Challenge

Nichols Brothers Boat Builders specializes in constructing and refurbishing large-scale ships and barges for clients around the globe. Their work (ranging from refitting to sandblasting and painting) often involves vessels hundreds of feet long and takes place in an open-air environment where containment is inherently challenging. Traditionally, shipbuilders have relied on extensive use of standard tarps to cover vessels throughout each phase of the process, but these methods are inefficient and highly labor-intensive. As a result, maintaining productivity, safety, and operational efficiency has long been an ongoing challenge for the shipyard. Nichols Brothers needed a structure that could cover the vessel in replacement of the traditional tarp system.