Page 46: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (November 1999)

Gulf of Mexico A Cut Above The Rest Improved steel processing ? from cutting through parts marking to final installa-tion ? more so than ever determine's a yard's marketability, efficiency and prof-itability. Gulf of Mexico shipyards have made major investments in steel processing in recent years, investments which should start yielding big dividends. Steiner Shipyard has diversified its operations with the creation and launch of Enviro-Metals, Inc., a new steel processing company which will feed the steel needs of Steiner and other area boat builders and repairers. As the EPA rules regarding metal processing continue to tighten, Steiner stands to make full use of the facility as many area facilities are simply not in the financial position to process their own steel while complying with the new rules. The facility features a Wheelabrator metal processing unit, housed in the above (yet to be completed at time of photo) enclosed facility. Circle 93 on Reader Service Card Advances in steel processing have enabled shipyards around the globe to streamline operations while vastly improving efficiency and quality. This fact is not lost on the shipyards of the Gulf of Mexico region, which in recent years have invested tens of millions of dollars in advanced systems designed to propel their yards into world class levels of quality and efficiency. Bender: Breaking out of the "Second Tier" Image Bender Shipbuilding's transformation from a so-called "second tier" shipyard into a world-class facility is hinged on the success of its newly opened First Operations Shop. The new facility, which features the installation of a high powered laser cutting machine, will include operations such as raw plate and profile receipt and storage, blasting and primer painting plate and profiles, plate cutting, part forming, profile cutting and forming, part identification, part kitting, and delivery of kitted parts to down-stream processes. Prior to the First Operations Shop, Bender had no in-house plate cutting capability. In selecting the laser system, Bender has effectively postioned itself to prosper for many years to come. Ben-der can attribute part of the success of opening the new shop with its collabora-tions with Caterpillar, which though a Maritech project, provided Bender with a full set of technical data which was key in ascertaining Bender's needs in terms of quality and speed. In addition, Caterpillar transferred a proprietary technology of tab & slot and twist tab joing designs to Bender Shipbuilding, a technology which is enabled by the pre-cision and cut quality of the laser. Ben-der tabs the technology as a significant enhancement to the way in which ships are designed and built, and the concept was presented to ABS for strength and fatigue tests. The results were success-ful, and now Bender will petition ABS to formally approve the joint design and allow its use in selected applications. To investigate which cutting solution would be best for Bender, executives embarked on an international tour of yards in Europe and Asia, as well as (Continued on page 111) Phillystran, Inc. has developed products and manufacturing techniques which maximize the unique properties of high tenacity fibers such as Kevlar®, Technora®, Twaron®, Vectran®, Spectra® and Polyester. Phillystran is currently being supplied for mooring lines, towing lines, winch lines, deepwater mooring lines, and pendant lines. Kevlai* Registered Trademark of DuPont, Technora® Registered Trademark of Teijin Ltd., Twaron* Registered Trademark of Akzo Fibers, Vectran® Registered Trademark of Hoescht AG, Spectra® Registered Trademark of Allied Signal PHILLYSTRAN, INC. 151 Commerce Drive Montgomeryville, PA 18936-9628 U.S.A. 215-368-6611 Fax:215-362-7956 www.phillystran.com MARINE SERVICE ENGINEERS! Chart excitement in your career, cruise the world with ABB ABB, world's largest manufacturer of electric drives and leading supplier of electric propulsion systems and electrical equipment for the marine industry, has job openings in the greater Ft. Lauderdale area for Marine Service Engineers to work in a global environment. This is a hands-on opportunity for you to work with leading edge technology ? servicing and maintaining large variable speed drives, automation equipment, switchboards, generators and more. Successful candidates will bring dedication to customer focus and an educational background in electrical engineering (BSEE). The job requires flexibility, independence and travel. Prior marine or land-based field service experience is a plus, but we will train you if you have a proven track record. We offer benefits and the opportunity to grow with the world's largest and most reputable manufacturer of electric drives. Please send your resume and compensation history to: ABB Marine Attn: Human Resources 16250 W. Glendale Drive, New Berlin, Wl 53151 USA Fax: 262.785.2712 Equal opportunity employer M/F/H/ V AM 46 Circle 383 on Reader Service Card Circle 385 on Reader Service Card