Interactive Format for Repair and Conversion's Main Event

Product launches, company presentations and discussion- based conference and workshop formats will underline a "hands on" theme at Shiprepair & Conversion 2002, the 11th anniversary of the industry's leading trade fair which takes place in London's Grand Hall, Olympia, on November 27-28.

Innovations prompted by feedback from last year's show — which attracted more than 2,500 visitors and 300 exhibitors from 45 countries — include a fully-equipped presentation/demonstration area and a debate-led conference program, with delegate fees set at just $192 to provide value for money and broaden participation.

An Exhibition For All Seasons Marine consultancy British Maritime Technology (stand C23) is using the presentation facility to host a briefing on its expanded surveying capability — the company has acquired P De Beer & Co — and the creation of a new business unit handling reliability, risk and safety management.

On stand B27, Furmanite will feature its new Scitech portable spark erosion kit, which enables stud removal onsite despite restricted headroom or very tough materials.

The process was used recently when a cylinder head stud broke on P&O Stena's Provence, the job being completed within 24 hours while the ferry was in transit.

Cargo equipment specialist MacGregor Group (F26) is exhibiting conversion and upgrading products including Flexipad hatch cover bearings. Among latest retrofits, some 574 pads were installed on P&O Nedlloyd's 1992- built 4,230 teu containership Jervis Bay in June.

ABB Ltd (F38) is unveiling the TPS-F33 turbocharger series for diesel and gas engines, which is interchangeable with the current TPS-D/E series and offers increased pressure ratios and flow capacity via an aluminium alloy compressor wheel. Meanwhile Simplex-Turbulo (El6) is promoting its new diesel services division, CD92 heavy fuel oil micronising unit and, as UK agents, a Nimonic valve remanufacturing service launched by Markisches Werk Halver.

First-time exhibitor Whessoe Europe/Total Automation (CI5) will launch its portable level/temperature oil-water interface instrument and European service facility. Bond Instrumentation (G34) is marketing new alarm, monitoring and control systems while Atlantas Marine (H9) is introducing the VideoRay ROV underwater inspection system and Nauticast X-pack AIS transponder, a new SOLAS solution.

Survival Inspectorate (G25) will present its new DNV approved Safelaunch lifeboat release hook with a working model and video presentation highlighting three key design features which minimise accidental release.

Among shiprepairers promoting new facilities, A&P Group (D3) is featuring its recently acquired Aberdeen, Birkenhead (Mersey) and Hebburn (Tyne) yards, which increase its U.K. drydock total from eight to 14. The new yards will also offer the A&P Shipcare afloat repairs service available at the existing Tyne, Falmouth and Southampton yards and five smaller facilities.

Northwestern Shipepairers (C5), which started trading at six Merseyside sites in June last year, will focus on a major investment programme providing new workshop facilities, craneage and general infrastructure improvements at Bidston and Canada drydocks.

The 2002-3 Owners Guide to UK Yards will be available from the Shipbuilders and Shiprepairers Association (G5) together with case studies from its R&D and MasterClass yard improvement projects.

Discussion Forum for Industry's Hot Topics Like previous events, the Shiprepair & Conversion 2002 conference will feature leading figures from yards, agents, owners, managers, classification societies and suppliers - but in a major change of emphasis, their input will be to set the scene for a series of debates open to full delegate participation.

The opening State of the Industry session will range from market demand to yard survival strategies, followed by debates on repair and conversion issues including yard selection, extras, customer satisfaction, riding crews, safety, on-site supervision, regulatory bodies, skilled manpower shortages and the use of sub-contractors.

Day two starts with maintenance debates covering coatings, corrosion, costings, methods, technologies, spares supply and planned maintenance. The concluding debates will focus on shipyard issues — setting up a new yard, alliances, improving performance, safety and risk, environmental standards and legal liabilities.

One-Day Workshop Wraps Up Contract Negotiation In addition to the conference, a pre-conference workshop on negotiating for newbuilding, conversion and repair contracts is being held at the Hilton London Olympia on November 26. This one-day intensive workshop will examine the key issues and differences in all aspects of contract negotiation from both owner and shipyard perspectives.

Full exhibition, conference and workshop, organised by Lloyd's List Events are available on the event website - www.shiprepairex.com -which includes booking information and on-line registration. Stand space can also be reserved via Mark Lewis on Tel +44 (0)20 7553 1732.

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