NSRP looks at shipbuilding cost management software

NSRP is an industry-led, Navy-sponsored collaboration of U.S. shipyards working together to reduce the cost of building, operating and repairing Navy ships by improving productivity and quality through advanced technology and processes. Its various panels strive for the discussion of best practices and overlapping challenges.

The CostFact software that will be in the spot light at next month’s San Diego has been developed in close cooperation with naval shipyards such as ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and incorporates a number of best-practice methods.

The meeting in San Diego offers the opportunity to look at selected CostFact features. Case studies will demonstrate the application of CostFact at naval shipyards. The integration of CostFact with the CAD software ShipConstructor will also be shown.

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BAE Norfolk wins $25.2 million DDG 98 contract

 

Work will involve ship repair, maintenance, and modernization. 

The contract includes option items which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $26,651,350. 

Work will be performed in Norfolk and is expected to be completed by July 2016.  

Fiscal 2016 operation and maintenance (Navy); and fiscal 2016 other procurement (Navy) funding, in the amount of $25,236,623 will be obligated at time of award, and funds in the amount of $23,339,814 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  

The contract was competitively procured under full and open competition via the Federal Business Opportunities website; two offers were received.  

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, Norfolk, VA, is the contracting activity (N50054-16-C-0002).

First Vessel launched at Eastern Shipbuilding using FORAN

 

The Harvey Sub-Sea is the first of two MPSVs being built for New Orleans-based Harvey Gulf International Marine.

The FORAN CAD/CAM system was developed by Spanish engineering firm Sener. Back in June 2013, Sener and Eastern Shipbuilding inked a deal for the complete implementation of FORAN.

The goal of the implementation was to improve the overall design and production processes at the shipyard. FORAN was implemented in all design and production disciplines and was adapted to fulfill the U.S. shipbuilding practices.

Using FORAN on several vessel construction projects, Eastern Shipbuilding has improved its production time and quality. Eastern Shipbuilding VP of Engineering, Fernando Malabet, says, “Eastern Shipbuilding Group received a regulatory design package with minimal details and extensive areas to be defined and refined during the 3D development of the model. This task needed to be accomplished not only with experienced 3D modelers, but also allowing the Naval Architect to be part of the modeling process, this way filling in the blanks and properly complete the design of the vessel. This can only be achieved by using a Software like FORAN.”

Malabet says, “FORAN not only cut the modeling time by 50% as compared to other software packages, but allowed different disciplines and people with different levels of training in modeling ability, to become part of the process, which made it more efficient, exact, and we had time to receive feedback from Owners and Production. Once the output presentation and process was agreed with the Production side of the yard, with Sener’s help we automated as much as possible the creation of Nests and Assemblies, creating a full package with a time reduction of about 25% in comparison with the time that it took with other software packages.”

“Since the original packages from both design firms for Hull 249 and 234 were ‘Regulatory’ only, ESG was able to complete the design and detailed sufficiently for production purposes with the use of FORAN, for all areas, Structure, Piping, Electrical and Outfitting, involving from Modelers, 2D Designers to Engineers of various disciplines. From this Model, Structural As-Builds will be developed showing a higher level of detail and accuracy than the original package contained. Finally ESG can say: Basic Regulatory Design by VARD (vessel 249) or ROBERT ALLAN (vessel 234) and Detail Production design by ESG, thanks to the use of a fully integrated Software like FORAN,” he says.

Sener, who is collaborating closely with Eastern Shipbuilding to fulfill its demands, is making a strong effort to improve FORAN in order to help the shipbuilding stakeholders to develop better vessel construction projects and to be more competitive. FORAN celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2015.

 

Brazil’s ETP delivers two Incat Crowther fast supply vessels

Named Baru Providencia and Baru Antares, they are the third and fourth in a 12 boat series built for Baru Offshore.

The designs have been optimized to comply with the UT4000 Fast Supply Vessel specification. Ship’s fuel is in excess of 40,000 liters, with a cargo fuel load of 90,000 liters. There is also capacity for 90,000 liters of cargo fresh water.

The vessels are dominated by an expansive aft deck of 225 square meters of usable area, planked with hardwood and protected by sturdy cargo rails.

An additional 30 sq. meters of cargo area is provided inside the main deck cabin, allowing for the carriage of items out of the elements, such as food and other supplies. Also housed in the main deck cabin are wet room and laundry facilities.

The upper deck wheelhouse includes an aft facing control station allowing for safe and efficient maneuvering.

Below decks are six cabins, accommodating 11 crew, as well as a mess, galley and bathrooms.

The vessels are powered by a quartet of Cummins QSK 50 main engines, each rated at 1,800hp @ 1,800 rpm.

Electrical requirements are met by two two Cummins QSM 11 gensets, each rated at 280 ekW

Propulsion is by four fixed-pitched propellers, with two 150 hp electric tunnel bow thrusters enhancing maneuverability.

The vessels have a service speed of 21 knots and a maximum speed of 25 knots.

DSME hit by second fatal fire within months

It is the second fatal blaze at the shipyard in just a few months and there appear to be close parallels in the two incidents.

Two people died in an August 24 fire onboard an LPG tanker under construction at the yard and, in that fire too, another seven were injured.

Today’s fire, like the earlier one, was reportedly aboard a gas carrier and in both cases sparks from a welder’s torch were initially identified as the likely cause.

Joe Mayhall joins Bollinger Shipyards

“I am pleased to announce the addition of Joe Mayhall to the Bollinger family of employees,” said President and CEO Ben Bordelon. “In his new role of Vice President, Commercial Business Development, Joe will have commercial sales and marketing responsibilities for Bollinger as well as Tampa Ship. Joe brings to the table 23 years as a solid contributor in shipyard sales and marketing. His knowledge and understanding of the industry will open new doors and new markets for Bollinger as well as expand on our existing new construction and repair efforts. Joe is a strong addition to our team and I am excited to see his impact on our business.”

Mr. Mayhall is a veteran of new construction and ship repair sales and has worked in increasingly responsible positions, overseeing blue water ship repair and new construction sales in the oilfield and passenger vessel markets as well as coordinating advertising and marketing.

Chouest said to have canceled Arctic AHTS duo

 

Designed by ECO’s North American Shipbuilding, Larose, LA, the vessels were to be built to Polar Class 3, equipped to operate in arctic waters with air temperature down to minus 40 degrees Celsius.

The reported Chouest cancelation of the pair comes in the wake of Shell’s recent decision to halt its operations offshore Alaska for the “foreseeable future.”

Delivery of first Arctic AHTS from LaShip shipyard had been slated for end 2016.

VT Halter launches 130 ft ATB tug for Bouchard

 

The vessel is one of two sister vessels being built under a two vessel contract signed with Bouchard Transportation, Inc. in August 2014. Morton S. Bouchard and sister vessel Frederick E. Bouchard each measure 130 feet by 38 feet by 22 feet and is classed by ABS as +A1 Ocean Towing , Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter C. On completion, both tugs will be equipped with an Intercon Coupler System. Deliveries are expected in January and May 2016 respectively. The vessels will enter into Bouchard Transportation’s fleet service in New York, N.Y.

This most recent launch follows the September launch from the Moss Point shipyard of another ATB tug for Bouchard, the 10,000 hp M/V Donna J. Bouchard.

Also equipped with an Intercon Coupler, Donna J. Bouchard, is classed by ABS as +A1 Towing Vessel, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter M.
She will be paired with barge B.No.272, which is currently under construction at VT Halter Marine’s Pascagoula, MS, shipyard to comprise the second ATB unit built for Bouchard Transportation as part of its major expansion program.

“Bouchard Transportation Co. Inc. is happy to announce yet another successful launching of a state of the art ATB tug built by VT Halter Marine. The launching of the M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. is a special event within the Bouchard Family, for the vessel is named after the father of President/CEO, Morton S. Bouchard III, who wanted his father’s name to always remain on the waterfront for which he dedicated his entire fife to. The original tug, Morton S Bouchard Jr., which was also built by Halter, was earlier renamed as The Bouchard Boys and continues to operate with Bouchard Fleet,” said Morton S. Bouchard III President and CEO, Bouchard Transportation.

“The successful launching of both vessels, the M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. today and the M/V Donna J. Bouchard in September is an indication of the commitment to the continued relationship with Bouchard Transportation. We are pleased and proud to celebrate this important milestone in the life of any vessel, and we look forward to having these superb tugboats join the Bouchard Transportation fleet,” said Jack Prendergast, CEO, VT Halter Marine

 

Aker Philly facing higher costs, delivery delays

The company, which is planning to change its name to Philly Shipyard, reported an order backlog of $1,043.2 million as of September 30, 2015, providing for shipbuilding activity with delivery dates through 2018.

In its third quarter report, the company says that it has recently completed a thorough analysis of its production schedule and budgets based on its experiences with the construction activities on the current product tanker program and the purchasing and engineering activities on the two containership’s on order by Matson project.

“As a result of this analysis,” it says, it has “prepared a revised forecast which includes higher costs of construction and later delivery dates for the vessels in AKPS’s backlog than previous forecasts. Corrective actions have been put in place to address some of these additional costs and schedule impacts.”

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Future USNS Brunswick completes Acceptance Trials

The ship, which was constructed by shipbuilder Austal USA, is the sixth in the EPF class. The EPF class ships were formerly known as Joint High Speed Vessels, or JHSVs. In September, the Secretary of the Navy brought in a new E ship class designator that, in addition to seeing the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) become the Expeditionary Fast Transport, or EPF, sees the Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) become the Expeditionary Transfer Dock, or ESD; and the Afloat Forward Staging Base (AFSB) variant of the MLP become the Expeditionary Mobile Base, or ESB. 

“Conducting Acceptance Trials is a major milestone for the shipyard and the program office,” said Capt. Henry Stevens, Strategic and Theater Sealift Program Manager, Program Executive Office, Ships. “We are very proud of our contractor and government team’s commitment to delivering affordable, quality ships and look forward to the delivery of EPF 6 later this year.” 

The ship’s trials included dockside testing to clear the ship for sea and rigorous at-sea trials during which the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) evaluated and observed the performance of EPF 6’s major systems.

Completion of Brunswick’s Acceptance Trials signifies that the ship is ready for delivery to the fleet in the near future.

“We’re proud to have successfully completed acceptance trials for USNS Brunswick, and excited to see the continued improvement ship to ship on this mature program,” said Craig Perciavalle, Austal USA’s president. “Austal’s EPF team continues to do a tremendous job constructing incredible ships and preparing them to enter the fleet.”

The Brunswick is the sixth ship in Austal’s 10-ship $1.6 billion EPF block-buy contract awarded by the U.S. Navy in 2008. Three more under construction at Austal’s Mobile, AL, shipyard.

EPFs are versatile, non-combatant, transport ships that will be used for fast intra-theater transportation of troops, military vehicles, and equipment. EPF is designed to commercial standards, with limited modifications for military use. The vessel is capable of transporting 600 short tons 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots, and can operate in shallow-draft ports and waterways, interfacing with roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities, and on/off-loading vehicles such as a combat-loaded Abrams Main Battle Tank. Other joint requirements include an aviation flight deck to support day and night aircraft launch and recovery operations.

EPF 6 will have airline style seating for 312 embarked forces, with fixed berthing for 104.

The EPF’s large, open mission deck and large habitability spaces provide the opportunity to conduct a wide range of missions.

“We’re excited about the feedback we’re receiving about how well these ships are doing on deployment and about the overall potential of the program,” said Mr. Perciavalle.

In addition to the EPF program, Austal is also building 10 Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) for the U.S. Navy under a $3.5 billion block-buy contract. Three LCS have been delivered while an additional six are in various stages of construction.When it was launched at Austal’s Mobile, AL, shipyard in May EPF 6 was JHSV 6.

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