Drydocking Conference/Advanced Training Forum
The International Dry Dock Conference/Advanced Training Forum is set for 4-5 June 2025 in Providence, Rhode Island, United States. Continuing a long tradition of excellence, this is the eleventh in an extraordinarily successful series of international conferences held on a tri-annual basis since 2000. There will be opportunities for all involved in the industry to take part in discussions and share knowledge and experiences. The conference provides advance training for those in the drydock industry. Past participants included representatives of shipyards, government agencies, engineering/consulting firms, maritime organisations, and ship/vessel operators from six continents. The Conference series is internationally recognised as an outstanding opportunity to network with hundreds of practitioners, researchers, and specialists at the leading edge of the drydock/drydocking profession. Numerous topics with valuable technical information will be shared with attendees.
About the Conference
This immensely successful series of conferences has consistently drawn an international audience who come to share their knowledge and learn from the experiences of others. The papers and presentations promise to cover a broad spectrum of topics dealing with a multitude of issues facing the community. Conference attendees will leave with a greater understanding of the challenges faced by their peers and gain valuable insight into how those challenges were overcome.
Conference objectives are:
- Provide industry experts who have extensive experience in solving design, environmental, financing, construction, planning, and maintenance programs that are specific to the industry.
- Provide methods to increase efficiency and productivity, enhance performance to help the bottom line by sharing information and knowledge.
- Provide suppliers who can provide the latest tools and technology that will benefit everyone.
- Provide networking opportunities with peers from around the world to learn what they are doing to solve similar problems and launch innovative solutions.
Technology
Technology is playing an increasingly vital role in addressing the complexities of drydocking. For example, materials like rubber and composite blocks are being used as alternatives to traditional wooden supports. These materials not only reduce environmental waste but also offer improved reusability, making them a practical and sustainable choice. Similarly, automated systems for block positioning have streamlined preparation processes, reducing both the time required and the potential for error. The conference will serve as a hub for exploring these technologies in detail. The event will feature presentations and discussions led by industry experts, offering insights into how these tools are being implemented and the challenges associated with their adoption. Attendees will have the chance to learn from real-world case studies, discover the best practices and explore how modern technologies can be integrated into their operations.
Shipyards Stuck in the 20th Century
Shipyards should take advantage of the technological advances that avail themselves to this industry. In recent years there have been several exciting developments that show great promise to improve the speed, safety, reliability, and costs of drydocking techniques.
The latest innovations available allow shipyards to be more competitive in the maritime industry. By comparison, frenzied adoption of modern technologies has permeated nearly all industries in this modern age, but one industry that remains relatively unchanged by new advances is the drydocking industry. In drydocking, vessels are handled and supported out of the water, which puts the vessel at risk for damage. This is a large liability; and so changing procedures, or testing new supports is undertaking a lot at risk. Shipyards will forgo these changes for the more familiar options, which hinders dry dock and drydocking technological advancements, leaving the drydocking industry with 20th century technology.
The urgency to take on these modern technologies has to do with the current state of international affairs. Countries with higher levels of regulations are losing work to countries without regulations. Regulations result in safer evolutions for the vessel and the crew, although it also drives up cost. For example, cleaning and painting the hull of a vessel can require a trained union worker with mandatory breaks, scaffolding, shrouding, and more. Without regulations, poorly trained hourly employees can achieve a similar result with just a ladder -but it is not as safe, the labor is not paid as fairly, and the ecological damage is completely ignored. The only way for highly regulated countries to compete is with the use of technology. Automation, improved methods, and better materials are examples. It is time to start thinking smarter.
Attend the Conference
As the drydocking industry continues to adapt to changing demands, technology will play an increasingly significant role. The 2025 International Dry Dock Conference/Advanced Training Forum will provide a practical and informative setting for understanding these changes and how they can benefit organizations across the sector. For those invested in advancing their knowledge and improving practices, this event offers an excellent opportunity to stay informed and engaged.
Go to https://www.drydockconference.com for more information or to register for the conference.
FAQ
Shipyards should take advantage of the technological advances?
How can modern technologies can be integrated drydock operations?
How can shipyards be more competitive in the maritime industry?
