Title: Investigation of the opportunities in reducing lifecycle cost of boats: case study for structural components of 'Samanala' boats used in Sri Lanka

Authors: Munaweera Thanthirige Tenis Ranjan; Udayanga Indunil Kumara Galappaththi

Addresses: Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna, Galle (80000), Sri Lanka ' Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna, Galle (80000), Sri Lanka

Abstract: This study focuses on assessing the lifecycle cost (LCC) of structural components of the 'Samanala' boat used in Sri Lanka in order to identify opportunities in reducing LCC contributions at different stages of lifecycle in boat structures. The research methodology was mainly based on survey data and research literature. The lifecycle cost analysis (LCCA) was conducted in four phases, which include design, production, utilisation and disposal. It was identified that the LCC distribution in design, production, utilisation and disposal phases were 0.70%, 4.27%, 94.89% and 0.14%, respectively. It was concluded that although the contribution of design, production and disposal phases for the total LCC is approximately 5%, the efficiency improvement of design and production phases will contribute approximately 16.63% of significant LCC reduction in the utilisation phase. Consequently, it is recommended to use vacuum assisted resin transfer moulding for boat manufacturing for reducing their weight and LCC.

Keywords: lifecycle cost; LCC; boat manufacturing; hand layup technique; VARTM; Sri Lanka.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPLM.2020.112772

International Journal of Product Lifecycle Management, 2020 Vol.12 No.4, pp.286 - 306

Received: 25 May 2020
Accepted: 16 Aug 2020
Published online: 02 Feb 2021 *

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