Namura boosting output

Namura Shipbuilding in Japan plans to invest around $54 million at its Imari shipyard to boost its annual newbuilding capacity by up to 50% by the end of 2005. The plan includes the introduction of a new 800 tonne goliath crane, which will increase productivity by reducing the number of blocks needed during the assembly process, and by facilitating construction in larger block sizes. For an 18,000 DWT newbuilding, this could mean a reduction in average dock time of 3 to 4 weeks.

The company will also enlarge and modernize the pre-fitting and painting facilities, and construct a 60,000 m2 block holding area. Namura predicts it will be able to increase annual output from 8 to 12 vessels when the expansion programme is complete but sources say the company is unlikely to operate the new facilities at full capacity preferring, instead, to retain some degree of surplus capacity.