An eye on shipbuilding
INDUSTRY NEWS
Calling it a strategic imperative , U . S . Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro urged industry and academia in December 2023 to join efforts to restore the country ’ s competitive shipbuilding and repair landscape . He delivered the remarks at the NDIA Delaware Valley Chapter ( NDIA- DVC ) Naval Nuclear Submarine and Aircraft Carrier Suppliers ’ Conference at Drexel University in Philadelphia , USA .
“ I ’ m here at this conference today because I believe in the potential of our joint efforts to get shipbuilding and maintenance right . It is my number one priority ,” said Secretary Del Toro . “ While the vision is ambitious , it is achievable . We are a nation accustomed to taking on ambitious endeavours , and restoring our maritime strength is no exception .”
To do so requires a multi-pronged approach , Secretary Del Toro stated . This , he said , included investing in the revitalization of the U . S . shipbuilding industry and merchant marine fleet , developing innovative technologies to maintain a naval edge , strengthening partnerships with key allies to counter China ’ s growing influence and promoting fair competition .
The U . S . Department of the Navy ’ s commitment to innovation and rapid technology development presents an attractive opportunity for industry participation , outlined Secretary Del Toro . The Department of the Navy added 1,000 new small businesses by investing nearly US $ 2 billion dollars through initiatives led by the U . S . Office of Small Business Programs to the Navy-industry team .
“ Now , the key is to help find and train the right people , and our Talent Pipeline Initiative has been instrumental in addressing workforce shortages ,” said Secretary Del Toro .
Philadelphia , for instance , was the first location for the DON ’ s pilot programme which it has since expanded to Pittsburgh and other locations . Since its launch in 2021 , this initiative has placed more than 1,200 skilled workers with Pennsylvania suppliers , with over 698 placed in fiscal year 2023 .
“ We are also committed to expanding apprenticeship programmes , as evidenced by the recent reinstatement of the Philadelphia Shipyard ’ s programme — previously suspended since 2017 — currently training over 100 workers ,” said Secretary Del Toro .
High-paying , high-skilled “ new-collar ” jobs that restore America ’ s manufacturing prowess are a priority of this Administration , added Secretary Del Toro , combining traditionally bluecollar trades with “ cutting-edge ” technologies .
“ We must establish programmes that build capacity in fields like naval architecture , engineering and lifecycle management , as well as technical expertise in nuclear welding , robotics , software management and additive manufacturing ,” concluded Secretary Del Toro . As part of his commitment to strengthen
Carlos Del Toro , Secretary of the U . S . Navy .
shipbuilding and maintenance , Del Toro also kicked off the inaugural meeting of the Government Shipbuilders Council ( GSC ) at the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore on 16 November 2023 .
To improve the way that the U . S . government does business in ship acquisition and ship maintenance , he underscored the council ’ s mission to address common and singular challenges among those that contract in shipbuilding ; identify opportunities to leverage each organisation ’ s resources to maximize government savings in costs , time and resources ; share best practices and lessons learned ; and support strategic decision-making to strengthen the shipbuilding industrial base .
He added that agility in ship production and design requires developing new , digital tools for the workforce to improve efficiency and capacity . He also encouraged GSC members to convene at shipyards , other institutions or academies where future maritime leaders are trained . n
A showcase for innovation
The sixth edition of Global Industrie returns to Paris Nord Villepinte , France , from 25-28 March 2024 . This global showcase for industrial innovation is under the patronage of the French President , Emmanuel Macron . It will host several French Ministers , elected officials , ambassadors and representatives of large industrial European professional organisations .
“ We expect to attract 2,300 exhibitors over 100,000m ² of exhibition space with 1,500 machines in operation over four days ,” the show organiser , GL Events , told ISMR . “ Approximately 40,000 visitors are expected to attend . The trade show will highlight a range of solutions to address multiple challenges facing industry ( such as the environmental and ecological transition ; recruitment ; social and societal responsibility ; training ; financing ; Industry 5.0 etc .),” it added .
Fifteen zones and thirteen theme villages will showcase a range of technologies , processes , equipment and expertise across multiple sectors at the trade show . “ Machinery demonstrations will be at the heart of ‘ the biggest factory in France ’ to enable visitors to access the latest innovations and industrial processes . This will also be an opportunity for them to identify the trends that will transform tomorrow ’ s industry . The Gi Awards , for their part , will highlight the most innovative discoveries identified among exhibitors ,” continued GL Events .
Global Industrie will also include several activities and facilities designed to “ make industry attractive ” for the younger generation who will become the future talents of manufacturing .
“ GI Avenir and the Golden Tech , the competition for industrial excellence , will be the tools we use to make jobs attractive and meet recruitment needs . More than 5,000 young people and job seekers are expected at this 2024 edition ,” said GL Events .
Golden Tech promotes the attractiveness and diversity of jobs in industry through
a competition offering an overall vision of industry . For four days , some one hundred of the men and women who are forging today ’ s industry will compete in 16 rings , representing 16 professions and skills .
Numerous discussion areas will provide opportunities for information , exchange and technology monitoring . The Big Stage , between the two exhibition halls , will address key industrial themes and host well-known industry personalities . These include current and future-oriented themes ( reindustrialisation ; Industry 4.0 ; green industry ; recruitment ; financing ; carbon reductions etc .) via debates , knowledgesharing and best practice . n
www . global-industrie . com
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