics degree before entering the Offshore and Shipping industry, with international postings first in West Africa then on to Indonesia building fishing vessels. In 1990 he joined the Kvaerner Group to build a new yard in Singapore, which became a leading builder of aluminium passenger catamarans. After 7 years in Asia he returned to Norway using his experience to build aluminium passenger catamarans in his home country. He was later made President of the Kaeverner Leirvik yard building specialised Steel vessels. He has also found time to recently complete an MBA in global eManagement. Commenting on his appointment, Lars said, "Joining KMSS is exciting. I am joining a highly successful team manufacturing an extensive range of sensors and systems, from fire control, engine & bridge systems, to simulators and eLearning. While my practical knowledge of running a ship and experience in shipbuilding will undoubtedly be useful in the tasks ahead, I am looking forward to also using my sales and marketing experience. Over the years I believe I have gained a good understanding for the importance of respecting business cultures and the fruitful relationships with International ship operators and builders." KMSS now moves into a new phase with even greater emphasis on providing a consistent global service and closer customer liaison. ENDS August 2002 Further details from: Rita Krathe Kongsberg Maritime Ship Systems Tel: 00 47 33 03 20 00 Fax: 00 47 33 04 92 24 E: rita.krathe@kmss.no Clive Bartlett Saltwater Communications Tel: +44 (0)1202 669244 Fax: +44 (0) 1202 672221 E: clive.bartlett@saltwatercoms.com =================================================================== We hope that you find the information we send you informative. However, if you wish to unsubscribe from the saltwaterpr.com subscription service please visit http://www.saltwaterpr.com/_asp/subscribe/unsubscribe.asp. =================================================================== Please find attached the latest press release from Norcontrol IT [Relevance:International] NORCONTROL IT DEMONSTRATES CUSTOMER FOCUS WITH ´ANY LANGUAGE´ VTS As one of the world leaders in the field of VTMIS, Norcontrol IT is at the cutting edge of technology. However, the Norwegian maritime IT frontrunner is also renowned for putting customer care first and foremost. This customer focus is most recently demonstrated by the release of Norcontrol IT's latest VTS Operator Workstation software application, which comes in any language the customer requires. The process of language translation is something that Norcontrol IT has been involved in since the 1990's, when language support for both French and Spanish was provided for the VTS Operator Workstation. This kind of language support is relatively straightforward though, when compared to the process of translating English text to Chinese, a task that Norcontrol IT has recently been involved in. "There was no special magic to it, just a lot of hard work and international co-operation," says Rune Langøy an engineer on the translation project. A simple translation was impossible as Maritime and IT vocabulary is very specific and technical, whilst Chinese characters also differ from region to region, making the project even more complicated. Integral to the successful completion of the translation project was the customer approach that signifies the attitude of Norcontrol IT. "Because Norcontrol IT is an international company, we already possessed the necessary resources in our Singapore office to meet the needs of our customer," comments Langøy. A hands on approach was required for the technical aspects of the project. "The VTS Operator Workstation functions involve a fairly technical language," says Langøy. Three engineers from Norcontrol IT's head office in Norway were involved in meeting the customer and conducting a course on the various components of VTMIS and functions of the workstation, in order that the language translation could run smoothly. Langøy adds that, "You have to know how the whole system works before you can make an accurate translation." "There was a good rapport between the two cultures when working on this project," says Alicia TanTse Woon, a technical software engineer with Control IT Singapore, who sees this type of strong working relationship between customer and provider as essential to increasing efficiency. "The co-operation between the customer and Norcontrol IT has bought us to another level of Productivity," she said. Once the customer was satisfied with the technicalities of the system and the language used, it was a simple case of providing them with files for the menus, text boxes and dialogs. From here the customer could decide on the best terms for the navigational language and adjust the basic layout so that the Chinese text would fit correctly. Further details from: Steve Guest Norcontrol IT Tel: +44 (0)1454 774466 E: steve.guest@norcontrolit.com Saul Trewern Saltwater Communications Tel: +44 (0)1202 669244 E: saul.trewern@saltwatercoms.com =================================================================== We hope that you find the information we send you informative. However, if you wish to unsubscribe from the saltwaterpr.com subscription service please visit http://www.saltwaterpr.com/_asp/subscribe/unsubscribe.asp. =================================================================== August 15, 2002 Dear Eva, We are pleased to announce that L-3 Communications has acquired substantially all of the assets of Ross Engineering and will integrate the Ross product lines into the L-3 Communications' Aviation Recorders Division. With operations headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, L-3 Communications Aviation Recorders will be leveraging Ross Engineering's experience in marine communications, and couple it with L-3's financial, engineering, manufacturing, and marketing resources. This will allow L-3 to become a major supplier of Universal Automatic Identification Systems (UAIS) and Digital Selective Calling (DSC) VHF radios to the maritime industry. This acquisition will also enable L-3 to extend its product portfolio into other new product areas within the maritime industry. The L-3 Aviation Recorders Division is the leading supplier of the Hardened Voyage Recorder (HVR), the fully IMO compliant Final Recording Medium which is compatible for use with most of the currently available Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) systems. The HVR records voice, radar, radio, and shipboard performance data on solid-state memory housed in a crash-protected capsule. The capsule is designed to withstand the harsh environments of ocean going ships, as well as impact, deep-sea pressure, and fire. L-3 Communications, Aviation Recorders is also the recognized leader in the fabrication of Aviation Flight Data and Cockpit Voice Recorders, having supplied over 55,000 recorders to commercial, civil, and military aircraft operators and manufacturers in its 44-year history. Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading merchant supplier of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) products, secure communications systems and products, avionics and ocean products, training products, microwave components and telemetry, instrumentation, space and wireless products. Its customers include the Department of Defense, selected US government intelligence agencies, aerospace prime contractors and commercial telecommunications and wireless customers. In addition to the existing products, our extensive engineering staff is already engaged in the development and certification of the Ross Universal AIS and we expect to bring a fully type approved system to market later this year. For more information on L-3 Communications Aviation Recorders please contact: Alina Cemitier Communications Manager Telephone: (941) 379-1628 E-mail: alina.cemitier@L-3com.com Sincerely, Bruce G. Coffey President Rydex(tm) Corporation Limited Corporate Announcement. Vancouver, BC Canada (August 15, 2002): Rydex Corporation Limited, an Inmarsat Ventures subsidiary, and leading data communications and email specialist for the maritime industry is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Paul Jolley as Sales Director effective as of 12 August 2002. Paul has extensive practical and commercial expertise within the Maritime industry. After leaving school he trained and served as a Deck Officer for eight years. Thereafter having gained an honours degree in Maritime Studies from John Moore University, Liverpool he joined Racal Survey Ltd., initially as a Hydrographic Surveyor before being promoted into the commercial division. With 10 years Sales and Marketing experience of highly technical product offerings to the maritime and offshore sectors, Paul joins us direct from university where he recently qualified as a lawyer, (non-practising). Specialising in commercial, intellectual property and corporate law Paul is ideally placed to continue the unprecedented expansion of the company. Paul is aged 41, married with one Daughter aged 11. He lists as his hobbies motorcycling, hill walking and renovating old properties. Upon his arrival Paul made the following statement: "Joining Rydex is everything I had hoped for. The product is without doubt superior in the market place. Despite exceptional sales growth to date there are a multitude of commercial, market and sales opportunities and developments which I, with my sales team, will tirelessly pursue. This appointment also allows me to continue to practise the art of sales within the maritime industry, a sector for which I hold a real passion." ABOUT RYDEX Since 1991, Rydex has been exclusively committed to developing software solutions for the marine industry. Rydex delivers ship-shore communications software and services that meet the business needs of the shipping industry and the technical demands of ship operations. Currently, over 1100 deep-sea vessels use Rydex public and private hub communications technology and services worldwide. In March 2000, Rydex Corporation Limited was acquired Inmarsat Ventures PLC, a leading global mobile satellite communications company. Press Release SMM 2002 At stand no. 12110 on the 2nd floor in hall 12 HDW-Hagenuk Schiffstechnik (HST) will again be presenting its new prospects and horizons to the wider shipping clientele. Business partners, customers and visitors are invited to follow with HST the innovative developments in technology in conjunctions with the dynamic changes in the markets and to team up their demands and ideas with the perspectives and performance of HST. According to its motto and target "close to the ship - close to you" HST is focussing on relations based on partnership and specific customer service. Starting from the business fields of marine electronics and marine electrical engineering HST's forward looking scope of supplies and logistics makes the dynamic progress from system engineering and the handling of complete delivery packages to professional after-sales support. Central theme and special subject matter of the exhibition is a modular bridge navigation system MBCC, a very interesting alternative for medium sized ships, coming with latest flat screen displays and centring on the HDW-Hagenuk electronic sea chart system ECDIS 2000 and conning display. ECDIS 2000 is a complete German development being extended to autopilot link and track control as well as radar overlay and AIS functionality. With the aid of sophisticated simulation programmes navigation exercises can be carried out directly at the booth. Complying with the new IMO carriage requirements VDR and AIS systems are exhibited and operated with data interlink to ECDIS respective radar. A playback station shows the recording of selected voyages. The BridgeMaster radar family is a world-wide proven high sophisticated and reliable radar generation. New and for the first time on show is the combination of the X-band and S-band modules with large flat TFT displays meeting 16" IMO regulations and wheelmark approval. The BridgeMaster radar generation has been re-approved to meet already the new stringent spectral emission regulations coming in force in 2003. Beside the traditionally strong HST radio communication sector satellite communication is demonstrated focussing on the exciting new Inmarsat Fleet F77 system. Capsat Fleet F77 as delivered by Messrs. Thrane & Thrane is a communication terminal offering high-speed and cost-effective voice and data communication based on either the MPDS protocol (mobile packed data service) or the 64 kbps ISDN. The tracking antenna has a diameter of just 85 cm and weighs mere 25 kilos. The well-known Inmarsat-C and Inmarsat-M systems are also at the show as well as Inmarsat-E EPIRB's and TV Sat-systems. HST attaches high importance to its nomination as authorised certified service centre for Thrane products in Europe from June this year. To round off, the electronic and the bridge area is completed by the major navigation sensors and safety appliances required on board. The business sector marine electrical engineering puts the engineering services into the foreground and demonstrates customised hardware solutions for electrical power distribution and switchboards. Reference is given to the integration and co-ordination of electrical systems from the planning stage to installation, commissioning and after-sales service. HST supports turn-key projects and integral solutions in an increasing degree by co-operating with partner firms and general contractors. As China is the host nation for the SMM in Hamburg this year HST is proud to point out its intensive co-operation with Chinese shipyards for equipping their newbuildings and to emphasise the importance of the own German-Chinese joint venture company HHEC in Shanghai as a very valuable partner for manufacturing and taking into operation of marine electrical switchgear and consoles. The Chinese market has become the most important export domain for HST. Just in time for the SMM the company portrait titled perspectives is available in a revised version describing the wide range of competence of the company in addition to the available individual product and system leaflets. At the stand there will be available several special info terminals enabling to surf through the company pages and respective activities proving the motto close to the ship - close to you. == COFRENA and Tribon Solutions in co-operation regarding Tribon.com. MALMÖ, SWEDEN - August 15th, 2002. COFRENA, The Association of French Marine Equipment Manufacturers, and Tribon Solutions today announced a co-operation agreement. The co-operation will provide the members of COFRENA with a framework of activities to further strengthen their communication with and presence at shipyards worldwide by participating in Tribon.com. Tribon.com is an Internet based service for the shipbuilding industry linking together shipyards, maritime equipment and system suppliers in a comprehensive global network. Tribon.com revolves around a database of shipbuilding components and equipment. The Global database contains 3D models; design information, pictures, technical specifications and commercial information enabling design integration supplemented by full e-commerce functionality. COFRENA is a non-profit organisation. Its main objective is to promote on a world wide basis the French Marine Equipment Industry. Today the organisation has 55 members from small companies to large international corporations. Mr. Claude Petit-Jeannot, President, COFRENA, said: "We are constantly looking for ways to improve the productivity and profitability for our members. By joining Tribon.com our members will be able to market their products world wide 24 hours a day, 365 days a year." At the signing ceremony, from right, Mr. Claude Petit-Jeannot, President, COFRENA, and Mr. Otto Millbourn, Sales Director, Tribon Solutions AB Photo downloads Downloadable picture from the signing ceremony is available under News/Press releases on www.tribon.com. For further information please contact: Mr. Claude Petit-Jeannot, President, COFRENA, phone +33 (0)1 53 89 52 03, fax +33 (0)1 53 89 52 10, info@cofrena.org Mr. Otto Millbourn, Sales Director, Tribon Solutions AB, phone +46 40 668 03 00, fax +46 668 03 01, otto.millbourn@tribon.com Facts about COFRENA COFRENA is a non-profit organization. Its main objective is to promote on a world wide basis the French Marine Equipment Industry. Today the member companies in COFRENA rank among the most efficient, competitive, and leading manufacturers, able to meet the stringent requirements for sea-going equipment and for services, in order to satisfy the owners and the shipbuilders. All of them have acquired a long experience of the maritime world and scored many significant references, on all kind of ships, in the international ship building market. COFRENA is performing the part of a focal point for its members and contributes to their promotion and marketing by different ways; * It participates in international Marine Exhibitions on national pavilions and in overseas relations meetings * It stages technical seminars abroad regarding ship equipment technology, thus allowing exchange and co-operation relationship to be established between its members and foreign companies * It provides customers, on request, with technical and general information on French ship equipment manufacturers, and services suppliers, listed or not in its directory COFRENA also ensures liaison and co-ordination with other trade associations related to marine equipment industry, and is a member of EMEC (European Marine Equipment Council). Presently COFRENA has around 55 members, from small companies to large international corporations. Facts about Tribon Solutions: Tribon Solutions develop, market and support software solutions with the mission to increase overall efficiency in the maritime industry. For more than 30 years the company has provided shipyards, design agents and maritime equipment suppliers with new ways to improve cost efficiency, quality and performance. Our solutions are proven to generate time savings and to increase speed to market. With Headquarters in Sweden and offices in the Republic of Korea, China, Japan, Germany, the UK, Russia, Singapore and the USA: Tribon Solutions serves the global maritime industry and customers in more than 45 countries. Tribon Solutions, Tribon and www.tribon.com are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Tribon Solutions AB. All other trademarks mentioned belong to their respective owners. SOLAR SOLVE WINS ORDER FOR P&O's SIX LARGEST REEFERS Delivered at the beginning of 2002, P&O Nedlloyd Remuera was the first of P&O's Albatross Class reefer vessels brought into service to trade between Europe, USA and Australasia. With a capacity of 4100 teu and 1300 power points for a combination of 20 ft and 40 ft containers the series of six vessels are claimed to be the largest refrigerated containerships currently operating throughout the world. All six vessels are being constructed by Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries at their Koje facility and are to have 19 SOLASAFE(tm) roller screens installed at the Navigation Bridge windows. Manufactured and supplied by South Shields based Solar Solve Marine, the screens reject glare, heat and uv light to ensure a more comfortable working environment for ships staff. "P&O Nedlloyd have been installing Solasafe screens on their vessels since 1991 and continue to rely on us to supply the best product of its type in the world for the biggest reefers in the world," comments Solar Solve's Chairman, John Lightfoot. "I will be visiting Samsung shipyard in early September as a member of the British Marine Equipment Association Trade Mission to Korea. As all six vessels are scheduled for delivery this year I am looking forward to going on board one of the vessels to see the installation of the screens for myself " END OF NEWS RELEASE 1 ------------------------------- START OF NEWS RELEASE 2 --------------------------------- JUICY ORDER FOR SOLAR SOLVE Staff at South Shields based Solar Solve Marine were delighted when they received a significant order for 30 sunscreens for the first of a brand new design of orange juice carrier. Manufactured and supplied by Solar Solve Marine, the SOLASAFE(tm) roller sunscreens are installed at the navigation bridge and control room windows to reject glare, heat and uv light, to ensure a safer and more comfortable working environment for the ships staff. The Carlos Fischer was built in Norway and has just entered service with Aleuropa to carry up to 37,000 tonnes of orange juice from Brazil to the USA, Japan and Europe. "An enormous amount of time and energy has been spent designing this new class of vessel, particularly with hull form and polished stainless steel tanks for the double-hulled ship," comments Solar Solve's Chairman, John Lightfoot. "The fact that so many SOLASAFE screens have been ordered for each vessel indicates the commitment of the owners, designers and builders to ensuring a safe and efficient ship has been put into service." -------------------------------- END OF NEWS RELEASE 2 ------------------------------- -------------------------------- More information on Solar Solve can be obtained by emailing mailto:sales@solasolv.com END OF NEWS RELEASES