New online portal to boost transparency in repair and retrofit market

In January 2021, Newport Shipping launched a new online platform, Newport Maritime Services (NMS), which is intended to simplify the process of sourcing ship repair and retrofit works.

The new platform is intended to allow shipowners and fleet operators to receive instant quotes for routine maintenance works, have real-time visibility of shipyard availability and obtain priority access to dry dock slots online.

Subscribers to the NMS platform will also be able to select from a full set of bespoke solutions in repair, retrofit and conversions from a wide list of Newport Shipping supplier partners.

The solution is expected to simplify the current labour-intensive process of obtaining quotations and confirming availability for repair and conversion work, offering significant potential efficiency benefits for larger ship management companies.

NMS’ Managing Director, Ege Akcasoy commented “NMS is a fully-automated booking and management platform for high-quality dry docking, retrofit and conversion projects. It combines priority access, on-demand quotes, price stability and live yard availability in a streamlined way that ultimately saves shipowners time and money.”

However, the solution also recognises the importance of existing relationships in the industry.

“Digitalisation is on the agenda of all companies operating in the shipping industry, but the sector also remains true to its traditional roots,” Akcasoy added.

“We wanted to introduce an online tool that works in harmony with the people that make the ship repair sector what it is today, enabling greater transparency and thereby validating the trust and personal relationships that this industry is built on.”

The solution also offers wider benefits for the industry, helping to de-risk ship repairs by offering improved visibility through every stage of the process.