Sophie, the Logistics Support Work Package Manager, watches from her office window as the crane lays a working platform at the bottom of the dry dock. The first few days’ work are intense for her teams: installing scaffolding around the mast structure, industrial cleaning of the FREMM, protecting electrical cabinets and walkways, degassing, pumping and treating hazardous substances, opening of hull breaches, first removals of equipments with the assistance of handlers, etc.
“Most support services are outsourced to specialist companies well-known to us,” explains Sophie. “Together with my teams, we began working with them on preparations for this technical stop several months ago. As soon as Purchasing establishes the framework contracts, we take charge of placing the various purchase orders. We are also responsible for financially monitoring contracts throughout the maintenance project”.
A dedicated power network for the operation
Support teams play a vital role on this worksite. The frigate’s engines are not kept running during a technical stop and some will even be removed for overhaul. As a result, the FREMM cannot produce the electricity needed to power her systems. Furthermore, her electric power plant is not designed to meet the needs of such a worksite. “We set up temporary circuits to allow various essential systems to work, such as lighting, ventilation, fire protection, etc. Our role involves supporting the different production teams for the entire duration of the technical stop” Sophie indicates.
On this afternoon’s schedule: disembarking the multifunction radar antenna and its rotary collector from the forward part of the FREMM. The handling teams are poised for the move and the scaffolders are in position, ready to dismantle the scaffolding and reposition it after a few modifications.
Sophie monitors the progress of subcontractors’ work with one of her two subcontracting supervisors. “One of us is always present in the field to guide the teams. We work closely with the Production Manager, Prevention Officers and various parties involved in the project. Understanding their needs and adapting to the unexpected is an integral part of our work.”
Sophie’s team has an overview of the work schedule and its content. They must be in a position to react quickly and ensure that work never comes to a standstill. “To do this,” continues Sophie, “we are in constant touch with both production teams and subcontractors. Cohesion between the various stakeholders is paramount given the constant pressure! Each technical stop is a challenge, as the technical requirements are always different, but we manage to stay on schedule thanks to our efficient organisation. ”
To be continued: [At the shipyard] Episode #3: Prevention, a priority
