New online platform aims to facilitate ship repair and retrofit deals

A statement from Newport Shipping said the Newport Maritime Services (NMS) platform will enable shipowners and fleet operators to obtain quotes for routine maintenance works, have real-time visibility of shipyard availability and get priority access to drydock slots.

“We wanted to introduce an online tool that works in harmony with the people that make the ship repair sector what it is today, enabling greater transparency and thereby validating the trust and personal relationships this industry is built on," said NMS managing director Ege Akcasoy.

The company said subscribers to the NMS platform will have access to quotations for a wide range of routine maintenance and repair works, and the ability to book slots at a shipyard of their choice with a real-time view of the yard’s current availability. The platform will also provide access to a full set of bespoke solutions in repair, retrofit and conversions with a low carbon focus from a list of Newport Shipping supplier partners.

Newport Shipping’s statement said the introduction of the new digital tool "stands to support the industry with its environmental, social and governance mandate".

"Through implementation of the right processes and digital tools to communicate information in the right way, NMS believes the sector can attract interest from a broader set of investors and tentatively look forward to a more prosperous and sustainable future," the company said.