Ship Repair USA: Supply chain pressures shape ship repair operations

Credit: Everett Ship Repair

Supply chain disruptions may have eased from their pandemic-era peaks, but shipyards, vessel operators, suppliers, and logistics providers continue to navigate a complex operating environment where delays, material shortages, and transportation challenges can have significant impacts on repair schedules and vessel availability.

These issues will take center stage during the panel discussion, “How Logistics and Supply Chain Dynamics Are Impacting Ship Repair,” at Marine Log‘s Ship Repair USA, taking place June 23-24 in Jacksonville, Fla.

Moderated by Whitney Ennis, vice president of marketing and communication at freight service company Trailer Bridge, the session will bring together experts from across the maritime logistics and ship repair ecosystem, including John Cofrancesco, founder and CEO of American AI Logistics; Ben Scheffer, sales director at W&O Supply; Rear Adm. John Polowczyk (USN, Ret.), president of the Virginia Ship Repair Association; and Kelly Roehm, account executive at AIT Worldwide Logistics.

Panelists will examine the logistics and sourcing challenges that continue to affect repair schedules and discuss where shipyards and vessel operators are feeling the greatest pressure. The conversation will also explore how stakeholders are working together to improve predictability around parts availability, labor coordination, and repair timelines—critical factors in minimizing costly vessel downtime.

The discussion will address ongoing bottlenecks involving specialized components and materials, as well as strategies being used to mitigate delays and improve supply chain resilience. Attendees will gain insight into how suppliers and logistics providers are adapting to evolving market conditions while supporting increasingly complex repair projects.

Technology will also be a key focus of the session. As digital tools, artificial intelligence, predictive logistics, and inventory management systems become more sophisticated, organizations are gaining new capabilities to anticipate disruptions, improve visibility, and make faster operational decisions. Panelists will discuss how these technologies are being applied today and what opportunities may lie ahead.

Looking to the future, the panel will consider the operational changes, partnerships, and investments that may be needed to strengthen the ship repair supply chain over the next several years.

For shipyard leaders, vessel operators, suppliers, and logistics professionals, the session offers an opportunity to hear how organizations across the industry are responding to supply chain challenges and building greater resilience in an increasingly dynamic operating environment.

ABOUT SHIP REPAIR USA

Ship Repair USA brings together vessel owners, operators, shipyards and service providers to address key challenges in maintenance, repair and modernization, with sessions like this offering practical perspectives on emerging technologies.

TOP REASONS TO ATTEND

• Cost-effective repair project management
• Integration of modern technologies
• Staying compliant with the latest regulatory standards
• Building the skilled labor force necessary for long-term success

COME ON BOARD THE USS ORLECK

A networking event hosted by conference sponsor Hylant will take place June 23 aboard the USS Orleck, a Gearing-class destroyer that served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1982, providing attendees with an opportunity to connect in a historic setting.

Registration is open.