Shipbuilding is a very old tradition, yet is growing and changing with the times. Today's ship makers use a variety of new and old technology to build, repair and restore all types of vessels. Wooden shipbuilders are reviving the old ways by carving intricate details by hand, while some commercial ship builders are turning to robots for the welding of ship parts.

The speed and efficiency of ships continues to improve. Cargo ship builders are using the latest technology to reduce the industry's reliance on oil. Key trends constantly change and evolve, so you want to have a variety of places to go to for information.

1. Look for companies that stay at the cutting edge of the industry in terms of energy sources to power ships or technology to improve efficiency.

2. Join a shipbuilder association to network and gain information.

3. Sign up for newsletter, RSS feeds or other shipbuilding information to stay current.

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

Learn more about the alternative energy sources commercial ship builders are using

Wind was once the only energy available to propel ships, and technology is coming full circle by making use of the wind in more efficient ways. Manufacturers are also exploring solar energy as an energy source for ships. Nuclear power, once reserved for military shipbuilding, is now drawing the attention of commercial ship builders.

I recommend: Cnet News gives readers a glimpse of upcoming plans for a solar ship designed for tourism in San Francisco. GoodCleanTech focuses on the latest environmentally friendly technology and gives details on a ship already using wind and solar energy. Adams Atomic Engines describes the many benefits as well as a few of the obstacles for nuclear power in commercial shipbuilding.

Network and gain information through a shipbuilder association

Becoming part of a large association of ship builders helps you network and learn more about shipbuilders news and trends.

I recommend: The Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA) is the largest national trade organization representing US ship builders. American Shipbuilding Association (ASA) is a key organization for the largest shipbuilders in the United States, including those commercial ship builders serving the US Navy.

Subscribe to the latest shipbuilding news

Stay in the know with regular updates on the aspects of shipbuilding that most interest you.

I recommend: Maritime Activity Reports offers multiple ways to keep up on shipbuilding news, including magazines, email updates and RSS feeds. Americanshipbuilders.com publishes news articles online in several categories of interest to shipbuilders, including design and propulsion.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Shipbuilding is a global business, but it still pays to get local. Look for small local associations to keep you up to date on what is happening at your nearest shipyards.
• •  Imagine shipbuilders putting together a city that circles the globe. A shipbuilding operation called Freedom Ship plans to do just that. Plans include a shopping mall, school and medical research facilities.

Shipbuilding continues to be a strong industry for growth. Commercial ship builders create transportation vehicles to move goods in a shrinking global economy. Military shipbuilding remains strong and custom shipbuilders will always be around to feed the voracious appetites of the wealthy. Ships used for deep water, offshore drilling for oil are also in great demand.

Whether you are looking to have a custom yacht built or need to find cargo shipbuilders to repair your current fleet as it delivers goods around the world, ship makers and shipbuilders are still in abundant supply. Most shipyards around the world are operating at full-speed though and will need plenty of lead-time to fill your orders.

1. Line up regular maintenance schedules with commercial ship builders to avoid a wait for repairs

2. Find rare wooden shipbuilders to build your classic luxury boat

3. Put in your order with ship builders before the prices rise even more

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

Build relationships with shipbuilders for shipbuilding services

While the waiting lists for shipbuilding services grows, you can ensure that your fleet is receiving the attention it needs when you sign with a shipbuilder for regular maintenance. You can prevent breakdowns and disruption of your delivery schedule by not skipping these professional ship audits.

I recommend: Coastal Contracts BHD offers worldwide maintenance contracts form its headquarters in Malaysia. Their services include shipbuilding, ship maintenance and ship chartering. General Dynamic's NASSCO subsidiary has been building and servicing commercial ships form its west coast commercial ship builders location since 1959.

Get a luxury yacht built by wood shipbuilders

While most of the world goes high-tech and looks for ways to make ships lighter and more efficient, there is still a demand for the kind of luxury and symmetry that can only come with wooden ships. Whether you are looking to renovate a historical wooden ship or build a new one, there are shipbuilders who can answer your needs.

I recommend: Lagoon Royal is a shipyard whose custom ship makers specialize in exclusive Mahogany handcrafted boats and yachts. Contact Burger ship builders in Wisconsin to talk about getting your own custom yacht built for you.

Beat inflation with the assistance of cargo ship builders and commercial ship builders

The costs of shipbuilding, much like every other industry, are rapidly on the rise. Whether you are considering placing an order with a North American shipbuilder, or are looking at overseas commercial ship builders, it is wise to take advantage of any price breaks you can get before price increases take hold.

I recommend: Irving Shipbuilders is a Canadian company that makes drill rigs and marine construction devices for offshore drilling. Most cargo shipbuilders and container ship builders that can produce ships for offshore drilling are located in Asia. CSSN, China’s state-owned conglomerate of shipbuilders, builds several types of ships.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  It takes years to build a new ship and many of the European and North American cargo ship builders are booked with orders a couple years ahead. If you wait until oil drilling begins in earnest off the United State's shores, you will be too late.

Shipbuilding has a long and rich history. Ships have served many purposes over the years, including exploration, travel, transporting goods and war. The one thing that hasn't changed in many years of shipbuilding is the pride ship makers have in their work. Today, shipbuilders work to develop new technology while still keeping traditional techniques alive.

Without shipbuilders vital freight transportation in the United States would stop, and the US would lose a very critical part of national defense. In recognition of this, the US government created the Jones Act. This is of great importance to the shipbuilding industry. Here are just a few reasons why:

1. The Jones Act ensures that US citizens build and maintain ships transporting goods within the US.

2. It provides jobs to US commercial ship builders and protects against low-cost foreign shipbuilders that do not have the same wage or environmental standards the US does.

3. It protects national security by ensuring that the US has a fleet of US-owned vessels at the ready in case of emergency.

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

Discover the many services available from commercial shipbuilders

Commercial ship builders tailor shipbuilding services to meet the needs of every type of vessel. Large and small shipyards handle a variety of repair tasks and new builds.

I recommend: Cascade General is a large shipyard serving the needs of many different large commercial vessels. NASSCO, a General Dynamics Company, offers its commercial customers a full range of services including design, emergency repair and all phases of construction. Check out Internet Guide to Freighter Travel for information about the types of vessels built by cargo ship builders.

Find wood shipbuilders for restoration or new builds

Wood shipbuilders build, repair and occasionally recreate traditional wooden ships.

I recommend: East Passage Boatwrights offers wooden shipbuilders to build or repair ships. Visit Custom Boat Builders to read more about custom shipbuilders and their work building modern ships as well as historically accurate replicas.

Learn more about the latest in shipbuilders basics

Shipbuilding is a constantly changing field. On one end of the spectrum, wood shipbuilders are reviving old techniques to recreate historical vessels. At the other end, ship makers use robots to help build ships and use solar energy to propel the ships.

I recommend: Check out The Daily Galaxy for a glimpse of a solar ship. Search ship-technology.com for all types of products and services related to shipbuilding.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are looking for a career, check out shipbuilding. Shipyards are currently looking for skilled workers and many have training programs for those wanting to learn.