MML launches RefitPlanner.com, a web-based tool that allows for better planning and accuracy of cost

In response to a cry from the industry at large for improved planning around refit and a

greater degree of precision in cost estimates, Marine Management Limited (MML) have

announced the launch of a new web-based, app-driven tool that enables proactive, user

friendly refit planning and promotes consumer confidence in accuracy of costs.

A recent report from The Superyacht Report in March/April 2016 highlighted an industry-wide

problem; the convergence between late refit planning, growing refit work and increasingly

limited yard availability as a result of this.

“The problem is that 70 per cent of (refit) work is planned too late,” says Eric Robert-Peillard,

site director, Monaco Marine, La Ciota. “Preparation is everything and the superyacht industry

will have to think more logistically in the future – not just the captains and owners, but also the

management companies and boat builders.”

“The market has grown enormously and there is no doubt whatsoever that the demand is

exceeding supply,” says Ben Mennem, co-founder, Compositeworks, La Ciotat. “A few years

ago it was only an issue in the high season, but now we’re completely full out of the water

most of the time.”

To address this, MML have launched RefitPlanner.com. The tool enables users to

dynamically collect data and images to inform refit work as they walk through the yacht,

acting as a shared portal and repository for all refit planning information. In addition there is

an integrated messaging function that connects crew directly to MML for any queries they

may have in relation to prospective work required.

“MML’s extensive refit experience and anecdotal evidence highlighted to us the requirement

for a product such as this,” says MML’s business development manager Matt Liddell.

“The RefitPlanner.com App is not a stand-alone tool. It syncs with the RefitPlanner.com

website and supports real-time dynamic development of a yacht’s work package both on

board and in partnership with MML’s project managers. There will always be a requirement

for contingency in any refit. The unknown will always be unknown, but we believe this product

will go a considerable way to reducing that unknown and assisting both the yacht’s crew and

the shipyards in their resource, budget and schedule management. This will serve to

ultimately maximise the asset (yacht or shipyard) and minimise any cost accrued.”

The industry has responded positively to the launch of RefitPlanner.com.

“I can see huge potential in the development of Refitplanner.com as it addresses a key need

in the industry for better planning around refit,” says captain Jonathan Edgar.

“As a current charter yacht captain experienced in refit, I see tremendous value in using a tool

that allows you to start planning early, acts as a single depository for information and by the

nature of the interface, encourages you in a user friendly way to consider every aspect of the

vessel in terms of refit. I fully intend to use RefitPlanner.com on board the 41m new build I am

soon to be captain of."

With a decade of experience working on superyacht refits globally, Bay of Islands Marina’s

general manager Jason Chubb feels the app could “potentially cut refit time in half.”

“I can see a real place for RefitPlanner.com in the medium to megayacht end of the market.

Having worked on large-scale refits like Seawolf and White Rabbit, I’m confident that using

the app would significantly cut down the man hours required to estimate a job.”

The chief engineer of a 46m sailing yacht says “I really like the layout of the app. I think it’s

easy to use. If I was going into a refit that required an extended yard period, I would definitely

consider going for MML.”

To view a demo, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SX4rZ9X4t_c

To trial the app, access the app store on your iPad, search for "refitplanner" and download

the app.

To find out out more, please contact: enquiries@mml.org.nz