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Maritime
Management Consulting
has focused on the Maritime Industry since its founding in 1996,
and its Principals have been associated with the Maritime Industry
since the late 1960's. Our experiences as consultants to this
industry are summarized and segmented as:
Shipbuilding
and Ship Repair
- Shipbuilder
Assessments: For
an agency of the U.S. Government, Steller and Brewton performed
a series of analyses of various shipyards, either to satisfy
the agency as to the viability of the ongoing business or to
evaluate potential new suppliers. These analyses typically included
all facets of the business situation: finances, organization,
manpower levels/skills, facility capabilities, market positioning
and company strategy. These assessments provided the client
with an outlook for the performance of their supplier base and
the certainty of future vessel deliveries.
- European
Market Assessment: An
Italian builder of small and mid-sized vessels was interested
in re-capitalizing its business. At the request of the Board
of Directors, Steller and Brewton performed a detailed analysis
of relevant vessel markets, and then used those analyses to
make short, intermediate and long-term projections of revenue
for the concern. The client utilized the report as part of a
presentation to financial institutions and interested parties,
which ultimately resulted in both new ownership and an expanded
book of business.
- Engineering
Improvements: For
a major classification society, Brewton and Steller were responsible
for a series of initiatives designed to improve customer service
delivery, reduce cost, and create an integrated approach to
their customers. Utilizing a range of tools/techniques, from
cost analysis to process redesign to strategic planning, MMC
led a series of client teams through the change definition and
assessment process, culminating in a series of actionable implementation
plans which are yielding measurable benefits for the client.
- Improvements
to USN Manufacturing Operation: A
United States Naval manufacturing facility critical to the mission
capability for new and existing vessels was having problems
with product quality, timely delivery and cost. Steller and
Brewton were part of a consulting team that examined the processes
in detail, recommended substantive changes to existing processes,
and analyzed the risks associated with various courses of action.
Today, the facility's quality, cost and schedule performance
have all substantially improved.
- Ship
Repair Litigation: For
a law firm, Steller and Brewton assisted with the development
of a trial strategy involving a substantial claim arising from
repairs to a cruise ship. The line of reasoning that MMC developed,
analyzed and documented allowed the case to be settled out of
court minutes before going to trial, with a clear victory for
MMC's client.
- Asian
Shipyard Review: Steller
and Brewton were retained by the largest accounting firm in
Indonesia to provide shipbuilding and ship repair expertise
as part of a team conducting a government-sponsored review of
Indonesia's largest shipyard. Work included a complete cost
breakdown structure for both ship repair and new construction,
analysis of existing shipyard financial and performance data,
analysis of competitive positioning, market sizing for various
vessel types, and general advice and counsel to the team of
accountants during the audit. The work led to a number of recommendations
for change, some of which are being successfully implemented
today.
- Shipyard
Development: Steller and Brewton conducted a market analysis
and economic projection for a proposed Latin American shipyard
being considered as part of an overall development project for
a major oil company. The work involved detailed analysis of
new construction and repair markets for several vessel types,
translation of these forecasts into financial pro-formas for
the NewCo, and an assessment of the economic impacts to be generated
in the region. The project is now under development.
- Impact
of Shipbuilder Bankruptcy & Reorganization:
An agency of the U.S. Government had contracted for construction
of several special-purpose vessels with a shipbuilder that subsequently
filed for reorganization. Steller and Brewton performed a series
of analyses to evaluate the impact to the program of alternative
reorganization scenarios. All aspects of the business situation
were examined, including finances, organization, manpower levels/skills,
facility capabilities, market positioning and shipyard strategy.
The assessment permitted our client to focus on a few key issues
during the reorganization process, thereby ensuring the likelihood
of successful program completion.
- Tanker
Design and Construction: For
a major U.S. shipyard, Steller and Brewton managed the implementation
of a process improvement for the detail design and construction
of a U.S.-flag tanker. A compliance and validation tool was
implemented to ensure that all design work products were properly
available for production activities and fully compliant with
the ship specifications.
- Business Plan:
For an international shipyard group, Steller developed a business
plan for a new ship repair venture to be located in the Bahamas.
The business plan included market forecasts, facilities requirements
and financial pro formas. This plan was used directly in negotiations
with investors and with the government.
- Strategic Planning
Conference: Steller assisted a ship repair yard in developing
a five-year strategic plan by preparation of background papers
and analyses, and facilitation of a strategic planning conference
for senior management staff.
- Facility Divestment:
Steller assisted a shipyard and its corporate parent in the
sale of the facility. The process included establishing the
requirements for prospective buyers, developing sales materials
and analysis, assisting investment bankers, and participating
in negotiations. The process led to the sale of the shipyard,
the timely and effective transfer of contract obligations, and
a subsequent turnaround under the new yard owner.
- Facility Divestment:
For a major defense contractor, Steller analyzed alternative
industrial uses for a large commercial shipyard. Scenarios for
industrial development were presented, as well as a suggested
strategy for divestment of the facility. This study was the
basis for evaluation of offers for the facility, balancing community
concerns for job retention against the commercial value of the
property under various scenarios.
- Downsizing:
For a shipyard group’s board of directors, Steller analyzed
the market outlook on the U.S. for both ship repair and shipbuilding
and assessed the viability of its shipyards. The resultant forecasts
and analyses showed that all but one of the client’s three shipyards
should be closed. The company was able to emerge from bankruptcy
and operate as a successful shipbuilding and repair firm. Steller
segmented the market, forecasted the various segments of the
market, and prepared financial pro-formas for the current and
restructured business.
- Engineering
Spin-off: For a U.S. shipyard, Steller evaluated the feasibility
of spinning off its engineering capabilities to existing engineering
companies or through a new venture. The options were evaluated
from the perspectives of the shipyard, the employees and prospective
customers.
- Privatization:
During the privatization of a Central American shipyard, Steller
assessed the shipyard’s competitive position for a potential
investor. The study included analyses of the yard’s facilities,
workforce, available labor skills, wages, productivity, overhead
and potential markets.
- Shipyard Reengineering:
For a major North American shipyard, Steller and Brewton led
a series of client teams in reengineering and reinventing all
major business processes at the yard. In embarking on such an
extensive effort, the shipyard had two goals: (1) ease/speed
the transition from military to commercial ship construction;
and 2) ensure that the yard’s processes would allow it to be
competitive in the global marketplace.
- Operational
Audit: During a two-year period, Steller served the board
of directors and parent of a major shipyard, providing an ongoing
operational audit of performance on construction, overhaul and
conversion contracts. This included analysis of schedule, cost,
subcontractor performance, workforce and facility utilization,
and steel fabrication and assembly. The analysis identified
problems and solutions that successfully reduced construction
costs.
- Marine Industry
Market Forecasts: Steller has evaluated and forecasted all
component of the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry, including:
ocean, coastal and inland towing and barge operations; tankers;
containerships; offshore vessels and oil rigs; and naval ships.
- Competition
Analysis: Steller analyzed the competitive situation in
the ship repair industry, focusing on the anticipated competitive
bidding for an upcoming Navy contract. The analysis included
reviews of facilities, management, workforce, strategy and political
position of likely competitors among U. S. shipyards.
- Industry Capacity
Analysis: On behalf of an association of ship repair interests,
Steller directed an analysis of the potential U.S. Navy ship
repair market on the West Coast, in light of the impending closure
of the Long Beach Naval Shipyard. The analysis projected the
required dock-days and man-hours that could be expected from
Navy repair work. The results showed that an over-capacity situation
on the West Coast could absorb the work from Long Beach.
- Caribbean Ship
Repair: Working with a major European ship repairer, Steller
developed a business plan for a new ship repair facility in
the Caribbean. Market research included analysis of over 33,000
ship movements through the catchment area for the proposed shipyard.
Potential customers were identified by market segment, including
cruise ships, tankers, containerships, general cargo carriers,
and offshore vessels. A questionnaire was developed and administered
to assess potential customer response, needs and wants. Competitor
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats were presented.
A forecast of revenues by segment was provided.
- European Ship
Repair: For a major European ship repair yard, Steller and
Brewton conducted surveys of ship owners and operators throughout
the world to assess the competitive position of the yard in
the marketplace. The survey and report addressed quality or
work, timeliness of project completion, pricing, and customer
relations.
- Branding:
For a major European cruise ship builder, Steller conducted
a market study to determine brand recognition of the company’s
product line. The results showed that the company had a recognizable
brand which could be exploited in the marketplace.
- Public Filing
– Shipyard Lease: A US shipyard sought to reduce its annual
lease for land and facilities owned by a public Port District.
Working with the client’s attorneys, Steller prepared a forecast
of the future market and likely economic results for the shipyard.
These analyses supported the client’s filing before the Port
District.
- LNG Tanker
Construction: Steller estimated the cost of design and construction
for a series of large LNG carriers and barges applying new containment
technology. These estimates applied conceptual designs prepared
for the owner. Build strategies, master schedules and risk analyses
were developed to support the cost estimates, applying best
practices in Asian shipyards. Unique challenges for this project
were analyzed in depth. Design and manufacturing suggestions
were provided to improve producibility. Price sensitivity was
provided for labor rates, productivity and exchange rates, and
comparisons were made to historic LNG carrier prices and other
ship types of similar size.
- Business Development:
For a US shipyard, Steller and Brewton conducted an assessment
of their business development process. After identifying the
root causes for late delivery of proposals and estimates, recommendations
were made for both process and technology changes.
- Shipyard Reengineering:
Brewton led process reengineering initiatives for a major U.S.
inland waterways equipment supplier. Working with several client
teams, changes were identified which led to significant reductions
in operating budget, improved construction cycle times and reduced
direct man hours in specific operational departments.
- Hi-Ballast
Tanker: Steller assessed reported problems with conventional
double hull tankers and developed a concept to improve ballast
tank design. The design significantly reduces maintenance and
repair costs and improves safety and efficiency of tanker operations.
Work included analysis of technical and economic trade-offs,
as well as life cycle cost implications.
- Shipyard Assessment:
For a Middle Eastern government, Brewton conducted an assessment
of their national shipyard, examining both strategic and tactical
steps to move operations to a profitable basis and create positive
value. Recommendations included new product developments, changes
in operations and modifications to the overall business model;
when implemented, they resulted in a return to profitability
within 2 years.
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Cruise
Ships and Ferries
- Vessel / Business
Valuation: The bankruptcy estate of a cruise company was
involved in litigation surrounding favored treatment of certain
creditors during the bankruptcy process. As part of the effort,
Steller and Brewton were asked to value a series of cruise vessels
at various points in time. Valuations were established based
on both comparable vessel sales (from the MMC database) as well
as the value of the ongoing business at various times and in
various market scenarios. The case was eventually settled in
favor of MMC's client.
- Business Plans
and Feasibility Studies: For numerous existing cruise companies
and entrepreneurs, Steller created business plans for and assessed
the feasibility of new cruise ship offerings. These plans and
studies were used by the clients to seek financing for the projects,
as well as to focus their plans for the business. In several
cases, the clients were encouraged by the governments of France
and Germany to engage Steller for this service.
- Five Year Plan:
For a major cruise line, Steller prepared a five year plan,
including operating costs, revenues, and growth targets.
- Acquisition:
For an existing cruise company, Steller helped the client decide
on the acquisition of another existing cruise operation. Analyses
included market projections and financial pro formas.
- New Ship Concepts:
For several cruise ship owners and operators, Steller provided
guidance and assistance in developing new cruise ships:
- A new series
of large cruise ships were designed and ultimately constructed
based on customer values and focused market research
- A cruise ship
targeted for the upscale spa market was designed with market
input. Contract design was developed; however, funding was
never secured for construction.
- Significantly
larger ships for an operator of smaller cruise ships were
conceptualized, designed and ultimately built in Europe.
- The initial
product concepts for a new cruise line were developed. To
date, two of the ships have been constructed and are successfully
operating in the marketplace.
- Cruise Ship
Development: Steller advised a ship owner during development
of a series of Panamax cruise ships for construction in the
United States. Assistance included: identification of required
attributes for the new ship; facilitation of initial design
strategy meetings; development and administration of a design
competition; preparation of a statement of requirements and
list of deliverables; and participation in evaluation of resulting
designs, technical proposals and price proposals. This effort
led to selection of a shipyard and contract award.
- Ship Valuation:
On several different instances, Steller and Brewton analyzed
the price of cruise ships for existing cruise ship owners and
operators. These prices were used in negotiations for the purchase
and sale of cruise ships. Steller has also prepared valuation
for ships in support of regulatory filings and/or sales transactions
managed by attorneys. The commercial viability and value of
a fleet of two small passenger ships was analyzed during bankruptcy
hearings; Steller testified as an expert witness.
- Cruise Industry
Forecasts: For the cruise industry, Steller provided an
annual forecast of supply and demand for cruising in North America
for the next 5 years. The forecasts tracked very closely over
the years with actual statistics.
- Market Segmentation
and Forecasts: For an inland cruise operator, Steller segmented
their customers and forecasted the market opportunities by segment.
The results were used to develop advertising and promotional
campaigns.
- Itinerary Planning:
For a major cruise line, Steller assisted the client in re-defining
its itineraries. Sophisticated marketing tools, including a
version of conjoint analysis, were used to project customer
preferences for ports of call and length of cruise.
- On-board Organizational
Performance: For several cruise ship operators, Steller
assessed the performance of the shipboard staff in terms of
efficiency, customer focus, technical capabilities and communications
- One of the
largest ships in the world had operating problems that needed
to be pinpointed and corrected. Steller went on the ship
and found organizational structure problems, maintenance
and repair shortcomings, poor communications, and technical
inadequacies. The recommendations to the president of the
company were implemented and the ship has been operating
smoothly for two decades.
- An upscale
cruise ship had a series of accidents and events that indicated
more than simply mechanical problems. Steller sailed with
the crew and determined that the organizational structure
was preventing clear and timely communication among the
crew. A number of recommendations were implemented and the
accidents and events were eliminated.
- Using techniques
from Process Realignment and Total Quality Management, Steller
restructured the onboard staff of all of the ships in the
fleet of a large cruise ship operator. Customer satisfaction
improved, performance to budget was achieved, and the staff
morale increased.
- Onboard Processes:
For a large cruise ship operator, Steller conducted an extensive
onboard audit of the way the ships were being run. A series
of workshops on the ships were then conducted to refine and
improve the operating procedures and processes. This work included
a number of the concepts and steps normally associated with
Total Quality Management.
- Operating Budgets:
For a large cruise ship operator, Steller and Brewton assessed
the on-board operating budgets for the fleet of ships. Using
industry standards, budgets were adjusted to reduce costs by
$5 million in the first year.
- Cruise Ship
Operating Profile: For a major cruise ship operator, Steller
reviewed the operating costs and compared them with industry-wide
standards. The cruise company was then able to focus on budget
areas that were out of line in order to cut costs.
- Organizational
Design: For a travel and leisure company in Hawaii, Steller
assessed the organizational structure of the entire company
and recommended a flatter, focused structure to capitalize on
the specific strengths of the company’s employees. The new organization
was put into place and both customer satisfaction and financial
performance improved.
- Due Diligence:
For numerous investment firms, Steller provided due diligence
on new cruise ship offerings. These activities were typically
under the direction of the firms’ corporate attorneys.
- Large Passenger-Car
Ferry Construction: Late delivery and cost overruns resulted
in a claim by the shipyard responsible for design and construction
against the ship owner. Working on behalf of the ship owner’s
attorney, Steller researched the shipyard labor market during
the period in which the dispute took place. This analysis helped
establish the strategy for response to the claim.
- Drydocking
and Refurbishment Management: Over a period of several years,
Steller and Brewton managed the in-yard drydocking and refurbishment
of six cruise ships. The value of each project ranged from $5-20
million, and took place in yards in the United States and Europe.
Steller put together a team consisting of consultants and client
staff to utilize sophisticated project management tools during
the ships’ work. Steller also assisted the client in selecting
and then managing a cadre of international subcontractors who
performed the work at the shipyards. Each of the six projects
was completed on time (with no subsequent onboard work required
after leaving the yards), under the budgeted price, and to the
satisfaction of the ship owner. While resistant at first, the
shipyards all agreed that the techniques used were useful to
both the owner and the yards, and they recommended using Steller
on subsequent cruise ship work.
- Cruise Ship
Repair Litigation: On behalf of the owner of a cruise ship,
Steller provided expert advice in determining the causes of
late delivery and cost over-runs on the drydocking and refurbishment
of the ship. The case was settled to the satisfaction of the
client.
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Ports
-
Regional Maritime Strategy:
For a consortium of government agencies, Steller and Brewton
were part of a team which developed an overarching maritime
strategy for Southeast Alaska. Fisheries, shipbuilding and repair,
cruise shipping, and tourism were all examined with the objective
of defining an action plan to increase the contribution of these
markets to the SE Alaskan economy. Various phases of the plan
are being implemented by the cognizant government and community
bodies.
- Strategic Planning
for a US Port: Steller and Brewton were part of the core
team responsible for helping a major US Port create a comprehensive
5-year strategic plan. Using a workshop-based approach, the
Port's management team was led through identification of critical
strategic issues; analysis of strategic options; selection and
prioritization of courses of action; and implementation planning.
The Port is using this document as the foundation for all their
planning and capitalization activities over the next five years.
- Cruise Port
Design and Development: For a number of ports around the
world, Steller prepared market studies and operating pro formas
to assist the ports in expansion of their ability to accommodate
cruise ships. The studies usually included technical assistance
from subcontracted consultants. The ports include Boston, New
York, Long Beach, Newport News, and San Juan.
- Port Services:
For a major cruise port, Steller projected the services that
would be required by the major cruise operators calling the
port. The analysis included a discussion of the ability of these
cruise companies to afford the services.
- Port Facilities:
Steller developed a long range forecast of the demand for drydocking
facilities in a West Coast port in order to make a decision
regarding a multi-user drydock. The recommendation to not build
the facility satisfied both user and provider concerns and was
then proven to be the right decision by subsequent events.
- Port Opportunities:
For a West Coast port, over a number of years, Steller conducted
marketing studies to target new segments for the port: automobiles,
cruise lines, and cold storage opportunities were ultimately
added to the port’s revenue base.
- Port - State
Bond Filing: Steller prepared an economic analysis in support
of an attorney’s filing for a state bond on behalf of a proposed
new state port authority. This analysis demonstrated the economic
feasibility and projected demand for a new deep-draft oil terminal.
- Rate Analysis
for Public Service: On behalf of the San Francisco Bay Pilots,
Steller prepared an analysis of pilot rate schedules in San
Francisco and other US ports, including a study of work content
and required pilot skills. Steller testified as to his findings
before the public governing committee.
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Containerships
- Organizational
Structure: For a large ship operator, Steller re-designed
the corporate organizational structure to match the work processes
of the company. Job descriptions were developed for every management
position in the new organization. The new structure was implemented
over a period of two years.
- Containership
Construction: For a containership operator, Steller performed
parametric cost estimates for a baseline design and three alternative
designs using a computer-based model and benchmarking data.
Price sensitivity was performed for the baseline ship, varying
labor rates and productivity through a series of pairs. A presentation
was provided to senior client managers, including key findings
and an analysis of likely competitors for this project.
- Weight Control
Plan: Design and construction of a new class of fast containerships
required rigorous weight and moment control to ensure ship performance
was attained. Steller developed a new procedure for weight and
moment control during design and construction. This new process
translated conventional systems-based weight accounts into interim
products based on the shipyard’s build strategy. This approach
aligned weight estimating and reporting to current ship construction
processes, allowing timely and accurate reconciliation of weight
estimates with a physical weighing program. The realigned process
results in real-time identification and rectification of critical
weight and moment problems.
- Containership
Construction: Late delivery and technical defects following
design and construction of three large containerships resulted
in litigation over final contract price. Steller assisted the
ship owner’s counsel in preparing a response to the shipyard’s
claims for uncompensated design changes. This response included
financial and schedule modeling for the project and ultimately
led to a negotiated settlement that was satisfactory to both
parties.
- Ship Valuations:
Steller has prepared valuation for ships in support of regulatory
filings and/or sales transactions managed by attorneys. The
value of three containerships was established during transfer
from one US owner to another during reorganization proceedings
by the seller.
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Tankers
- LNG Tanker
Construction: Steller estimated the cost of design and construction
for a series of large LNG carriers and barges applying new containment
technology. These estimates applied conceptual designs prepared
for the owner. Build strategies, master schedules and risk analyses
were developed to support the cost estimates, applying best
practices in Asian shipyards. Unique challenges for this project
were analyzed in depth. Design and manufacturing suggestions
were provided to improve producibility. Price sensitivity was
provided for labor rates, productivity and exchange rates, and
comparisons were made to historic LNG carrier prices and other
ship types of similar size.
- Suezmax Tanker
Construction: Steller prepared parametric cost estimates
for a proposed Suezmax tanker design, alternative tank arrangements
and a forebody replacement. Alternative single shaft and twin-screw
engine room configurations were also assessed. Price sensitivity
to labor rates and productivity was examined.
- Tanker Accident
Investigation: Grounding of a VLCC in US waters resulted
in a massive investigation into the events surrounding the accident.
Steller assisted the ship owner’s attorneys during initial examination
of the damage in drydock, and in developing a detailed timeline
for events before, during and after the accident.
- Hi-Ballast
Tanker: Steller assessed reported problems with conventional
double hull tankers and developed a concept to improve ballast
tank design. The design significantly reduces maintenance and
repair costs and improves safety and efficiency of tanker operations.
Work included analysis of technical and economic trade-offs,
as well as life cycle cost implications.
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Naval
Ships
- Organizational
Alignment for the US Navy: MMC was selected as Prime Contractor
for a major effort by the Commander Naval Surface Forces to
assess the alignment of the various commands under CNSF and
make recommendations for improving same. The MMC team developed
a methodology and approach; created an on-line survey instrument;
and performed interviews and supporting analysis. Once the survey
and interview data were gathered, MMC developed an alignment
profile report that summarizes the findings and translates them
into actionable recommendations for the particular command under
study. The contract is in year one of a three-year effort and
the results are being well-received by CNSF; other USN organizations
are also expressing an interest in taking part.
-
Improvements to USN Manufacturing Operation: A United States
Naval manufacturing facility critical to the mission capability
for new and existing vessels was having problems with product
quality, timely delivery and cost. Steller and Brewton were
part of a consulting team that examined the processes in detail,
recommended substantive changes to existing processes, and analyzed
the risks associated with various courses of action. Today,
the facility's quality, cost and schedule performance have all
substantially improved.
- Navy Shipbuilding
Proposals: Steller has assisted many of the major U.S. shipyards
by writing technical and management proposals for new US Navy
shipbuilding programs, including
- T-AKE Auxiliary
Cargo Ammunition Ships
- AOE-6 Fast
Supply Ships
- DDG-52 Aegis
Destroyers
- LHD-2 Amphibious
Assault Ships
- T-ADC(X) Design
Study Proposal: On behalf of a US shipyard, Steller prepared
a winning proposal for the first phase of the T-ADC(X) program,
which developed trade-off studies and a preliminary design for
a new US Navy supply ship. Our work included development of
a Statement of Work for the engineering effort, and description
of an innovative team approach and design decision-making method.
- MPF(E) Proposal:
Steller prepared a technical and management proposal for conversion
of a large foreign-flag containership into a MPF(E) vessel for
the US Marine Corp. Work included description of the design,
the proposed engineering process, construction approach, facilities,
prime and subcontractor responsibilities, and project management
and control methods.
- Naval Engineering
Demand: For an engineering firm, Steller analyzed the US
naval engineering market. Segmentation of this market included
research and development, ship design and construction, logistics
and maintenance, operations, facilities, and naval air programs.
Recent expenditures and near term budgets were tabulated for
each segment. Promising areas for marketing activity were identified.
- Military RO/RO
Conversion: For the conversion of a large US Navy RO/RO
to a Marine Corp MPF(E) vessel, Steller assisted a U.S. shipyard
in development of a requirements compliance database. Work included
defining record and field structures, and analyzing and decomposing
the Marine Corp’s Circular of Requirements into discrete elements.
Steller organized a team of shipyard and Government personnel
to use this tool to identify gaps between required performance
and existing ship capabilities. Steller Carson provided team-building
exercises and facilitated planning, statusing and work sessions
to ensure that the team functioned at a high level.
- Naval Supply
Ship Construction: Incorporation of a prototype propulsion
system and contract design flaws had an adverse impact on a
shipyard’s cost and schedule performance during the construction
of a series of auxiliary ships for the US Navy. Steller assisted
the shipyard’s attorneys in preparation of an REA that portrayed
the interactive financial and schedule impacts of the contract
flaws.
- Naval Oceanographic
Research Ship Construction: For a U.S. Shipyard, Steller
and Brewton assisted the client’s counsel in preparing a claim
against the US Navy for engineering changes that occurred during
the design and construction of a prototype oceanographic research
ship. Quantification of schedule and financial impact included
delay, disruption and acceleration.
- Naval Auxiliary
Ship Conversion: Two shipyards submitted claims to the UK
Ministry of Defense for added compensation and schedule relief
related to construction of fleet auxiliary ships. The contracts
were flawed in the treatment of a sophisticated command and
control system, leading to claims by both the shipbuilder and
follow shipbuilder. Working on behalf of the Royal Navy, Steller
reviewed each Contractor’s actual cost and schedule performance
and prepared a rebuttal to the quantification of entitlement.
- Navy Ship Repair
Proposals: Steller has developed technical and management
proposals for major US Navy repair and overhaul programs, including:
- Cruiser and
Destroyer Continuous Maintenance Program (CG 47, DD 963)
- Cruiser EDSRA
Program (CG 53)
- Aegis Destroyer
Continuous Maintenance Program (DDG 51)
- LPD Phased
Maintenance Programs
- FFG Phased
Maintenance Programs
- LST Phased
Maintenance
- Destroyer
and Frigate ROHs
- USN Cruiser
Overhaul: Working for a ship repairer, Steller developed
a planning method to support a zone-outfitting approach to overhaul
and life cycle extension of a US Navy cruiser. A team of yard
repair managers was trained in use of this system, and Steller
facilitated development of detailed zone plans and work items
from the Navy’s conventional ship system-based specifications.
- Destroyer Overhauls:
Constructive changes to a contract for major alterations and
repairs of three destroyers resulted in preparation of an REA
to the US Navy on behalf of a US shipyard. Steller prepared
financial and schedule analyses to portray the impact of changes
on the basic work scope. Cause and effect documentation supported
substantial recovery for the shipyard.
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Offshore
Vessels
- Offshore
Industry Evaluation: For a division of one of the world's
largest defense contractors, Steller and Brewton analyzed the
potential for entry into the Offshore Oil Industry. Through
primary and secondary research, the market opportunity was sized
and matched to the client's core competencies. A strategy for
entry into the market and an implementation plan were developed
with supporting value propositions and pro-forma financial projections.
Using the research and analysis, Steller and Brewton facilitated
a strategic planning conference with client personnel to evaluate
the market entry plan. The client ultimately decided not to
invest in the Offshore Industry, acknowledging that our work
had saved them considerable wasted time and dollars.
- FPSO Construction:
Based on a preliminary design and specification, Steller estimated
the cost of design and construction for a very large spread-moored
FPSO barge hull and accommodations module. Price sensitivity
was analyzed for exchange rates, labor rates and productivity.
Costs were compared to a VLCC, with explanations in the difference
in work scope by specific cost element. Design, construction,
testing, and master project schedules were developed based on
best practices in the Far East. Suggestions were provided to
improve producibility.
- Multi-Function
Barge Construction: Using a conceptual design for a combined
FPSO and drilling platform, Steller prepared a parametric cost
estimate for a very large spread-moored barge hull and accommodations
module. Price sensitivity was analyzed for exchange rates, labor
rates and productivity. Schedules were developed based on best
practices in the Far East.
- Drilling Rig
Value: Working for a potential lender for a new construction
project, Steller established the future value of a new drilling
platform design at the end of the initial drilling lease. Research
identified historical values for rigs based on age. These values
were adjusted for rig performance features, location, and initial
price. Demand trends for this specific rig type were identified,
and areas of possible future employment were discussed. Steller
also reviewed possible building sites as part of due diligence
for the lender.
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Other
Areas
- College
Business Game: Steller annually participates as a judge
in the International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition.
Teams from business schools in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico
meet in San Diego to present hypothetical products and business
strategies for evaluation by a group of industry and academic
judges.
- Transportation
Strategy: Steller participated in the development of a twenty-year
strategic plan for the Department of Transportation of a developing
nation. As part of the Moving South Africa team, Steller assessed
intermodal transportation, unitized dry cargo movements, liquid
bulk shipping, and ports infrastructure, and identified gaps
between long-term objectives and current capabilities.
- Long-range
Planning: For the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Steller
developed and facilitated a major review of the academy’s long
term outlook, including analysis of its markets, strengths and
weaknesses, resources, and vision for the future. Numerous senior
maritime executives participated in the on-site planning sessions.
- Marine Equipment
Supplier: For a major supplier of marine equipment, Steller
analyzed their markets and forecasted demand by segment and
product.
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Manchester, NH 03104
Phone: 617-548-8698
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