Ships are born and repaired on land. A shipyard is a facility equipped to build, convert, and repair ships, with berths, drydocks, cranes, workshops, and skilled labor.

Newbuilding yards specialize in construction from steel cutting to delivery; repair yards focus on drydocking, surveys, and refits. Some yards do both. Location, crane capacity, dock size, and workforce skill determine the types of ship a yard can handle.

Shipyard periods are expensive and tightly scheduled. Owners and managers prepare work lists, spare parts, and supervision in advance. Quality of workmanship in the yard affects the ship’s reliability for years afterward. A good shipyard relationship is a strategic asset for any fleet operator.

• Facility for building and repairing ships
• Includes docks, cranes, and workshops
• Serves newbuilding, conversion, and repair
• Work quality affects long-term ship reliability