Page 78: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (August 1994)

Independent Marine Technical Services Promote

High Quality, Cost-Effective Vessel Development by

John O'Connor, vice president,

International Marine Consultants, Inc.

The earliest stages in a vessel's development are perhaps the most critical. There are many decisions to be made relating to a ship's design, contractor selections, and the actual construc- tion schedule. Ship owners/operators can stream- line the shipbuilding process considerably with the assistance of an independent marine techni- cal resource. Staffed with experienced and trained marine engineers, surveyors and tech- nical representatives, the firm can satisfy sev- eral of the ship owner's most important re- quirements, while serving as an effective liai- son with other contractors involved in the project.

From Vessel Design to Delivery and

Technical Guarantee

There are three phases in which the marine technical resource firm is instrumental. They include: the planning and design phase; con- tractor selection phase; and newbuilding de- sign and construction phase. To address these different phases in the shipbuilding process, the marine technical firm will des- ignate a specific team.

It can include a senior project manager, as well as marine super- intendents and tech- nical representatives in charge of hull and machinery, deck and electrical work, constru< tion, outfitting and services, and various technic? aspects. For instance, the senior project manage] supported by several marine superintendent! project assistants, would provide hands-on supei vision of the vessel's technical development an shipbuilding contract design. Once the construi tion contract has been let, this same team would b expanded with the support of an administrativ assistant and several technical representative:

This latter category of personnel would be use throughout the technical development and coi tract phase to vessel delivery and through th technical guarantee period. In fact, the involvi ment of the technical representatives should b extensive and cover a broad range of tasks, indue ing: • Technical design and layout work, • Analysis of technical studies, tests, weight calci lations and specifications to be implemented b marine architects or the shipyard, • Preparation of building specifications and coi tract documentation, • Coordination of technical activities during tb contract stage, in conjunction with the shipowner and shipyard's legal representatives, • Involvement in negotiations with regulatoi authorities such as the U.S. Coast Guard, Env ronmental Protection Agency, Classification Soc eties (e.g. ABS), etc. and subsequent approvals, • Screening, qualifying and final selection of tl shipyard/building contractor, and support in tl selection of other consultants (e.g., architects, d< signers, mechanical systems contractors, etc.).

Design and Construction Supervision

The marine technical resource firm assumes broad and diverse role in the oversight of tl vessel's actual design and construction. From tl onset, there is an ongoing liaison with the sh: owner/operator and the numerous internal ar external consultants involved. Specifically, tl firm's project manager, superintendents and tec] nical representatives will work to ensure that tl owner's specifications are upheld and that servic< are implemented on schedule and within esta lished budgetary guidelines.

Every service and technical phase is reviewf against the original plans and system diagram

When necessary, the manager or the staff wi institute modifications to the shipyard's main draT ings and specifications in order to achieve tl optimum design. At all times, the ship owne operator is kept apprised of the project's progre and any changes to be initiated. Once vess construction is complete, the marine technic resource firm would conduct pier and sea tests ai trials, and ultimately provide final technical a proval and vessel delivery acceptance. The role the marine technical resource firm does not nece sarily end with vessel delivery. Often, the firm w manage possible guarantee claims after vess delivery and supervise guarantee repair work.

Extending the Role for Future Vessel

Performance

Besides the obvious benefits of having an ind pendent marine technical resource firm advoc£ ing on behalf of the shipowner during the enti vessel design and construction period (i.e., quali -221-1506

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Menominee, Ml 49858

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