Page 39: of Marine News Magazine (April 2024)

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There are ? ve major paint catego- lenges in shipyards is managing small building is a multifaceted endeavor ries in new construction shipbuilding: parts, which are prone to surface rust that demands integrative systems before installation. Optimizing the planning, as well as adoption of new 1. Raw material entry: The foundation painting of these parts – through technologies and real-time monitor-

The initial stage of raw material en- dedicated paint booths – can lead to ing processes that adapt to the unique try sets the tone for the construction signi? cant ef? ciency gains and reduce challenges posed by each shipyard and process. This stage poses critical ques- the need for rework, showcasing the vessel type. Contrary to popular expe- tions: Should the steel be processed in- importance of thoughtful process- rience and opinion, modern solutions house with a wheel machine for primer design in minimizing traditional bot- do exist to the historically chaotic application, or is it more ef? cient to tlenecks. The ef? ciency of painting management of this critical path oper- source pre-primed steel? This decision small parts in a dedicated small parts ation. By integrating the disparate ? ve signi? cantly impacts the initial invest- painting facility is often overlooked stages of the holistic process into an ment and operational costs versus the by Shipyard Facility Planners. overall production strategy, shipyards convenience and ef? ciency of using can achieve unparalleled quality, ef? - pre-primed steel. The choice between 4. Erection joints and ? nal hull coat- ciency and cost-effectiveness in their in-house processing and outsourcing ing: Optimize with technology operations. This integrated approach affects not only cost, but also materials The painting of erection joints not only enhances the performance handling ? ow (and therefore ef? cien- between modules and the ? nal hull and longevity of the vessels but also cy) of the total construction timeline. coating before launch are critical for solidi? es a shipbuilder’s competitive both aesthetics and corrosion protec- edge in the dynamic maritime con- 2. Module assembly and painting: A tion. Ef? ciently managing this stage struction industry.

strategic approach requires a commitment to continued

As the shipbuilding process advanc- optimization of the blast and paint es, panels and bulkheads are assembled system, including updated equip- into modules, introducing a pivotal ment, abrasives, operator training decision point regarding the treat- and recovery methods. Proper plan- ment of weld seams and the timing of ning, improving operator technology painting. The decision to paint mod- and incorporating automated system ules before or after out? tting impacts monitoring has proven to minimize throughput and requires careful coor- both cost overruns and scheduling de- dination with the shipyard’s spatial and lays by effectively controlling the his- equipment capabilities. Most Large torically unruly wildcard of the blast

Shipyards globally now have adopted a and paint process. build strategy whereby the majority of the blast and paint occurs in module 5. Final paint: The ? nishing touch form. Large highly technologically ad- The last stage, ? nal paint, oc- vanced facilities now exist to ef? ciently curs post-launch and pre-delivery, blast, paint and cure modules. With- offering an opportunity to employ out a well-considered blast and paint advanced products and techniques strategy that is aligned with the vessel’s such as foam blasting and paint build strategy, timelines, ef? ciency and touch-up kits. Research and inno- costs often become unmanageable and vation in this stage can signi? cantly reinforce the age-old myth that blast enhance ef? ciency and quality, high- and paint simply cannot conform to lighting the importance of staying any consistently reliable engineered abreast of the latest advancements in process. This is simply not true. paint technology.

3. Addressing small parts: Conclusion

A key to ef? ciency The optimization of blast and paint

One of the most signi? cant chal- processes in new construction ship- www.marinelink.com MN 39|