BOOK REVIEW | Shipyard Projects: Planning and Management

This brilliant book is exactly what it is described as on its cover. It should be read, studied and carefully digested by anyone in any way involved with ship design, building, renovation, repair or modification projects. In other words, by anyone doing business with a shipyard irrespective of whether they be naval architect, marine engineer, ship-builder, ship-repairer, equipment or material supplier, ship-owner, financier or maritime lawyer.

Its content is pure common sense but, like most common-sensible advice it comprises many little things that are otherwise often overlooked. Fortunately, the author, Dr Ken Fisher, is one of a very rare breed, a naval architect/lawyer of boundless experience as both a “doer” and consultant/advisor. He has studied shipyard dealings, and the problems that can arise from them, in enormous breadth and depth.

In 99 brief case studies, anecdotes or vignettes, he has brilliantly, briefly and very readably distilled that vast experience. He leaves no shipyard stone unturned.

Those who digest Dr Fisher’s immensely valuable advice will undoubtedly save themselves, their customer, employer, client or whoever many times the price of the book, or the time taken to study it.

This, in your reviewer’s not always so humble view, is one of the best, most useful and most valuable books ever reviewed on these pages. It is in fact absolutely invaluable!

Author: Kenneth W. Fisher

Available from Kenneth W. Fisher, Derry, New Hampshire, USA.

Web: www.FisherMaritime.com.


Neil Baird

Co-founder and former Editor-in-Chief of Baird Maritime and Work Boat World magazine, Neil has travelled the length and breadth of this planet in over 40 years in the business. He knows the global work boat industry better than anyone.