FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – New robotic blasting is now being used at the Grand Bahama Shipyard to expedite the work at the yard in Freeport. Training began a few weeks ago, teaching Bahamians to drive the highly technical environmental robot used for hull stripping.

Blaster and Painter Jarvis Pinder, an 11-year employee and Marvin Taylor a 4-year employee, are pictured training on the newest equipment being utilized at the world’s second largest ship repair yard in the Americas. “The new robotic blasting units make our work safer, easier, more efficient, and it goes much quicker than traditional blasting,” said Pinder.

Working besides Pinder is Taylor, who began his on-the-job training over 4 years ago at the yard. “The guys from Chariot Robotics provided in-depth on-the-job training about the operation of the units and also how to accomplish minor adjustments and repairs to keep the units running smoothly.” 

Coordinating the new technology at the yard is Ed Pavey, Director of Technical and Planning, who has over 32 years in the shipyard repair industry. “Robotic blasting is just one of the new modern technologies we have been using here at the shipyard for many years now,” noted Pavey.

“The unit currently being used is of the newest design technology from Chariot Robotics.  Both Jarvis and Marvin were previously trained on the older units, so adapting to the newer unit was an easy transition for both of them.” Pavey went on to add that further training is planned for other Bahamian Blaster/Painters. “We will be looking to Jarvis and Marvin to share their experience and assist with the on-going training efforts.”

This and other types of advanced technologies are assisting the management and staff to meet their deadlines on repairs and improving overall efficiency and costs. “Many major projects for the cruise ships are scheduled for this next season and we are actively involved in the planning stage with the cruise lines,” noted Reuben Byrd, Senior Vice President of Operations at the Shipyard. “Prefabrication to support these projects will begin during the summer which helps to balance out our work load allowing us to maintain our base work force without any layoffs. The cruise line work looks extremely promising for 2013 through 2015 as the cruise lines are presently confirming their repair period slots with our Sales & Marketing people.”

Photo: Grand Bahama Shipyard introduces Robotic Blasting-Blaster and Painter Jarvis Pinder, an 11-year employee and Marvin Taylor a 4-year employee, are pictured training on the newest equipment being utilized at the world’s second largest ship repair yard in the Americas.  ‘The new robotic blasting units make our work safer, easier, more efficient, and it goes much quicker than traditional blasting,’ said Pinder.  Ed Pavey, Director of Training and Planning at the GB Shipyard noted that ‘the unit currently being used is of the newest design technology from Chariot Robotics and  both Jarvis and Marvin were previously trained on the older units, so adapting to the newer unit was an easy transition for both of them.’ Pavey went on to add that further training is planned for other Bahamian Blaster/Painters. ‘We will be looking to Jarvis and Marvin to share their experience and assist with the on-going training efforts.’

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