Grand Bahama Shipyard Limited Conducts Major Yard Infrastructure Improvements

Grand Bahama Shipyard Limited (GBSL), the largest and most respected shipyard in the Caribbean, had a productive summer program consisting of work on vessels from the tanker, container and towage segments of the maritime industry. Additionally, renovations and upgrades were performed on the floating dry docks and workshops, all in conjunction with extensive yard improvements in anticipation for a busy fall and winter work period.

The summer saw the yard busy with repeat customers from respected players in the tanker, container and towage segments operating in the Caribbean region. Vessels from Harren Ship Management GmbH, Wilhelmsen Ship Mgmt. Ltd-USA, Transport Desgagnés of Groupe Desgagnés and Solvang ASA were among the many repeat customers with dry docking at GBSL for repairs and other scheduled maintenance.

Scheduled work to additional commercial vessels and the beginning of the 2016-17 cruise vessels repair season ensures the yard is set for a busy second half of 2016 and on to the first half of 2017. Notables include the first ever dry dock of the MSC Divina in mid-September as well as cruise ships from Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Disney, Princess Cruise Lines and Silversea Cruises, plus commercial vessels from Crowley, Seabulk Tankers, Ahrenkiel Steamship GmbH & Co, OSM and OSG Ship Management Companies.

GBSL is known for delivering all projects on time, and often ahead of schedule. “We are dedicated to staying current with the technological developments of the industry, focusing on the specific needs of our customers. We listen to what they have to say and are committed to meeting those demands with continual upgrades to our yard and services.” Says GBSL VP Sales and Marketing, Graham Couser.

Significant maintenance programs were competed on Floating Dry Dock # 1 and Floating Dry Dock #2. Maintenance to Dry Dock #3 is due for completion by December 2016. It is important to note that maintenance programs will not interfere with any planned or unplanned dry dockings. 

The mechanical and steel workshops have been updated and reconfigured to accommodate new equipment purchased to enhance efficiency, thereby giving the yard the ability to offer more services in-house.

A key to the success of major revitalization projects is successful and planned logistics. To support this facet, GBSL has partnered with industry leader Caterpillar to provide multiple logistical mechanical handling devises such as extended booms, fork lifts, cherry pickers, and others.

Studies to improve to improve work flow have been conducted resulting in process management systems being reviewed. New systems are being evaluated to improve work flow through an updated process management protocol.