Under the golds of the Elysee Palace. Wednesday 6? April Laurent Castaing, General Manager of STX France, and Gianluigi Aponte, CEO of MSC Cruises signed an intent to purchase four ships, in the presence of François Hollande delighted. A contract of 4? Billion euros! Enough to ensure the construction of Saint-Nazaire (Loire-Atlantique) a full order book until 2026. The never-seen since the last century.
Because these commands are added to the new ships already scheduled. Proof of their renewed dynamism, the former Atlantic Shipyard build three ships simultaneously, including the already famous Harmony of the Seas, which will be delivered on May 12, 2016 at the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
A few weeks before delivery, a hive is active in the bowels of the Harmony of the Seas to complete walks, theater, jogging track, casino, bar bionic, water slides … Some 3 000 people working hard -foot to finish on time. The Saint-Nazaire site no longer resembles that François Hollande was seen in full campaign for the presidential election. “In early 2012, during my visit, I felt a heavy atmosphere with employees who were concerned. They were looking to be reassured by the shareholder, the order book. Since then come a long way “, said the president after the signing of the contract with MSC. This metamorphosis is also a victory for the government. After the failure of the command of two ships by Viking River Cruises in April? 2012, following a funding problem, the state has set up effective mechanisms to facilitate exports of companies.
6000 workers on site
MSC control a total of 37? Million hours of work. The construction of the four ships will begin in a few years. Laurent Castaing believes that STX France can still reap some contracts by then. He plans still to build some elements of other European shipyards, but “only for subcontracting” .
Today 6,000 people work on the Saint-Nazaire shipyard. Instead running out between the various workshops, hull pieces … In the deep form, 26 of the 50 blocks of the hull of the ship E34 (the future Meraviglia) for MSC are already assembled. Further, we see the second section of the hull of B34, future Oasis 4 and twin brother of the Harmony of the Seas, which is scheduled for delivery in 2018. STX anticipated construction to offset the load generated by hollow the suspension of the order of LNG ferry for Brittany Ferries.
In the machine shop, where large steel plates provided by ArcelorMittal are cut, there are few people. Three dry plasma cutting machines move slowly. However, they are much faster than the old. For the Harmony of the Seas, 400 000 pieces were cut between September? March 2013 and? 2015. “For thirty years, this workshop had 400 people. They are now thirty to work in 3 x 8, mostly operators, says Vincent Corre, responsible for the work in this unit. In five years, the cost of a room was divided by three. “ In recent years, STX has invested heavily to improve its competitiveness. Including a portico with a capacity of 1200 tons which cost 30? Million and for moving of large parts for prefabrication workshops.
Prefabrication work that tends to develop. “It costs three times cheaper than making board” says Jean-Michel Robert, the head of the workshop in which 180 are assembled first elements of each ship. Tedious work that requires an accurate reading plans. But that will not last. STX already tested and already augmented reality. In the workshop, an operator is studying on a tablet the plan in 3 D. “The suitable glasses to avoid holding a tablet does not yet exist, but it can go fast” , it is hoped -on with the manufacturer. Further, the panels shop extends 500 meters. Workers stapled sheets before automated welding. STX has invested 9? Million into a machine that will soon replace the cutting and stapling manuals. Not far away, a huge keel expects his painting.
A virtual reality room
For three years, STX has hired 500 people, bringing the number of construction employees in 2500 in Saint-Nazaire and plant booths Brais, a few kilometers. This year, 150 new hires are planned. Recruitments which are not without problems. “We have trouble recruiting labor in the loom of metal. – Tinker, locksmith, welder, pipefitter We’re looking to create our own school welder CAP had been abandoned in the region.. the national Education has reintroduced next year “ says Laurent Castaing.
STS has invested in a virtual reality room that can travel inside of a ship. “We all share the same view. No need for learning as a paper map, says Philippe Brianceau, the head of the virtual reality room. This is an addition to the simulation, important to convince its customers. “
The four new ships ordered by MSC – 335 meters long, 47 meters wide and 2,750 cabins and a propulsion LNG – will be built after the series of four liners Meraviglia Type (2,246 cabins) to be delivered by STX between 2017? and? 2020 Swiss-Italian cruise line. Trust MSC Cruises in STX France is undeniable. “Our company operates twelve cruise ships, all built in Saint-Nazaire since 2001″ , says Gianluigi Aponte. MSC appreciates the capacity for innovation, quality of work and the expertise of the Saint-Nazaire shipyard. STX has continued to provide good management shops in its main customer. In 2014, signing with the unions of a competitiveness pact allowed the site to improve its profitability and remain competitive against its two main competitors, the German Meyer Werft, the world leader, and Italian Fincantieri .
The good fortune of STX benefit an entire sector. The site has about 400 suppliers including fifteen of the largest subcontractors working on site. STX buys 75% of the value of a ship. “A stable proportion for years, says Laurent Castaing. The choice was made in the mid? 1980. But more than 60% of the value is made in France.”
A brand new factory a few meters from the Harmony of the Seas. To build not parts of a ship, but substations to recover land energy offshore wind, the last order of the Belgian Rentel few weeks ago. “The adventure began five years ago. This is a new market with various competitors. We had to prove ourselves, but construction is surprisingly close to that of a ship (design, motorisation , ventilation …) “ says Sébastien Bonneau, head of production for marine renewables. STX has invested 18? Million in the Anemos factory opened last year. “Starting this summer, the workshop will increase from 30 to 80 people.” Five bids are ongoing … STX, used to sell for export in shipbuilding, will look for markets they exist, that is to say in Northern Europe. Until the situation is released in France.
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