Improving Global Quality of Life

Finland
Poland
Rest of the world
Croatia
Taiwan
Germany
Rest of Europe
Rest of Asia
China (PRC)
Japan
Korea
0,4%
0,8%
1,0%
1,0%
1,3%
1,6%
3,6%
4,2%
21%
32%
35%
Figure 9.13 Distribution of
the total order book 262,
7 MDWT for shipyards in July
2006 (Reproduced courtesy:
B. Pekkari)
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%
Investing in personnel’s knowledge is a part of shipbuilding’s future. In order to be able to keep up with
competition, knowledge and its further development are of vital importance. Education and research are
needed at every level. In addition to extra training, setting up specific shipbuilding education is a possible
option. At the same time there must be even closer collaboration between shipyards, the shipbuilding
educationalists and the knowledge institutions, to equip the knowledge infrastructure with maximum
information.
The biggest stimulus is the growing world trade and the important role that sea transport plays in freight
transport, especially between Europe and Asia. As a result of this, freight transport is expected to double
in Europe during the coming years. Rail and highway transport cannot follow this level of growth. The
expectation is that the role of sea transport will continue to increase. As result of this growth, demand for
ships will increase in the near future.
The expectations for offshore are also favourable, because, the demand for energy - oil in particular - will
increase considerably through 2030. A large wave of investment growth in this sector is expected.
This picture appears to be rosy - and in a certain sense it is. It is not certain how long the growth of demand
for new ships will continue after the global financial crisis but with continued growth in China and India for
energy, growth should be positive.
9.8.2 Naval shipbuilding – versatile and innovative in a changing Navy market
As a result of the changing distribution of power in the world, the market for naval ships has changed
considerably. Naval ships must still be in a state of readiness, but within a revised operational and strategic
structure, in which world-wide peace-keeping operations and activities to counter-act disasters occupy
an increasingly important position. The amphibious transport ships, equipped with aid equipment, crew,
vehicles and other means of transport are extremely suitable for this. As a result of the decline in demand
for frigates and corvettes and the threat of over capacity resulting from this, competition between the
world’s naval shipbuilders is becoming stiffer.
Some remarkable developments in naval shipbuilding can be mentioned. Blohm & Voss, a company
of ThyssenKrupp Shipyards, developed the MEKO design concept, based on a platform ”ship”, which is
specifically designed for flexible installation and removal of machinery, weapons and electronic systems as
standardised modules. Modularity is the key to the MEKO technology. Many modules have been installed on
124 Improving Global Quality of Life Through Optimum Use and Innovation of Welding and Joining Technologies