The United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) is utilizing the shipbuilding management method (VCM) to construct a new generation of training vessels for five state maritime academies. This method is specifically designed to reduce direct government involvement in the construction process and increase efficiency in delivering the vessels.
Delivery of New Training Vessels
So far, MARAD's contractor, TOTE Services, has delivered four out of five training vessels. The training vessel Empire State VII, belonging to the State University of New York Maritime College, was delivered on time and within budget as the first vessel in this series and was commissioned in September 2023.
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Future Challenges and Development of the VCM Method
The next challenge for MARAD and TOTE Services is to expand the use of the VCM method in the construction of commercial vessels. This method can reduce construction costs and increase the speed of vessel delivery due to its incorporation of best practices in commercial shipbuilding and commercial components. According to Chris Clark, the new Vice President of Construction at TOTE Services, the goal is to deliver the new vessels on time and within budget.
The use of the VCM method also helps to reduce unnecessary design changes and change orders, which are a primary source of contractual disputes and high costs. This method is also being utilized in two other government projects, including the construction of vessels related to missile systems and a new class of medium landing ships for the Navy.
Several ship management companies and ship operators also offer VCM services, with the scope of these services depending on each company's expertise. This approach could help improve the shipbuilding and delivery process in the near future.
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