Challenges
- Competing with larger shipyards
- Minimizing modifications in the field
- Adding automation and robotics
Solutions
- Start with the model and digital twin in ShipConstructor
- Drive production machinery directly from the model
- Automate processes to save man-hours
Products Used
How can a yard think differently and use technology and innovation to build more vessels faster and with less rework? Starting with a culture of efficiency is how C&C Marine and Repair tackles the challenge.
“For us, using ShipConstructor is a critical component to the integration process”
Jonah Dowling, COO, C&C Marine and Repair
As a fast-growing shipyard, C&C Marine needs access to the latest digital innovations that enable their engineering, production, and operations teams to succeed. “What we really focus on is efficiency, and part of efficiency is being innovative,” said Jonah Dowling, COO at C&C.
“ShipConstructor is always innovating,” said Kenneth Neumann, Engineering and Design Manager at C&C. “So, we’re always seeing what the new innovations are, what the new process improvements are with ShipConstructor.”
Using the product model to maximize efficiency
C&C is maximizing its over 80 acres of facilities and 500,000 square feet of indoor building space. Focusing on new builds and barge repairs, the shipyard is delivering something to a client almost weekly. “It starts with modeling,” said Jonah Dowling. “It’s really easy to make a modification in the model. It’s a seamless integration that allows us to provide a better product in a faster time with fewer mistakes.”
“We get 95% of our modeling done before we even start building,” said Kenneth Neumann. “It eliminates us having to correct mistakes in the field. If we can correct it in the model, it’s going to help us out. You have one person correcting it with a mouse, as opposed to four people correcting something with a torch and a welder.”
“Our projects are only as good as the engineering behind them,” said Jonah Dowling. “ShipConstructor is a key component to that. We don’t cut any steel; we don’t do any production until the model is finished.”
Building faster through automation
C&C is also investing heavily in automation. Their most recent investment is in a Pemamek robotic panel line. The panel line will be driven by connecting ShipConstructor, the same as their existing automated manufacturing machinery.
Every team takes the initiative to identify opportunities where increased automation would result in a positive return, and it’s one of the reasons the shipyard maintains their edge.
Manufacturing information from ShipConstructor feeds a Lincoln Electric/Ogden welding panel line seam, automatic dart welder, and computerized pipe cutting machine digitally. “We’re getting ready to install a robotic panel line tool,” said Kenneth Neumann. “We will take and place angles on our plate through our panel line robotically, increasing efficiency by 60%.”
“If we can save significant man-hours by adding some kind of automation, we do that.”
Kenneth Neumann, Engineering and Design Manager, C&C Marine and Repair
C&C is also automating other engineering processes thanks to ShipConstructor and EnterprisePlatform. “A handful of years ago, we started looking at how to improve our efficiency with reporting systems,” said Kenneth Neumann. “We discovered some automation, and we do that through EnterprisePlatform.”
“We used to take multiple steps to produce, let’s say, a structural cut list. It was a 45-minute process per unit,” said Kenneth Neumann. “Now, I can do it in 2 minutes.”
Building a long-term partnership
“Partnering with SSI has proven over 12 years to be very valuable,” said Kenneth Neumann. “Whether it be learning how to create more efficient report output, generating information for robotic welding, being able to model quicker by having different standards of operation. They’ve been a valuable partner.”
“Once the model is done, we feel safe cutting steel and building the vessel,” said Jonah Dowling. “It makes it really simple for the guys in the yard to focus on just what they need to do, and that really starts with ShipConstructor and SSI.”
About C&C Marine and Repair
Located in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, C&C Marine & Repair has ten fully enclosed production and fabrication bays totaling over 500,000 square feet. C&C Marine and Repair utilizes the most State-of-the-Art equipment in the shipbuilding industry and continually expands its facility and upgrades its equipment in order to maximize productivity, cost efficiency, and safety.