The Tribune

ROBOTIC blasting is now being used at the Grand Bahama Shipyard to speed up work. Training began a few weeks ago, teaching Bahamians to drive the highly technical environmental robot used for hull stripping.

Blaster and painter, Jarvis Pinder, an 11-year employee, and Marvin Taylor a four-year employee, are pictured training on the latest equipment being used at the second largest ship repair yard in the Americas.

"The new robotic blasting units make our work safer, easier, more efficient, and it goes much quicker than traditional blasting," said Mr Pinder.

Working besides him is Mr Taylor. "The guys from Chariot Robotics provided in-depth, on-the-job training about the operation of the units, and also how to accomplish minor adjustments and repairs to keep the units running smoothly," he added.

Coordinating the new technology at the yard is Ed Pavey, director of technical and planning, who has over 32 years in the shipyard repair industry.

"Robotic blasting is just one of the new modern technologies we have been using here at the shipyard for many years now," he said.

"The unit currently being used is of the newest design technology from Chariot Robotics. Both Jarvis and Marvin were previously trained on the older units, so adapting to the newer unit was an easy transition for both of them."

Mr Pavey said further training is planned for other Bahamian Blaster/Painters. "We will be looking to Jarvis and Marvin to share their experience and assist with the on-going training efforts."

This, and other types of advanced technologies, are assisting the management and staff to meet their deadlines on repairs, improving overall efficiency and costs.

"Many major projects for the cruise ships are scheduled for this next season, and we are actively involved in the planning stage with the cruise lines," said Reuben Byrd, senior vice-president of operations at the Shipyard.

"Prefabrication to support these projects will begin during the summer, which helps to balance out our workload, allowing us to maintain our base work force without any lay-offs. The cruise line work looks extremely promising for 2013 through 2015, as the cruise lines are presently confirming their repair period slots with our sales and marketing people."