b'FOGHORN FOCUS Owners RepresentationWHAT EVERY OWNER SHOULD CONSIDERCATHERINE HALE + JOHN WATERHOUSE, PE// ELLIOTT BAY DESIGN GROUPT he success of any vessel construction project hinges upon thedocuments need to be discussed at project kick-off to build a strong completeness and quality of prior planning and thorough doc- foundation with common understanding. Without this foundation at umentation.Astrongfoundationforcontractmanagementthe start of the build, the project is more likely to experience increased should be laid out in a well-written technical specification, a solid setcost and construction risks. of design plans, a thoughtful schedule, and a balanced contract. For example, an important component of a well-written tech spec is in- Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG) has served as an owners representative cluding the right level of detail: too little and there is risk of the vesselon many new construction and modification projects across a wide range not meeting expectations, too much drives up costs and potentially re- of clients and vessel types. Along the way we have learned best practices duces competitive bids. Once a shipyard contract is signed, contractualthat help promote successful construction projects. FOGHORN 20'