In September last year the ETA transferred its headquarters from London to Brussels in a move supported by present chairman Mr Dirk Mertens, managing director of Unie van-Redding en Sleepdienst NV of Belgium. Long standing Secretary General Mr David Randell has now retired and has been replaced by Mr Hugo Callens, a practicing lawyer and senior partner with Buyle Dieryck Maingain (Elegis) a law firm based in Brussels and Antwerp.

Mr Callens has experience in international and transport law, commercial and corporate law, liability and insurance. His job description includes lobbying and representation functions at the European institutions, the various shipping associations and regulatory authorities.

Since the ETA was formed the towage market, particularly in the ship-handling sector, has changed dramatically. Increased competition and the European 'Tug Wars' of the last decade has resulted in towage rates being driven down dramatically, in some cases to 50 per cent of those in place a decade earlier.

In parallel with this reduction in revenue operators have also been faced with demands for more sophisticated tugs, able to handle larger tankers, container ships and vehicle carriers. A host of new manning, training and environmental regulations has also placed a heavy burden on the industry.

The Executive Committee of the ETA believes that it must participate more effectively with the shipping industry it serves and the regulatory bodies involved. A sharing of expertise and a sound knowledge of common concerns can only be beneficial. The Association recognises the importance of co-operation with other shipowners, through the European Community Shipping Association, the International Salvage Union, and national tugowners organisations.

It is recognised however that the specific interests of tugowners do not always coincide with those of shipowners in general, who are often their customers and have conflicting views on various issues.