Proven Benefits of Advanced Shipbuilding Technology -- Actual Case Studies of Recent Comparative Construction Programs (The National Shipbuilding Research Program)

Much has been written and discussed in the past decade concerning improved shipbuilding productivity methods in U.S. Shipyards and a substantial amount of progress has been made in the implementation of methods, facilities and shipyard dedication to achieve a reduction in U.S. shipbuilding costs. Although productivity savings are often difficult to quantify, we will attempt to compare and contrast two sets of comparable shipbuilding programs such that the definitive results of a comprehensive advanced shipbuilding methodology as employed at Avondale Shipyards since 1979 can be evaluated. The programs to be evaluated are of excellent comparative nature, both in terms of ship characteristics as well as the contract environment under which they were executed.