Portal of European Shipyard Interest Grouping creates Savings Potential

Papenburg, 29.09.2004 - "By the end of 2004 almost 1,000 suppliers will have subscribed to e-Euroship," says Ralf Sempf, Head of the Materials Management and Purchase Department at MEYER WERFT in Papenburg. "e-Euroship" (www.e-euroship.com) is the Internet-based procurement portal of Euroyards, an interest grouping consisting of the European shipyards Fincantieri, Alstom Marine, HDW, IZAR and MEYER WERFT. This future-oriented tool was presented during the SMM in 2002, and has been undergoing continuous development since its launch in January 2003. Meanwhile many suppliers in the shipbuilding industry have recognised the benefits the Internet offers for the procurement process, and are making intense use of the functions hitherto active in the portal.

The key function of "e-Euroship" is presently the processing of inquiries ("RFQs") and quotations via the Internet. In addition, suppliers have the opportunity to present their companies and products in a virtual showroom. Potential on the part of the suppliers for optimising the cooperation with the shipyards is identified by means of a rating system. The benefits of the portal are obvious: streamlining of the procurement process, thus saving costs both on the suppliers' and the shipyards' end.

The participating shipyards are pressing the further development of the system. The next targets are the integration of the portal in the existing ERP systems as well as handling the complete procurement process in the portal. Ralf Sempf, who is also member of the board at the Papenburg shipyard, is certain that the use of future-oriented tools such as "e-Euroship" will contribute to an increased competitiveness of the European shipyard industry thanks to its cost-reducing effect for both suppliers and yards.