Product launches, company presentations and a discussion-based conference format will underline a “hands on” theme at ShipRepair & Conversion 2002, which takes place in London’s Grand Hall, Olympia, on November 27-28. Innovations prompted by feedback from last year’s show - which attracted more than 2,500 visitors and 300 exhibitors from 45 countries - include a fully equipped presentation/demonstration area and a debate-led conference programme. The conference will feature leading figures from yards, agents, owners, managers, classification societies and suppliers - but in a major change of emphasis, their input will be to set the scene for a series of debates open to full delegate participation.

The opening State of the Industry session will range from market demand to yard survival strategies, followed by debates on repair and conversion issues including yard selection, extras, customer satisfaction, riding crews, safety, on-site supervision, regulatory bodies, skilled manpower shortages and the use of sub-contractors. Day two starts with maintenance debates covering coatings, corrosion, costing, methods, technologies, spares supply and planned maintenance. The concluding debates will focus on shipyard issues - setting up a new yard, alliances, improving performance, safety and risk, environmental standards and legal liabilities.

In addition, a pre-conference workshop on negotiating newbuilding, conversion and repair contracts is being held at the Hilton London Olympia on November 26. This on-day intensive workshop will examine the key issues and differences in all aspects of contract negotiation from both owner and shipyard perspectives. Covering the fundamentals, problems and risks associated with contracts, viewpoints from relevant parties and negotiation scenarios will be used to show delegates how to achieve objectives. Participants will leave armed with the appropriate skills and confidence needed for the negotiation process.