Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/778359
21 In many instances, the relationship between ship owners, or their representative in the shipyard, and shipyard management, can be adversarial. But Crowley and its construction management team take a different approach. The goal of delivering a performance-based vessel that meets all of the pre-determined specifications remains unchanged, but it's the way they work together that is flexible. "We find that by fostering a team mentality and working with the shipyard instead of against them, the end result is normally much better for all parties," explained Sperry, manager, construction management. "At the end of the day, the goal of the shipyard and the construction management team is to deliver a good product. If we, by being pro-active and sensible, can help the shipyard to achieve this goal, the entire team wins. With the amount of experience Crowley teams bring, we can normally find common ground and help the shipyard to succeed." "We at Crowley, with the additional resources of our subsidiary Jensen Maritime, a leader in naval architecture and marine engineering, have the capability of providing assistance through every aspect of a vessel build," said Martus. "From concept, to design review, to an imbedded construction manager for the entirety of the project in the shipyard, to inspections through delivery and even training of the crew and ultimately vessel operation, we have the ability to help with all of it– all within the walls of Crowley." Dot Each "I" and Cross Every "T" Before the first drawing is made, or the first component planned, comes the signing of a contract with the shipyard. With construction costs in the tens of millions of dollars, this contract is among the most important parts of the entire process. So having a company like Crowley and people like Martus, Sperry and Loeffler representing the vessel owner's side of the table at this stage is a step on which a customer doesn't want to skimp. "Any project or prospective project has a definitive beginning – the initiation of the contract between stakeholders. Then there's the middle - an execution of the project scope, and finally the end - vessel delivery, in this case," said Sperry. "Signing a good contract with the shipyard is of the utmost importance to ensure that the customer is receiving the end product based on the vision and expectation of the vessel's intended service." It is also important to ensure the contract is not one-sided in favor of either party, and that's where Crowley's construction managers jump in. Crowley, having negotiated contracts for many new construction vessels over its 124-year history, is well suited to aid ship owners in these negotiations. Morning meetings at the shipyard keep interested parties focused on safety and the project plan for the day. Below: Patrick Sperry, Crowley vessel construction manager, inspects welds on a newbuild. Photo Caption Story continued on page 22 Photo Caption Connections Winter 2017