The client, a UK-based services conglomerate, also operates in the marine support services segment, offering a range of services primarily to government customers. For its fleet requirements, the client already had an existing relationship with one of the largest global workboat builders. The client required to replace a set of specialized vessels with pre-defined operating specifications.

To further sharpen their procurement strategy, they wanted to assess global workboats builders and suppliers to be able to clearly answer the following:

• Which are the leading global shipyards that merit consideration as a supplier of choice?

• What capabilities do these shipyards have in terms of product range, specifications, cost, and quality with special emphasis on the client’s specific fleet requirements?

ConsultGenics devised a two-pronged approach by segregating the ask into two clear workstreams – Supplier Assessment and Competitive Analysis.

Supplier Assessment

ConsultGenics compiled a list of seven global shipyards with the pre-requisite workboats manufacturing capabilities. Once the suppliers were identified, the team delved into a comprehensive assessment exercise pivoted around the following:

• Assessing, benchmarking, and comparing the shipyards on operational parameters including (but not limited to) geographic presence, order book, existing partnerships, key clients, cost-effectiveness, and quality standards.

• The study had laid special emphasis on the shipyards’ concurrent build capacities and timeliness of delivery.

• Analyzing the range of vessels for each shipyard and mapping them with the pre-defined fleet specifications the client had.

• Assessing the degree of product Customization these shipyards offered, in case the products were not a perfect match.

• Analyzing each shipyard’s technological capabilities including hybrid fuel engines, propulsion systems, Electronics, etc.

• Due weightage was given to the shipyards’ sustainability initiatives such as delousing units, antifouling coatings eco-friendly paint systems.

Basis the comprehensive research, ConsultGenics developed a 2×2 matrix, mapping all seven shipyards against technology and innovations vs delivery capabilities.

Competitive Analysis

The ConsultGenics team looked at key competitors of the client and mapped their past vessel procurements with the various suppliers they selected. The exercise helped us understand any special relationship these competitors might have with any of the suppliers.