On March 1, 2014, Kyokuyo Shipyard Corporation jointly organized a inter-company shipbuilding skills competition with Onomichi Dockyard, Co., Ltd. The idea of this competition, which was to motivate young technicians to improve their skills through exciting events, was born from conversations between the presidents of the 2 companies quite a while ago. Since then, the both companies have been working together toward the realization of this unprecedented competition.

At 7 o'clock, a total of 25 persons, comprising competitors, judges and directors, departed for Onomichi, the venue, by chartered bus. On arrival, the members were instantly impressed by cleanliness and neatness of Onozo's facilities as well as by well-maintained good equipments. We had a lot to learn from the factory of a bigger shipbuilder, which can produce up to 500,000tdw per year.

After the opening ceremony, orientations and lunch, the competitions were started on 13:00. 4 skills - gas cutting, plate heat bending, butt-welding, and letter bead welding - were competed, and 3 competitors participated from each company and for each skill. Interestingly, for some skills Kyokuyo and Onozo took a different approach and that affected the result. The competition provided the young technicians with useful hints and information.

Through the competitions, awarding ceremony and subsequent get-acquainted party, the young people from the 2 companies became closer each other. The one thing we regret was not having alcohol drinks in the party, for some reason. Some said they could do better with beer! (Okay, we took note.) In the party, the organizing staffs suggested adding more skills to this competition - like engine overhauling or forklift super driving - and the management gave it a go!

Here are some of comments made by the competitors in the bus returning to Shimonoseki :

- "I was more nervous than I have ever been since I joined Kyokuyo. I couldn't sleep well last night. I am exhausted now, but feeling nice. It was fun!"
- "During practice, I saw Onozo's method and was quite impressed. It was very helpful."
- "I really enjoyed the party. I want to polish up my skill further."

These words show how exciting and fruitful the event was, don't they?

We, on behalf of the company, would like to thank people at Onomichi Dockyard Co., Ltd., who have spared no effort to make the competition successful!

[2014/03/11]