Welding Research in Shipbuilding ? An Ongoing Requirement

A review has been undertaken to demonstrate the need for on-going research programmes in the shipbuilding industry. There will always be overlap with other industry sectors, and that is inevitable. Work that has been completed is discussed and areas for further investigation are proposed. In addition, the structuring of research projects for shipyard welding has been critically appraised. This has identified the industrialisation phase as being a significant problem area. Overall there is a need for continued real research in shipyard welding, but there is a need to restructure how academic-industry projects are functioning. Much of what is discussed has focussed on potential productivity improvements and the reduction of waste, which in some cases would be rework.