Current shipbuilding trends

Throughout the world, we are currently witnessing a consolidation and concentration of shipyards. Particularly in Korea and China, new shipyards are sprouting up and suppliers who have up to now specialised only in pure component construction are going over to building entire vessels – in order, on the one hand, to share in the current contract boom, on the other, because existing shipbuilding capacity is simply no longer adequate.

Furthermore, the construction of mega-yachts has – in the space of just a few years –developed into a separate market segment of its own. On account of the special equipment that is installed, they are often more expensive to build than even the largest container ships. In this segment, risk exposure is particularly important in the final fitting-out phase, during trials, and during any subsequent refurbishment.

In the international shipbuilding sector, there are a number of developments and trends that must be observed due to their relevance in risk assessment:

• —
  The rapid growth in the size and hence the value of vessels continues unabated, especially where the construction of container ships is concerned. No end to this trend is in sight.

Development of sizes in the container shipbuilding worldwide (1986-2007)

• —
  New vessels are generally fitted out with more high technology of higher value – be it the bridge and navigation systems, the engine controls, or other fixtures and fittings.
  
  
• —
  Consequently, the exposure is constantly increasing during the fitting-out and trial phases.
  
  
• —
  Vertical integration at shipyards is continuously decreasing, whilst subcontractors are becoming increasingly important. Before outside firms start working at a shipyard, however, they must be given detailed instructions on the safety concept.
  
  
• —
  On account of market and cost pressures, construction times need to be further reduced by the now common method of modular construction. As a result, individual components are increasing in size, complexity, and weight and often have to be transported long distances across the open sea.
  
  
• —
  The risk of transporting individual modules coming from sub-suppliers is increasing. The same goes for the risks of transshipment and handling during the assembly of heavy components at shipyards.
  
  
• —
  The desire to shorten delivery times puts more and more pressure on the shipyard's workforce, which may result in lower production quality and higher safety risks.

« back  |  continue »