This is the twelfth edition of the Maritime Directory to be published by Lloyd's of London Press. In this edition we reflect world events and have separated states that used to form Yugoslavia and USSR. Information is gradually being received from Russia, Ukraine and the Baltic States and this year we are able to publish some detail of the shipbuilding and repair industry in those states. A number of changes in style have been implemented for this edition. Telephone and telefax numbers are now shown in the international format. The Towage & Salvage section lists vessels of 150 Gt and over. Information on the 6,125 companies and the 31,283 vessels in the Shipowners section has been extensively updated using Lloyd's unique database. For abbreviations of vessels flags we now use a three letter code that conforms to the International Organisation for Standardisation listing. Throughout 1993 a number of changes will be made to the Norwegian telephone system. The changes take place in five stages. A list of the new numbers and the dates when they are to change is reproduced on pages xiv and xv by kind permission of the Norwegian Telecommunication Directorate. All companies in the directory were sent a questionnaire asking them to update their details and we thank all those who replied.