[ 59 ] SHIPBUILDING the accommodation decks, was equally part of this package as were parts of Deck 10, notably the crew’s messroom, changing rooms, sauna area and the twin wheelhouses. Shortly after the early January 2022 float-out of lead ship P&O Pioneer, the project shifted into higher gear when NSO started with the ship’s interior outfitting. This was led by NSO’s project management team of both Chinese and European site supervisors. Having a mixed Chinese-European on-site team guaranteed clear communication between all parties involved. Due to supply chain challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, NSO used a combination of European and domestic suppliers to ensure an on-time delivery. This solution gave NSO the flexibility to use only the best materials for the project, meeting both the quality expectations and delivery timelines. To ensure that the supply chain network was meeting the quality expectations and delivery schedules, NSO’s procurement management department carried out routine quality control inspections and site visits. A notable supplier success story concerns the teak-effect polythene outer deck floor. A first for GSI, it totals approximately 1,800m² of open deck space. The Eco Teak floor is an environmentally friendly solution based on solvent-free polyurethane resins. Combining durability and performance, the floor finishes are seamless and aesthetically pleasing. It is also easy to maintain, guaranteeing a certain degree of slip resistance. THE FOUR PILLARS TO SUCCESS Regardless of the project and its scope, NSO always adheres to four critical elements to guarantee a successful and on-time delivery. It starts with having the right team, something that is essential to manage and execute a project. The combination of experienced Chinese and European site managers, allowed NSO to execute the Fusion-class project effectively, ensuring a close partnership and communication among all parties involved. And, thanks to its high level of knowledge and in-house expertise, NSO is able to find immediate solutions in challenging situations, avoiding unnecessary delays. A second important element concerns proper communication between the yard, shipowner, interior architect and turnkey interior contractor. The Fusion-class project was a case in point as communication and availability of the respective stakeholders was simply excellent. Working hand in glove meant that P&O Ferries received an end product that was exactly what they wanted and how they wanted it. Smart installation sequence and disciplined coordination represent the third critical element. It is crucial to maintain a regular dialogue between the respective parties. Planning, notably that between the yard and turnkey interior contractor, is paramount as the installation sequence can be properly organised and is thereafter respected throughout. It avoids delays and unnecessary damage to materials post installation. There should, of course, also be proper coordination at all times with partners active in other disciplines such as piping, HVAC, electricity, etc. Last but not least; it’s all about safety. Safety is the most critical element for any project. By following GSI’s strict safety policies along with its internal safety system, NSO guaranteed a safely executed Fusion-class project. IN PRAISE OF NSO Ship of the Future Director, Ross Barrett, when asked how P&O Ferries valued the work of NSO, he said: “I would maintain that my thanks were normally the highest form of thought, but what NSO has created and shown to P&O means that my thanks are replaced with gratitude, shown by happiness and doubled by wonder. Walking into the spaces created onboard P&O Pioneer by NSO makes you stand there, in silence, look around at how beautiful the spaces connect you with the ocean and contemplate how amazing this incredible new vessel really is. What NSO has shown is that customer service is not just a department. It’s the entire company. NSO has shown us that there are no traffic jams along the extra mile in the journey to create the interior spaces on this incredible new vessel. NSO has shown that to give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity, integrity, passion and commitment to deliver the highest quality in our incredible new vessel.”
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