Gelen Marine in Japan

 

Gelen Marine were appointed to various owners over a period of 4 years from 2013 through to 2017 including Goulandris Brothers (UK) Ltd, Hadley Shipping Group Ltd and MUR Shipping Ltd, as construction supervisors during the build of their various Kamsarmax and Supramax bulk carriers and Handy sized loggers in two shipyards in southern Japan.

This projects were all delivered in a similar manner utilising a team of specialised engineers covering Structure, Outfitting, Marine Engineering, Marine Electrical Engineering, ventilation engineering and Painting, and were formed and managed under the direct control of managing director Dr. Paul Read.

Initially, Dr. Read formed and managed a team of plan approval engineers who utilising a proprietary electronic system reviewed all design drawings, documents and calculations, commented accordingly and on behalf of each owner ensured all drawings were approved to the specification, regulations and best shipbuilding practice. Dr. Read maintained oversight over all drawings under review, overseeing and collating all comments made by the review team, coordinating the replies and responses between the team and the shipyard, whilst reviewing personally specific, important plans.

On initiation of ship construction Dr. Read was responsible for forming and managing the on‐site construction supervision team in the shipyards. These teams of engineers carried out designated owner’s inspections in the yard, covering steel work, outfitting, painting, piping, electrical cabling, machinery and deck equipment installation including hydraulic hatch covers. The teams attended regular factory acceptance trials off‐site at the manufacturers of the main engines, generator engines, ballast water treatment systems and switchboards. The teams also attended harbour acceptance trials and commissioning of all ship machinery, equipment and systems. Furthermore, the teams liaised with the classification society surveyors on a daily basis and the flag state surveyors at the time of their attendance.

Initially Dr. Read was resident in Japan and then later took on a more indirect role attending the yard on a regular basis from Europe. In his role he managed the supervision team, monitored inspection quality and health and safety, and carried out inspections or witnessed factory and harbour acceptance trials as necessary in support of his team. In addition he collated and prepared monthly construction progress reports for the owner’s, covering the general status of construction, highlighting any particular concerns and providing a position on the current progress of each ship. Sea Trials of each ship were attended by the Gelen Marine team on behalf of each owner and each case were commanded by Dr. Read, who managed the supervision team and the attending ship’s crew, coordinating the attendance of testing and the subsequent comments process.

Liaising with the ship’s crew further Dr. Read and the Gelen Marine teams were additionally responsible for overseeing ship delivery and the provision of technical advice during the guarantee periods of each vessel.

The last vessels were delivered in 2017 and all the vessels were delivered within time and budget.