Shipyard: Learn About the Workshop Where Ships Are Repaired

A shipyard is a very important space for the maritime transport industry. It consists of a specific type of workshop where ships are repaired, but this is not its only function. This is because shipyards are also places where new ships are built. This makes it a fundamental activity for maritime transport and the economy.

However, we know that when it comes to the shipbuilding industry, the focus is often directed toward the ships themselves, and few understand the importance of the shipyards. In this text, we will talk about the history of these locations and how indispensable they are to the naval industry. Check it out!

What is a Shipyard?

A shipyard is an industrial facility specialized in the design, construction, and repair of ships and vessels. It is a place where various production processes occur, such as cutting plates, welding, assembly, painting, and final navigation tests. The shipyard is responsible for coordinating all activities necessary to produce vessels that meet the specific requirements of clients and the applicable regulatory standards. In addition, it must ensure the safety of workers and environmental protection throughout the production process.

History of Ship Maintenance and Construction in Brazil

Naval activities in Brazil date back to the 16th century when the country was still a Portuguese colony. During this period, in 1549, one of the most important shipyards of the century was built: the Naval Arsenal of Bahia, constructed by the then Governor General, the Portuguese Thomé de Souza.

It was a promising period, as naval construction benefited from the standardization brought from Portugal, especially from the Lisbon shipyard: Junta das Fábricas da Ribeira.

Several centuries later, Brazil entered a more independent phase in shipbuilding. Founded in 1846 by a Brazilian, the industrialist Barão de Mauá, the shipyard in Ponta da Areia, in Rio de Janeiro, was established.

This shipyard stands out for playing an important role in the country’s industrialization growth. One-third of the ships used in the war against Paraguay were developed there. In 1905, it was integrated into CCN — Cia. de Comércio e Navegação.

Between the 1950s and 1980s, the sector prospered in the country. The book Ressurgimento da Indústria Naval no Brasil (Resurgence of the Shipbuilding Industry in Brazil), organized by the Institute of Applied Economic Research (Ipea), shows that the Brazilian naval sector expanded mainly during the 1970s and 1980s, with incentives from Kubitschek, combined with the growth of the global economy and the appetite of Brazilian entrepreneurs. “By the end of the 1970s, Brazil was globally recognized as one of the most capable shipbuilders, ranking second in the world in terms of order volumes,” the publication states.

By the late 1990s, a decisive period for the industry’s history formed. During this time, Petrobras launched the Prorefam I (Program for the Renewal of Maritime Support Fleet I). The idea was to build 22 vessels during the program’s first phase, which lasted eight years.

The second phase came in 2003 with an order for the construction of 30 more ships and 21 modernization processes. From 2008 to 2016, Petrobras, together with the PDP (Policy for Productive Development), launched the third phase of the program with more investment and the prior hiring of 146 new vessels. This increase was closely linked to the pre-salt oil fields.

Benefits to the Local Economy

Over the years, particularly between the 2000s and 2010s, Brazilian shipyards brought numerous benefits to the local economy. From 2004 to 2014, the industry grew by 19.5%, driven by the pre-salt and the possibilities of discovering oil within the country’s territory.

There was also support from funds such as the Merchant Marine Fund, which helped develop the sector’s economy.

Job Creation

The economic growth contributed to more ship construction. According to Ipea, between 2000 and 2013, 80,000 direct jobs and 400,000 indirect jobs were generated, along with the qualification of the workforce in the oil and gas production chain and the development of the economy in municipalities where shipyards were located.

In 2011, conservative estimates from the National Union of Shipbuilding and Offshore Repair Industry (Sinaval) predicted the creation of 15,000 new jobs by 2014, mainly due to the opening of new shipyards, increased demand from Petrobras, and the shipyards’ order books, as well as the construction of more ships with the approval of FMM financing priorities for maintaining 59,000 jobs that year.

Professionals Working in Shipyards

Understanding how a shipyard operates is directly related to understanding who the people behind the constructions are. Here, we will meet the main professionals working in shipyards. Check them out!

Riggers

Riggers perform the lifting and movement of heavy structures in a vessel. They are also professionals who work with scaffolding and moderately heavy pieces.

Plumbers

A shipyard plumber is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing piping systems in ships and port facilities. Their duties include reading project and technical drawings for pipe installation, selecting necessary materials and equipment, making cuts and adjustments to the pipes, welding, and installing connections and valves.

Additionally, the shipyard plumber is responsible for conducting pressure and leak tests on the installed systems to ensure the safety and efficiency of the equipment. They must also be knowledgeable in safety and environmental regulations and follow standard operational procedures according to the company’s guidelines.

Electricians

The entire electrical system of the ship is managed and monitored by electricians. They are in charge of installing electrical cables and electronic equipment such as lights, control panels, and similar devices.

Structural Fitters

A structural fitter in a shipyard is responsible for the construction, assembly, and installation of metal structures in ships and offshore platforms. Their duties include reading and interpreting technical drawings, selecting and preparing materials, assembling and adjusting the structures, and welding parts and components.

A structural fitter must be able to use hand tools and welding equipment, as well as follow safety standards and operational procedures established by the company. It is important for them to have knowledge of the materials used and welding techniques, and to stay updated on safety and environmental regulations applicable to the activity. The work of the structural fitter is essential for the construction of safe and efficient ships and platforms, requiring technical skills and precision.

Welders

Welders are the professionals responsible for welding the metal structures of ships. Many shipyards have training areas to train these professionals

Painters

The shipyard painter is responsible for applying paints and protective coatings to the surfaces of ships and offshore platforms. Their duties include preparing the surfaces, which may involve removing rust and other impurities, applying primers, and finishing the paint job. The painter must have knowledge of the types of paints and coatings available for each type of surface and environment, as well as the applicable safety and environmental regulations.

Moreover, the painter must follow the project’s technical specifications, ensuring the quality and finish of the work meet the client’s requirements. The painter’s manual dexterity and critical eye are essential for achieving satisfactory results, as painting is one of the final stages of the project. The painter must also ensure proper maintenance of equipment and tools and prioritize personal safety during the tasks.

Carpenters

The shipyard carpenter is responsible for building and repairing wooden structures or pipe insulation in ships and offshore platforms. Their tasks include reading and interpreting technical drawings, selecting and preparing materials, cutting and adjusting parts, assembling, and installing structures.

The carpenter must be able to use hand and power tools, as well as follow safety standards and operational procedures established by the company. It is crucial for the carpenter to understand the characteristics of wood or thermal blankets and construction techniques and stay updated on safety and environmental regulations. The carpenter’s work is vital for the construction of safe and efficient ships and platforms, requiring technical skills and precision.

Naval Engineers and Architects

Naval architects are responsible for designing the ship, including creating the design, calculating stability and strength, and developing 3D production models and 2D drawings

General Engineers

Engineers can cover various areas in a shipyard, but they are commonly hired to work on the fabrication and installation of pipes and their connections. They also manage the installation of diesel engines, propellers, and other components.

Wilson Sons Shipyard

Wilson Sons is a company with a history in shipbuilding. With over 80 years of experience, the company has invested not only in technology but also in the infrastructure of its shipyard to provide the necessary support for constructing different vessels.

• A qualified team of professionals
• Dry dock system, providing safety and optimal conditions for construction
• Strategic partnerships
• Proximity to key locations, such as São Paulo’s international airport and operations within the Port of Santos.

Pioneering in Sustainable Tugboat Construction

Wilson Sons operates a tugboat system and works in 30 ports and terminals across the country, being the only one to offer this service. Moreover, it has earned credibility with its certifications and has achieved the Global Safety Class status from Dupont. Additionally, Wilson Sons is a member of the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and builds tugboats that comply with global environmental standards.

As a workshop for repairing ships, the shipyard is a crucial facility for the country’s fleet. Whether for commercial, military, or leisure transport, it is essential that this space employs not only skilled professionals but also has robust infrastructure and provides the necessary equipment for efficient construction, as seen with Wilson Sons’ shipyards.

Are you interested in learning more about Wilson Sons’ shipyards? Find out more about the services offered.