Navigating the Future of Shipbuilding: Leveraging AI to Overcome Systemic Delays

by Troy Bouffard (Guest Post) – The shipbuilding scene in the U.S. has been struggling for decades, especially when it comes to military vessels. As the 1980s, projects have consistently run over budget and behind schedule. Recent years have shown that this trend is not just a fluke; it’s a systemic issue affecting all types of ships.

Take the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier as an example—this program has faced years of delays and ballooning costs due to challenges with integrating new technologies. Submarine programs like the Virginia-class and Columbia-class are no different, grappling with setbacks from supply chain issues and workforce shortages.

The coast Guard’s Polar Security Cutter project also highlights these struggles, especially given its complex design requirements for Arctic operations combined with limited experience in icebreaker construction within U.S. shipyards.

Even simpler vessels like the John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers haven’t escaped unscathed; they too have seen their timelines slip significantly. On average, initial estimates for delivery can stretch by 30-60%, while costs can soar by 25% or even double original projections.

These delays are more then just numbers—they impact national security capabilities, especially concerning critical assets like Columbia-class submarines that play a vital role in strategic deterrence.A recent Congressional report shed light on these persistent issues within shipbuilding capacity and offered some insights into potential solutions. Building modern military ships is no small feat—it involves thousands of workers coordinating millions of parts over several years across various production stages: design, material procurement, hull construction, outfitting, systems integration, testing/commissioning, and sea trials.

As a notable example, constructing an aircraft carrier from the Gerald R. Ford class requires around 47 thousand tons of steel and typically takes five to seven years under ideal conditions! Each phase presents its own set of challenges that can lead to significant delays if not managed properly.

this is where AI technology could step in as a game-changer—not as a replacement for human expertise but as an enhancement tool that helps tackle complexities where traditional methods fall short.

Imagine using advanced AI systems during key phases such as:

1. Design Phase: Modern warships demand extensive simulations before any physical work begins—think about how long it took to integrate new tech like electromagnetic launch systems into carriers! AI could streamline this process by optimizing designs through simulations based on historical data.

1. Material Procurement: With each submarine containing over one million parts sourced from numerous suppliers worldwide—any hiccup can halt production entirely! AI could predict disruptions ahead of time or suggest alternative suppliers based on real-time data trends.

1. Hull Construction: Building massive steel blocks requires precision; misalignment leads to costly rework! Here again, AI-powered inspection tools could catch defects early on through automated quality checks.

1. Outfitting: This stage involves fitting everything inside—from pipes to crew quarters—and needs tight coordination among tradespeople working in cramped spaces.

1. Systems Integration: Today’s warships are akin to floating cities filled with interconnected systems—a challenge made easier with smart algorithms managing integration tasks efficiently.

1. Testing & Commissioning: Thorough testing is crucial but often reveals flaws late in growth—AI could help identify potential issues earlier before they escalate into major problems during sea trials!

Throughout all these stages? You guessed it—AI can help create dynamic schedules that adapt based on resource availability or deadlines while addressing inefficiencies seen across various programs like San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks.

however—and it’s a big however—the prosperous implementation of AI isn’t without hurdles itself! It demands investment in tech infrastructure along with robust training for personnel who will work alongside these clever systems while ensuring cybersecurity measures are top-notch so we don’t introduce vulnerabilities into our defense sectors!

In particular contexts such as those involving U.S Navy Program Executive Offices (PEOs) or Naval Sea systems Command (NAVSEA),having an AI-driven tool designed specifically for analyzing historical performance against proposed timelines woudl be invaluable—it would flag risks early on based upon past experiences!

Such innovations might even reveal systemic problems leading up-to-date delays across multiple projects—from overly optimistic assumptions about technology readiness levels downplaying integration difficulties—all helping teams craft more realistic acquisition strategies right from day one!

As we navigate through ongoing challenges within American shipbuilding today—the infusion of artificial intelligence offers hope—not necessarily solving every problem but providing essential support needed amidst growing complexities inherent within modern naval architecture while keeping human insight at its core when making strategic decisions moving forward!

Dr.Bouffard serves as Assistant professor at University Alaska Fairbanks specializing Arctic Defense & Security research fellow at modern War Institute-West Point previously worked congressional fellow Arctic Advisor Senate level policy-making circles too!