Ruknin Sadid · Work Preparator at Qatar Shipyard Technology Solutions
From Technical Drawings to Digital Shipbuilding: An Interview with Ruknin Sadid
In this interview, Ruknin Sadid discusses ship repair planning, technical preparation, production coordination, and the importance of safety and teamwork. He also shares his views on how digitalization, artificial intelligence, and automation will shape the future of shipbuilding.
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Ruknin Sadid works as a Work Preparator at Qatar Shipyard Technology Solutions. He specializes in ship repair planning, technical drawings, material preparation, and production coordination.
Can you tell us about your role as a Work Preparator at Qatar Shipyard Technology Solutions and what a typical day looks like?
I have been working as a Work Preparator at Qatar Shipyard Technology Solutions for just over a year. I still consider myself to be in the learning stage because every project is different, and I learn something new from each one.
Our shipyard mainly works on marine ship repair, and we also handle offshore newbuilding projects. My role is mainly in the marine hull repair section.
My work usually starts when we receive a repair project. After the vessel is inspected, the CAP (Condition Assessment Program) report and repair information are shared with our team through the project engineer. I begin by reviewing the repair scope and understanding what work needs to be done.
Based on the repair plan, I prepare the Material Take-Off (MTO) and Bill of Materials (BOM). This includes identifying the required steel plates, profiles, and other materials needed for the job. The material list is then sent to the Material Controller to check what is available in stock and what needs to be ordered. That information is shared with the commercial team so they can coordinate with the vessel owner.
When the vessel arrives, the damaged areas are marked by the QC team or supervisors. Our marking team takes the necessary measurements onboard so we can prepare repair drawings and nesting plans. If a marker is unavailable, we collect the measurements ourselves. Depending on the project, I also attend onboard job inspections with engineers, vessel owners, and class surveyors to make sure everyone has the same understanding of the repair work.
After the inspection, I try to release the markup drawings as quickly as possible because production cannot wait. In ship repair, time is always limited, and every delay can affect the project schedule.
I also prepare nesting plans, workshop drawings, and repair plans for fabrication and steel renewal work. For jobs that require engineering calculations, we coordinate with the engineering department. Once the drawings are approved, I prepare the documents needed by the workshop so production can begin.
Another part of my job is updating our project tracker. We record daily and monthly steel production so we can monitor progress and keep track of each project.
I have only been in this role for a little over a year, so I know I still have a lot to learn. But this job has taught me how important planning, communication, and teamwork are. Every project is different, and that is one of the reasons I enjoy this work.
Our shipyard mainly works on marine ship repair, and we also handle offshore newbuilding projects. My role is mainly in the marine hull repair section.
My work usually starts when we receive a repair project. After the vessel is inspected, the CAP (Condition Assessment Program) report and repair information are shared with our team through the project engineer. I begin by reviewing the repair scope and understanding what work needs to be done.
Based on the repair plan, I prepare the Material Take-Off (MTO) and Bill of Materials (BOM). This includes identifying the required steel plates, profiles, and other materials needed for the job. The material list is then sent to the Material Controller to check what is available in stock and what needs to be ordered. That information is shared with the commercial team so they can coordinate with the vessel owner.
When the vessel arrives, the damaged areas are marked by the QC team or supervisors. Our marking team takes the necessary measurements onboard so we can prepare repair drawings and nesting plans. If a marker is unavailable, we collect the measurements ourselves. Depending on the project, I also attend onboard job inspections with engineers, vessel owners, and class surveyors to make sure everyone has the same understanding of the repair work.
After the inspection, I try to release the markup drawings as quickly as possible because production cannot wait. In ship repair, time is always limited, and every delay can affect the project schedule.
I also prepare nesting plans, workshop drawings, and repair plans for fabrication and steel renewal work. For jobs that require engineering calculations, we coordinate with the engineering department. Once the drawings are approved, I prepare the documents needed by the workshop so production can begin.
Another part of my job is updating our project tracker. We record daily and monthly steel production so we can monitor progress and keep track of each project.
I have only been in this role for a little over a year, so I know I still have a lot to learn. But this job has taught me how important planning, communication, and teamwork are. Every project is different, and that is one of the reasons I enjoy this work.
How do you convert technical drawings into practical work packages for production and ship repair teams, and what challenges do you encounter during this process?
Preparing work packages from technical drawings is one of my regular responsibilities.
Whenever I receive a drawing, I first review it carefully to understand the repair scope. Then I prepare the documents needed by the production team, such as markup drawings, nesting plans, material details, and other information that helps the fitters and welders carry out the work onboard or in the workshop.
One challenge I often face is that the drawing doesn't always contain every detail needed for production. Sometimes a dimension is missing, a detail is unclear, or the actual condition of the vessel is slightly different from the drawing. When that happens, I discuss it with the project engineer or the engineering team. If needed, we collect additional measurements from the vessel before preparing the final work package.
Another challenge is time. In ship repair, once a vessel arrives, everyone wants to start work as soon as possible. So, we must prepare and release the drawings quickly, but at the same time we must be careful because even a small mistake can create delays later.
I have only been working in this role for a little over a year, so I am still learning every day. I have made mistakes, especially in the beginning, but they have taught me to double-check my work before releasing any drawing. That habit has helped me become more careful and more confident with every project.
Whenever I receive a drawing, I first review it carefully to understand the repair scope. Then I prepare the documents needed by the production team, such as markup drawings, nesting plans, material details, and other information that helps the fitters and welders carry out the work onboard or in the workshop.
One challenge I often face is that the drawing doesn't always contain every detail needed for production. Sometimes a dimension is missing, a detail is unclear, or the actual condition of the vessel is slightly different from the drawing. When that happens, I discuss it with the project engineer or the engineering team. If needed, we collect additional measurements from the vessel before preparing the final work package.
Another challenge is time. In ship repair, once a vessel arrives, everyone wants to start work as soon as possible. So, we must prepare and release the drawings quickly, but at the same time we must be careful because even a small mistake can create delays later.
I have only been working in this role for a little over a year, so I am still learning every day. I have made mistakes, especially in the beginning, but they have taught me to double-check my work before releasing any drawing. That habit has helped me become more careful and more confident with every project.
You have experience with Maxsurf, Rhino, Orca3D, and Tekla Structures. Which software do you use most frequently, and how does each contribute to successful project planning?
Although I have experience with Maxsurf, Rhino, Orca3D, and Tekla Structures, I don't use all of them in my current role.
In my daily work as a Work Preparator, AutoCAD is the software I use the most. Most of our repair drawings, markup drawings, and workshop drawings are prepared in AutoCAD because it allows us to make changes quickly and release drawings for production without unnecessary delays.
For some fabrication projects, Tekla Structures is used to prepare more detailed structural drawings. I am not directly involved in all that work, but I have seen how those detailed drawings help the workshop team understand the job more clearly before fabrication begins.
I learned Maxsurf, Rhino, and Orca3D mainly because I wanted to improve my knowledge of ship design. I don't get to use them much in my current job, but I still spend time practicing whenever I can. Maxsurf has helped me understand hull modeling, fairing, hydrostatics, and stability much better, while Rhino and Orca3D have given me a better understanding of 3D modeling and design.
For me, learning this software is an investment in myself. I know they may not be part of my daily work today, but I believe they will be useful as I continue to grow in my career.
In my daily work as a Work Preparator, AutoCAD is the software I use the most. Most of our repair drawings, markup drawings, and workshop drawings are prepared in AutoCAD because it allows us to make changes quickly and release drawings for production without unnecessary delays.
For some fabrication projects, Tekla Structures is used to prepare more detailed structural drawings. I am not directly involved in all that work, but I have seen how those detailed drawings help the workshop team understand the job more clearly before fabrication begins.
I learned Maxsurf, Rhino, and Orca3D mainly because I wanted to improve my knowledge of ship design. I don't get to use them much in my current job, but I still spend time practicing whenever I can. Maxsurf has helped me understand hull modeling, fairing, hydrostatics, and stability much better, while Rhino and Orca3D have given me a better understanding of 3D modeling and design.
For me, learning this software is an investment in myself. I know they may not be part of my daily work today, but I believe they will be useful as I continue to grow in my career.
What are the most important factors to consider when preparing work for ship repair or conversion projects to ensure safety, efficiency, and timely delivery?
For me, safety is always the first priority. At Qatar Shipyard Technology Solutions, safety is taken very seriously. We have a slogan, "Safety Starts With Me, Together We Care," and it is something we are reminded of every day.
As a Work Preparator, my job is to make sure the production team receives clear and accurate drawings before the work starts. Good preparation helps avoid confusion during execution and allows the work to be carried out more safely.
Accuracy is equally important. Even a small mistake in a drawing, material list, or work package can cause delays or unnecessary rework. That is why I always check my work carefully before releasing it.
At the same time, finishing a project on schedule is never one person's responsibility. Ship repair is all about teamwork. Engineers, QC, supervisors, planners, material controllers, and the production team all have important roles. If one part is delayed, it affects everyone else.
I have only been working in this role for a little over a year, but one thing I have learned is that good planning, clear communication, and teamwork make a big difference. When everyone works together and supports each other, it becomes much easier to complete the job safely, efficiently, and on time.
As a Work Preparator, my job is to make sure the production team receives clear and accurate drawings before the work starts. Good preparation helps avoid confusion during execution and allows the work to be carried out more safely.
Accuracy is equally important. Even a small mistake in a drawing, material list, or work package can cause delays or unnecessary rework. That is why I always check my work carefully before releasing it.
At the same time, finishing a project on schedule is never one person's responsibility. Ship repair is all about teamwork. Engineers, QC, supervisors, planners, material controllers, and the production team all have important roles. If one part is delayed, it affects everyone else.
I have only been working in this role for a little over a year, but one thing I have learned is that good planning, clear communication, and teamwork make a big difference. When everyone works together and supports each other, it becomes much easier to complete the job safely, efficiently, and on time.
How is digitalization changing modern shipyards, and what role do 3D modeling and digital planning play in improving productivity at Qatar Shipyard Technology Solutions?
I think digitalization has changed shipyards a lot, and it is continuing to change the way we work.
In the past, many jobs were done manually. Drawings were prepared by hand, lofting was done manually, and steel plates were marked and cut using gas cutting. It took more time, and maintaining the same level of accuracy was not always easy.
Today, software, CNC cutting machines, bending machines, and digital planning have made many of these jobs much easier. Work can be planned more quickly, drawings can be updated faster, and communication between different departments is much smoother than before.
In my own role as a Work Preparator, I mostly work with 2D repair drawings and isometric drawings, so I don't use 3D models very often. For the type of repair work I handle, 2D drawings are usually enough.
However, I have seen that 3D modeling is very important for our engineering team, especially on offshore new building projects. It helps them check the design, carry out engineering calculations, and solve problems before fabrication starts. That saves both time and unnecessary rework later.
From what I have seen, digitalization is making everyday work more organized and efficient. I think as technology continues to improve, it will make shipyards even better in the future.
In the past, many jobs were done manually. Drawings were prepared by hand, lofting was done manually, and steel plates were marked and cut using gas cutting. It took more time, and maintaining the same level of accuracy was not always easy.
Today, software, CNC cutting machines, bending machines, and digital planning have made many of these jobs much easier. Work can be planned more quickly, drawings can be updated faster, and communication between different departments is much smoother than before.
In my own role as a Work Preparator, I mostly work with 2D repair drawings and isometric drawings, so I don't use 3D models very often. For the type of repair work I handle, 2D drawings are usually enough.
However, I have seen that 3D modeling is very important for our engineering team, especially on offshore new building projects. It helps them check the design, carry out engineering calculations, and solve problems before fabrication starts. That saves both time and unnecessary rework later.
From what I have seen, digitalization is making everyday work more organized and efficient. I think as technology continues to improve, it will make shipyards even better in the future.
For engineering students and young professionals who want to build a career in shipbuilding and offshore engineering, what technical and soft skills do you believe are most important?
I consider myself a young professional because I am learning something new almost every day. After completing my Diploma in Shipbuilding Technology and starting work in the industry, I realized that shipbuilding is much bigger than I had imagined.
There are many different career paths in this industry. Some engineers work in design, some in production, planning, QC, safety, or project management. Whatever path someone chooses, I think it is important to have a good understanding of engineering fundamentals, technical drawings, and basic calculations.
Software skills are also becoming more important. There are many software used in the marine industry, such as Maxsurf, Rhino, Orca3D, NAPA, Cadmatic, ShipConstructor, and Tekla Structures. I have personally spent most of my time learning Maxsurf, Rhino, and Orca3D, so those are the ones I know best.
Among them, Maxsurf has helped me understand ship design much better, especially hull modeling, fairing, hydrostatics, and stability. I still practice it whenever I have time because I enjoy learning it.
Besides technical skills, I think soft skills are equally important. Good communication, teamwork, being willing to learn, and accepting feedback are all part of becoming a better engineer.
If I could give one piece of advice to students and young engineers, it would be simple keep learning. The industry changes all the time, and every project teaches you something new.
There are many different career paths in this industry. Some engineers work in design, some in production, planning, QC, safety, or project management. Whatever path someone chooses, I think it is important to have a good understanding of engineering fundamentals, technical drawings, and basic calculations.
Software skills are also becoming more important. There are many software used in the marine industry, such as Maxsurf, Rhino, Orca3D, NAPA, Cadmatic, ShipConstructor, and Tekla Structures. I have personally spent most of my time learning Maxsurf, Rhino, and Orca3D, so those are the ones I know best.
Among them, Maxsurf has helped me understand ship design much better, especially hull modeling, fairing, hydrostatics, and stability. I still practice it whenever I have time because I enjoy learning it.
Besides technical skills, I think soft skills are equally important. Good communication, teamwork, being willing to learn, and accepting feedback are all part of becoming a better engineer.
If I could give one piece of advice to students and young engineers, it would be simple keep learning. The industry changes all the time, and every project teaches you something new.
Looking ahead, how do you see technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and robotics transforming work preparation and project planning in the global shipbuilding industry over the next decade?
I think AI and automation will change the way we work, especially when it comes to repetitive tasks.
This is something I started thinking about because of my own work. Last month, I prepared the MTO for a chemical tanker. It had many structural parts, and it took me almost two days to complete. Soon after that, I worked on another project for a barge of around 1,200 tons, and preparing the MTO and BOM took me nearly four days.
While working on those projects, I kept asking myself if there was a faster way to do this work without affecting accuracy. That curiosity led me to explore whether Python could be used together with AutoCAD to automate some parts of the process.
I am still learning, testing ideas, and trying to understand what is possible. If I can automate even part of the MTO process, it could save a lot of time on large projects and allow engineers to spend more time checking and planning instead of doing repetitive work.
When it comes to robotics, I think it will continue to grow in areas like underwater inspection and other specialized tasks. I have seen interesting projects from university students in Bangladesh, and I think we will see more practical applications in the coming years. It is not directly related to my current role, but it is an exciting area to follow.
Personally, I don't see AI as something that will replace engineers. I see it as a tool that can help us work faster, reduce repetitive work, and give us more time to focus on solving engineering problems. That is what excites me the most.
This is something I started thinking about because of my own work. Last month, I prepared the MTO for a chemical tanker. It had many structural parts, and it took me almost two days to complete. Soon after that, I worked on another project for a barge of around 1,200 tons, and preparing the MTO and BOM took me nearly four days.
While working on those projects, I kept asking myself if there was a faster way to do this work without affecting accuracy. That curiosity led me to explore whether Python could be used together with AutoCAD to automate some parts of the process.
I am still learning, testing ideas, and trying to understand what is possible. If I can automate even part of the MTO process, it could save a lot of time on large projects and allow engineers to spend more time checking and planning instead of doing repetitive work.
When it comes to robotics, I think it will continue to grow in areas like underwater inspection and other specialized tasks. I have seen interesting projects from university students in Bangladesh, and I think we will see more practical applications in the coming years. It is not directly related to my current role, but it is an exciting area to follow.
Personally, I don't see AI as something that will replace engineers. I see it as a tool that can help us work faster, reduce repetitive work, and give us more time to focus on solving engineering problems. That is what excites me the most.