Spanish shipbuilding : restructuring process and technological updating from 1984 to 1994. Discussion

In 1985, the Spanish commercial shipbuilding sector initiated a wide restructuration program due to the deep crisis sustained from 1975 as a consequence of the surplus shipbuilding capacity and an order book reduction related to the oil crisis. This restructuration program has been developed in several phases, the main features of which are related to capacity and workforce adjustment, by one side, and technological updating, by the other side. Therefore, this paper has been prepared to give a general view of the different steps carried out by the Spanish commercial shipbuilding sector for accomplishing a more competitive industry, according to the actions realized in the European countries and the characteristics of the Spanish political, economical, and technological situation.