Ship retrofits aren’t just technical. They’re logistical, operational, and intensely time-sensitive. Unlike newbuilds with long planning horizons, retrofit projects face compressed schedules, evolving scope, and high operational pressure.
To meet these demands at scale, GLO Marine developed a tailored program management system—one that transforms complexity into predictability, even across 20+ projects per year, on five continents.
Why retrofit demands more than project management
Retrofitting a vessel is a high-stakes operation. You’re balancing:
- Tight dry-dock availability
- Long-lead OEM deliveries and customs clearance
- Regulatory approvals mid-project
- Onboard realities that often change scope during execution
- Multi-country coordination across time zones and supply chains
A traditional project management approach just isn’t enough. What’s needed is a program-level framework that integrates engineering, procurement, logistics, and site execution into one cohesive flow.
The GLO Marine approach: Built for speed, designed for scale
At GLO Marine, our retrofit methodology is based on unifying all disciplines involved (technical, operational, and commercial) into a synchronized system. It’s agile enough to adapt to scope changes, yet structured enough to ensure repeatable outcomes, even under intense time pressure.
This isn’t about managing tasks—it’s about managing outcomes.
Each project benefits from centralized planning, fast communication loops, clear accountability, and proactive coordination with shipyards, clients, and classification societies.
Expertise from the field: Dan Marin’s view on retrofit precision
“In retrofit, every day counts. You don’t have the luxury of buffers. You need a system that moves fast and a team that communicates constantly.”
— Dan Marin, Operations Manager, GLO Marine
With over two decades of experience in large shipyards like Daewoo, Dan helped shape GLO’s unique program model—one focused on quality delivery with minimal disruption, regardless of project size or geography.
A real-world example: Tidewater’s BWTS retrofit program
GLO Marine is currently executing a global ballast water treatment system (BWTS) retrofit program for Tidewater, the world’s largest offshore support vessel operator. Together with VMS Group, we’re managing 22 vessel upgrades across three continents.
Key results:
- All engineering packages delivered ahead of schedule
- Zero installation errors to date
- Estimated 10–15% cost savings per vessel via centralized planning
- Fully integrated execution across engineering, logistics, and site teams
This is program management in action—not one-off projects, but a production-like model that scales.
From complexity to confidence
GLO Marine’s retrofit program system delivers:
- Predictable timelines in unpredictable environments
- Integrated procurement and delivery flows
- Faster, more coordinated execution on board
- Lower cost through smarter material consolidation
- Repeatable success across vessel types and locations
Because in retrofit, time isn’t just money—it’s uptime.
Book a retrofit strategy call
Ready to scale your retrofit program with confidence?
Book a call with our retrofit specialists and discover how GLO Marine can streamline execution for your fleet—no matter the size, scope, or geography.