Page 64 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2022

SHIPYARD INDUSTRY / OPINIONS
ating in relatively harsh environments
while typically working on a 24/7 basis
to maximize its business potential.
Working round the clock while ensur-
ing smooth operation and production
flows means a good control of the
shipyard’s planned preventive main-
tenance in order to reduce unplanned
downtime ,i.e reactive maintenance.
Planned maintenance work may require
the restriction of certain operational
activities at times, which further empha- operations (SIMOPS), communication
sises the need for proper planning and
collaboration between the operations
and maintenance departments.
Regarding the yard’s size, a shipyard's
capacity and capability are primarily
determined during the planning phase.
However, this does not mean that a
shipyard cannot expand or increase
its ability to meet a demand for larg-
One of the most er-sized vessels. A shipyard’s size,
significant capacity and capability are primarily
challenges in determined during the planning phase.
a shipyard However, this does not mean that a
facility is its shipyard cannot expand or increase
maintenance its ability to meet a demand for larg-
requirements. er-sized vessels. With the proper mar- How does rising inflation affect a shipyard’s
A yard has ket and feasibility studies to support
a large number the business case, expanding a yard’s
of fixed and size to diversify its scope or eliminate
mobile docking restrictions to accommodate
assets opera- larger vessels is always a consider-
ting in rela- ation as part of its long-term devel-
tively harsh opment.
environments.
What risk assessment techniques do you
apply to ensure the smooth execution of ship
repair work?
Our industry faces numerous risks that
must be mitigated to reach an accept-
able level within which our company
operates. These risks may be related
to safety, the environment, the ship-
yard facility, or other business aspects.
Depending on the category, we use
separate or combined risk assessment
techniques along with our risk matrix,
which quantifies them. Said assess-
ment techniques may complement
each other to achieve the best result.
Project risk identification process
begins with a commercial enquiry,
which then steps into the estimation
stage, including a risk assessment,
scope analysis, and contract review. If
required, we perform HAZID/HAZOP
64
or other assessments applicable to
particular tasks. Depending on the
specific project, we may use tools
such as a project charter as part of
the project’s take-off. The project
charter typically includes an analysis
of the project’s fundamentals to define
critical aspects such as scope, deliv-
erables, dependencies, planning mile-
stones, funding, constraints, known
risks and mitigations, simultaneous
strategy, management of change, etc.
During the roll-out phase, our work
is executed through a permit-to-work
system, which includes work-specific
risk assessments that can be detailed
further for specific tasks - as identi-
fied during a HAZID/HAZOP study or
depicted in the project charter, for
example.
After completing a project and during
the closing phase, we hold sessions
to analyse the learning opportunities
and proceed accordingly to a separate
“lessons learned” process.
negotiations with shipowners and suppliers?
Besides the demand/supply balance,
which determines or alters the price
of materials, inflation is another key
element that may affect the shipyard’s
competitiveness and negotiation ability,
as both directly impact the cost of ser-
vices provided. For example, there have
been price increases in raw materials
such as steel, which heavily depends on
the demand/supply chain. Depending
on the geographical position, we now
see inflation spiking in many countries
due to the effects of recent geopoliti-
cal events on energy prices.
In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, infla-
tion rates are within the normal range.
However, since the shipping industry
and shipyards are part of the global
supply markets, it is inevitable that
shipyards would also be affected in
some way. Here at ABIC, we try our
best to absorb these price increments
and remain competitive by increasing
our productivity and efficiency, reduc-
ing rework in line with our “Do it right
the first time” culture and reduce 3rd
party costs through relevant agree-
ments.