Successful shipbuilding and ship repair starts with a warehouse full of shipbuilding equipment and shipbuilding tools to get the job done. Those shipbuilders who invest in equipment can accomplish much more, becoming more efficient and providing quality workmanship.

Shipbuilding equipment can come at a great cost but is absolutely necessary on the production line, from electrical and mechanical facilities, dry docks and cranes to brake liners, seals and gaskets. Being able to process raw materials is also a must.

Important to the US economy, the shipbuilding industry accounts for $10 billion annually and employs 100,000 workers, with nearly all of U.S. imports and exports moved via waterways. Consider this other shipbuilding information:

1. Shipbuilding equipment and material account for more than half of the total costs. While historically more items have been manufactured within the shipyard, nowadays larger operations are purchasing up to 80%.

2. Most shipbuilder tools are located on shipyards owned and operated by large corporations.

3. Experts cite the high cost of shipbuilding materials and labor, as well as lower productivity, as the causes of a poor market.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare shipbuilding supplies from different companies

There are only about 250 companies that make up the US marine industry, including shipbuilding and repair. But a select few have gobbled up 85% of the business. Even with few choices, one can still find shipbuilding suppliers from across the country.

I recommend: Find safety, welding and other supplies through Shipyard Supply. Based in St. Louis, MO, Schoellhorn-Albrecht Machine Co. offers a number of shipyard supplies including anchors, deck fittings, accommodation ladders and the like.

Purchase shipbuilding hardware to get the job done

The nuts and bolts of building a ship include the nuts and bolts, of course. Make sure your warehouse is stocked with a variety of hardware, as each build may require different tools and equipment.

I recommend: From brake liners, couplings, hoses and fittings to seals, gaskets and valves, the Nautilus Group offers it all. Sunbelt Stud Welding offers cable and pipe hangings among others.

Find shipbuilding suppliers for those extra finishing details

When building ships commercially, don't forget to build in those extra features per the contract specification, whether its a certain type of window, finish of paint or extra instruments.

I recommend: For windows, doors, hatches and other final touches for shipbuilding, check out Kwang Woon, a Korean company. For those consumer ships, you may consider adding fish finders, smart sensors and other instruments from Airmar Technology Corporation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While shipbuilding material costs much, the actual assembly drives up costs the most. Assembly costs can vary depending on the conditions and the season in which the assembly is completed. Many US shipyards also find it difficult to compete internationally due to the hindrance of domestic laws and higher labor rates than in other countries.