The methods of competition include price as well as the quality and safety of services. MTL Petrolink Corp. believes it is the second largest company providing lightering services in the Gulf of Mexico. The Transportation Services for Energy and Chemicals segment usually experiences a slight seasonal downturn in the summer months due to refinery shutdowns and inventory adjustments by customers. Ship management includes technical operation and maintenance, crewing, regulatory compliance, and other ship operating activities. MTC manages one of the largest U.S.-based fleets.
Management contracts range in length from one to five years in term.
Ship Management fees are the primary component of other operating revenues. There are a large number of competitors for ship management business. There are many international ship management companies which are greater in size than MTC, but internationally-owned companies cannot perform ship management services for Jones Act vessels. Management fees, quality of service, and experience with particular vessel types are the significant forms of competition for ship management services. The Company also charters in and charters out the car carrier Marine Reliance , retaining a small profit between the charters.