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Essex Shipbuilding
The
Essex Shipbuilding industry is as diverse as
its production.
Cultural and geographic differences support the various
demands of a truly global shipping industry ever more competitive with a near
constant search for economies of scale and cheaper operation.
At the
extreme this desire to operate cheaper than the next ship owner results in
tragedy and punctuates the rulebooks forever and a day.
Flags of
convenience and the never-ending criticism of classification societies, flag
States and the various administrations, supposedly there to enforce global
agreements on safety and pollution, go seemingly unchecked or unheeded.
In the meantime our Essex Shipbuilding industries maintain a level of
professionalism rarely criticised. On the commercial side pencils are sharpened
and despite being surrounded by inflation, newbuilding costs seem to stabilise
or fall.
Conversions, particularly in the cruise sector, have become
big business whilst repairs, maintenance and annual dockings are always under
the spotlight by owners keen to save a few bucks.
There is no doubt
that yards have become more efficient and transparent in their dealings
although some still have some distance to travel in order to avoid the poor
reputation associated with cost overruns and late deliveries. Certain yards
make up for their competitiveness at the quotation stage by the so-called
'add-ons' that creep from the cupboard with amazing ease, although it is true
to say that some owners are equally at fault by preparing poor specifications.
The industry and its 'drivers' are fascinating. As big as the players
are most have difficulty embracing e-commerce, the Web, and the persona
necessary to attract and retain a presence in the industry arena. Many yards
are faceless and impersonal requiring a high level of determination on the part
of the prospective client to attract attention.
Essex Shipbuilding understands the industry and
believes it can help in developing and improving its profile.
Essex Shipbuilding is equally determined
to fill a gap in the market by acting as a catalyst or facilitator for the
shipping industry and those who support it in the building, repair, maintenance
and conversion of ships of all shapes and sizes.
Shipbuilding and Repair Intelligence
Report - September Edition
Shipbuilding and Repair Intelligence
Report - September Edition This is the fourth edition of
Shipbuilding-and-Repair.com which has developed into well over 20,000 words of
up to the minute news on what's happening in these important sectors of the
shipping industry on a global basis. The Shipbuilding industry is in some
turmoil and has been slow to recognise and adapt to changes that continue to
affect their customers. In the meantime the fortunes of the various segments
that make up the shipping industry wax and wane giving shipbuilders ever more
reason to wonder which direction they should chose in order to be one step
ahead.
The ferry industry has seen many changes in recent years and the
latest news that those with super-fast tonnage have been hit not only with high
fuel bills, but also high - and presumably anticipated - depreciation will do
little to encourage others to follow the trend. P&O's recent announcement
of £18m of losses in the ferry sector for the first half of the year will
also focus their board's attention to the question of much needed tonnage on
the short sea and western channel. Tanker and Refer markets continue to show
extremes with much of the latter fleet laid up on the buoys in Elefsis Bay. The
rich pattern that is shipping continues to fascinate with a constant endeavour
to find niche markets and economies of scale.
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