Discussion on Papers 10–11

MR M. J. COPE, Cleveland Redpath Offshore Ltd

With reference to Paper 10, if the industry is to meet the 15% figure of cost reduction, it is necessary to address four questions: why? how? when? who?

Do we need the various provisions of todayTs increasingly complicated specifications and are they value for money? Can the fabricator achieve what is being asked of him? It is important that details are buildable and specifications attainable. Is the programme right? It is counterproductive to commence fabrication before the design is firm. Has the project supervisor sufficient authority under the contract to make timely decisions in the face of any problems?