Sustainability in Shipbuilding – Observations from Project-Oriented Supply Network in Cruise Ship Construction

Abstract

Sustainability is one key future driver regarding which kind of changes cruise and tourism industries will face and how related ecosystem can anticipate such drivers. Sustainability-oriented innovations might emerge as a differentiation factor for suppliers as a new competitive advantage. To understand more about emerging opportunities on these topics within Finnish maritime industry, Sustainability and Transparency in Shipbuilding Networks (SUSTIS) research and development project was launched in 2015 to develop a holistic approach for sustainability in shipbuilding. As part of the project’s second phase an explorative interview study in 17 organizations was carried out among cruise ship interior related suppliers which main findings are presented in this report. The goal of the study is to summarize previous research on shipbuilding’s construction phase sustainability impacts, point out practices with linkages on sustainability. Also, perceptions of cruise industry’s future and related drivers are discussed.

The findings of the study support previous results related to project-based industries that sustainability-oriented innovations are complex to implement into the industry’s decision-making. The tendency of the industry’s actors to focus on business-driven on-going customer projects leaves usually room for incremental initiatives. Therefore results encourage long-term development across projects and introduction of new ideas must happen in early phase. Existing quality and supply chain management information capabilities are examined and considered useful for sustainability requirements. Safety is found as a priority in social sustainability but additional diversification is possible. Results are reflected against supplier-driven agenda construction for sustainability transition.