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