100th PSPC Gap Analysis
Just two years after completing the first PSPC gap analysis in a Chinese shipyard, Lloyd’s Register and International Paint are proud to announce the completion of the 100th analysis in STX France Cruise SA, Saint-Nazaire. Conducted over a two day period by personnel from Lloyd’s Register, International Paint and STX France Cruise SA, Saint-Nazaire, the PSPC gap analysis assesses current shipyard coating practices against PSPC requirements. Lloyd’s Register and International Paint then jointly deliver a presentation to shipyard senior management and departmental managers. The presentation to all functions is a key aspect of the analysis and is specifically designed to help the shipyard understand that in order to meet the requirements of the PSPC and maximise shipbuilding efficiency, all departments e.g. design, procurement, quality, steelwork, outfitting and production need to be involved, not just the paint department.
PSPC is the Performance Standard for Protective Coatings – a coatings standard for dedicated seawater ballast tanks of all types of ships and double-side skin spaces of bulk carriers. Formally adopted at the Marine Safety Committee meeting (MSC 82) in Istanbul on 8 December 2006, the standard, the first of its kind, marked an important turning point in the protection of vessels from corrosion. Applicable to newbuildings only, the standard came into effect for all vessels over 500GT contracted on or after 1 July 2008, or if no contract, the keels of which were laid on or after 1 January 2009 or if delivery is on or after 1 July 2012. Timeframes for Tankers and Bulk Carriers covered by the Common Structural Rules is any new vessel contracted on or after the adoption of the PSPC.
Mrs. Liberette Foubert, System Engineer, Painting Industrial Department of STX France Cruise SA, Saint-Nazaire said, “We’re very pleased to have been part of this significant milestone. For us, this gap analysis has been very useful and has helped structure our current works practices and improve inter departmental communication. We’re confident that proven compliance with the requirements of the IMO PSPC will improve our business capabilities, competitiveness and future opportunities. Mr. Bill Cramman, Senior Coatings Specialist for Lloyd’s Register said, “The Gap Analysis Surveys that Lloyds Register and International Paint have delivered for newbuilding shipyards in China and in 55 shipyards in Europe have contributed significantly to the future success of our clients’ businesses, an improvement in shipping safety worldwide and in meeting our own, Lloyd’s Register, objectives of leadership in developing robust services that reflect our service culture”.
By the time of the follow up visit to STX France Cruise SA, Saint-Nazaire on 17 June 2009, the shipyard, clearly demonstrating their commitment to the IMO PSPC, had already implemented the changes recommended in the gap analysis presentation and were awarded a Lloyd’s Register and International Paint PSPC Certificate to commemorate the 100th gap analysis. Mr. Mike Hindmarsh, Business Development Manager, International Paint said, “We’re particularly pleased to present this certificate as we believe it both confirms STX as a world class facility and demonstrates, through our activities with Lloyd’s Register, that working together and learning from each other can have a positive impact on ship building efficiency, quality and safety”.