Page 44: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (August 2015)

FEATURE : SHIPYARDS

Regulation is a big driver for ship out? t and re? t. Looking at the com- ing years, what regulation(s) do you see as driving business?

We are focusing some of our efforts in the scrubbers’ installation and its differ- ent systems, as a consequence of the need to comply with the NOx and SOx reduc- tions imposed by IMO. On this regard, our other shipyard located in Santander, in the North of Spain, has successfully ? t a few of these systems onboard a ? eet of ferry boats, with some other prospective projects ahead.

The other focal point is the ballast water management as per IMO and USCG reg- ulations. Astican’s geographical position is, in addition to our ? exibility and quick dry-docking system, is advantageous, be- ticed how changeable this business is. is to be able to survive to a non predict- We have had a few of them. In As- ing at the crossroads of the Atlantic.

Initially, our core business was the ? sh- able market year by year. This is why we tander we have been very busy with the ing ? eets in the Atlantic, mostly the big took the decision many years ago to have lengthening and conversion of a Cana-

How are you investing now to pre- factory vessels from the Soviet Union. very good in-house project managers dian scallop factory vessel and the con- pare for this surge in business?

When the fall of the Wall was a fact and and key technicians ready to handle up version of a platform supply vessel into

Our investing policy is mostly focused in developing new areas, training and the Soviet Union dismantled, we saw our to a thousand of skilled blue collar work- a clam harvesting and processing factory business endangered so we had no other ers when we need it from well trained ship from the same Canadian owner. In having strategic alliances with key play- ers. For instance, we are studying needs option but to adapt to the circumstances subcontractors. Having the lowest ? xed this last one, the conversion included the and be ? exible. Our challenge is always costs possible allows us to offer better removal of the bulk cargo systems and in the O&G industry that can be imple- to be ready to adapt to new needs, new quotations and to keep a strong ? nancial the fabrication and installation of two mented in the Canaries as to add value to our services in these challenging times markets and new regulations. For in- position. factory decks, sponsons and new ac- stance, in 2000 we came across with the Please describe, in as much detail commodation. A new ammonia refrig- for the owners.

? rst oil rig. We adapted our procedures as possible, the most challeng- eration plant was installed, as well as a

Every business has its challenges. as per the owner’s requirements and ing repair/conversion job you have freezer tunnel and plate freezers. New

What do you consider your biggest nowadays, after 15 years, it represents encountered in the past year, with hydraulics systems were mounted to one of our main market niches. insight on how the challenge was provide service to the winches, ? shing challenge today?

At the end of the day, the big challenge met. equipment and Factory systems. A new

Since Astican was built, we have no- 44 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • AUGUST 2015

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