Customer Value

One of the hallmarks of a well-managed business is balanced performance on all fronts. We believe we have a moral obligation to deliver excellent HSE performance, and a business obligation to simultaneously deliver the highest possible quality and value. Following are some examples of continuous-improvement projects, which illustrate how we pursue value for our customers.

Health, Safety, and Environment Strategy

Initiative:
Eliminate unsafe behaviors, focusing upon day-to-day tasks. Implement return-to-work programs using high-quality medical care and light-duty options. Screen the health and fitness of new crew members, ensuring that they are fit for their duties.

Result:
Environmental incidents, injuries, and illnesses have declined dramatically. The number of claims have fallen significantly. Claims expenses—both direct costs and more importantly, human costs—have declined similarly. Our insurance premiums have dropped in the midst of an insurance market with rising costs. Injured and ill crewmembers who have availed themselves of our Return-To-Work program have been able to reduce the financial impact to their families.

Procurement Strategy

Initiative:
Re-engineer procurement processes to clarify roles and responsibilities, to enhance information systems, to refine performance measures and to capitalize upon levers for efficiency. In other words, reduce costs without any reduction in quality of materials and services purchased.

Result:
Costs of consumable items and spare parts have fallen considerably. Orders are processed with greater efficiency and timeliness while quality has remained constant--in some cases, quality has risen.

Engineering Strategy

Initiative:
Improve planning and resourcing of repairs, drydockings and inspections. Deepen accountability in the company by focusing on the point of action—fully engaging vessel personnel in all aspects of engineering management. Bring discipline and organization to vessel repairs and maintenance operations. Also, implement integrated information systems to help assure the integrity of preventive maintenance, to use inventory efficiently, and to communicate needs effectively.

Result:
Mechanical integrity has risen, yielding greater vessel availability to our customers, while simultaneously, lowering engineering costs.