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Investment in Design by David Tinsley, technical editor The Fruit of the Orient Through a longstanding blend of orga- nizational discipline and an unerring drive for the highest levels of automa- tion attainable in shipbuilding process- es, the industry in Japan demonstrates resilience founded on continuing pro- ductivity advances. Untiring efforts to seek new ways of reducing man-hours and lead times is wholly characteristic of Japanese com- panies, as they rise to the intensified challenge posed by equally resolute South Korean yards. Although designs from Japanese builders are necessarily production-ori- ented, shaping perceptions in the inter- national shipowning market that tailor- ing can only be had at a substantial pre- mium, there is no question about the quality obtainable at a competitive price. Design-led endeavors directed at keep- ing an edge in man-output and raising manufacturing efficacy are especially pertinent to the complex tanker struc- tures spawned by landmark legislation of the 1990s. Design optimization had different ramifications in earlier years. But new initiatives to promote build precision now hold out the prospect not only of production gains but also long-term ben- efits in structural reliability. As the latest expression of Japanese innovation, the first of a new breed of VLCCs embodying Kawasaki Heavy Industries' Apple Slot structural concept 401 Cochran Bridge • Causeway, Hwy. 98 Mobile, Alabama 36603 Phone: (334) 694-1300 • Fax: (334) 694-1306 AND 8685 Davenport St. • P. O. Box 309 Bayou La Batre, Alabama 36509 Phone: (334) 824-2170 • Fax: (334) 824-3115 Contact: Mickey Cook or Gayla Graham Fabrication, Construction, Repairs, and Conversions for the Inland and Offshore Marine Industry MAIN OFFICE Bristol, PA (215) 788-9242 FAX (215) 788-9244 SALES OFFICE Chesapeake, VA (804) 686-1370 FAX (804) 686-1376 E-Mail: sales@railwayspec.com http://www.railwayspec.com 8 Circle 216 on Reader Service Card Circle 288 on Reader Service Card
