Technology in marine construction firms

This paper describes the common characteristics of marine construction firms, identifies opportunities for and constraints to advanced technology in marine construction, forwards recommendations for advancing marine construction technology, and identifies implications regarding technology in other segments of the construction industry. Although marine construction firms innovate and apply new technologies to win and successfully construct specialized marine projects, many technologies are abandoned after meeting the challenges of the target project. A short-term view of technology in marine construction due to varying project demands, market forces, and the competitive-bidding and -contracting system is a major barrier to innovation and technological advancement. Marine construction firms can gain competitive advantages based on low cost or distinctive capabilities by developing sustainable technologies to meet the unique challenges inherent in the marine project. A managerial framework, defined as an organizational structure and procedures for developing new technologies, is forwarded to help marine construction firms develop sustainable technologies for competitive advantage. Reforms to the competitive-bidding and -contracting system are recommended for public owners to help facilitate innovation and new technology.