Rethinking shipyard efficiency: A call for proactive collaboration in yachting

While not the most glamorous topic in yachting, shipyard periods are fundamental to the safe, reliable, and profitable operation of a yacht. Yet for many owners, crew, and managers, they remain a necessary evil, synonymous with downtime, cost, and complexity.

Adapting to a changing industry

The status quo is no longer sustainable. Planning for shipyard periods often falls on the crew during the busiest seasons onboard, demanding time and precision when both are in short supply.

Fleet Operational Support, Jon Feldman comments: “I’ve seen vessels arrive at shipyards without even a defined work list—or worse, with vague line items like Fix Bow Thruster. Such lack of clarity is not just inefficient; it renders accurate budgeting, scheduling, and forecasting impossible.”

We must acknowledge a shift in industry dynamics. Vessels are spending more time in charter, hospitality demands have intensified, and less time is available for thorough refits and maintenance. These constraints make effective planning more critical than ever.

How can we make shipyard periods more efficient and successful?

“We need to recalibrate our approach. Success in modern shipyard periods will hinge on a tighter, more proactive collaboration between crew and management. Both sides—the operational front line and the supportive arm—must share the responsibility of ensuring that every yard period is thoughtfully scoped, realistically budgeted, and well-executed.” – Jon Feldman.

The cornerstone of this improved model is a comprehensive, collaboratively developed work scope. For vessels over 500GT, as much as 90% of a shipyard period’s tasks can be anticipated six months to a year in advance. The same is achievable for vessels under 500GT (30–50m), though the process may require more tailored planning based on the vessel’s specific characteristics. By working together early, the onboard crew and management teams can develop a clearly defined scope that sets the foundation for smoother execution.

Work scope cataloguing should include:

• Established priorities
• Vessel and equipment specifications
• Relevant technical data
• Class regulations
• Access considerations and interferences
• Media – photo and video

This is not just an administrative exercise. Done correctly, it equips all stakeholders—owners, captains, technical managers, and shipyards alike—with the insights they need to make timely, cost-effective decisions.

A more successful shipyard process

Once a comprehensive work scope is developed, executing a successful shipyard period comes down to following a structured, well-communicated process:

• Build the scope early, ideally with the support of both the crew and management.
• Share the scope with selected shipyards or subcontractors to obtain more accurate budgets and schedules.
• Confirm the scope, align on timelines—including known variances; sign contracts; and lock in work with deposits—so all parties can plan and work more efficiently.
• Track progress and communicate transparently during the shipyard period, adjusting as needed with all parties being more informed and aligned.

This structured approach mutually reduces risk, shortens timelines, and improves margins. Most importantly, it sets the stage for a smoother experience—one where the shipyard becomes a reliable asset, not a source of dread.

Time to Raise the Standard

“Some may dismiss this approach as idealistic. But before doing so, I invite you to reflect on your last refit or shipyard period. What if your project could have been even 5% more successful—faster, less costly, or less stressful?” – Jon Feldman comments.

The opportunity is clear. Efficiency doesn’t require radical reinvention, just collective discipline, shared responsibility, and respect for process. We owe this to ourselves, to our clients, and to an industry that has never been about cutting corners—but about setting a global standard in excellence.

“Yachting was never meant to be a hobby for the masses. It’s a business built on expertise, precision, and pride. By working together more effectively, we can ensure that the industry continues to rise—safely, sustainably, and with the integrity that defines it.” – Jon Feldman.

For more information on Edmiston’s Yacht Management services and how we can support your next shipyard period, please get in touch with our team of experienced project and technical managers today.