Specific Features of Applying the Lean Production Tools on Ship-Repair Yards

Abstract

The features of using the lean manufacturing tools in the ship repair industry are examined in the paper. The object of research is lean manufacturing in ship repair. The subject of the research is the lean manufacturing tools, methods and features of their application in the ship repair industry. The aim of the work is to study the features of ship repair for the lean manufacturing tools implementation. The objectives of this paper include the study of the distinctive characteristics of the ship repair industry from the standpoint of lean production and scientific organization of labor, the study of the experience of other shipyards in lean ship repair, the study of the concept of ideal ship repair from the standpoint of lean production. The main methods for solving the tasks set include the use of the benchmarking tool and the analysis of literature sources to systematize data on the lean manufacturing tools implementation at shipyards; observations, surveys, questionnaires, as well as experience in the shipbuilding industry, in particular, in the management for the development of the production system. The shipyards of the USA and Japan are examined; the applied tools of lean production and their connection with the increase in labor productivity, savings in finances and labor costs, as well as the difficulties in their development and distribution are shown in the paper. Lean production, the foundations of which were laid in the scientific organization of labor, is more focused on rhythmic conveyor production, and is not used in full in the ship repair industry. The applicability of the lean manufacturing tools can be different not only depending on the industry, but also from enterprise to enterprise in one field of activity. In contrast to lean production, in the scientific organization of labor, based on the peculiarities of ship repair activities, some waste was allowed.