Shipyards used to repair and convert existing vessels are set to become more efficient and environmentally friendly with the help of a grant of E2,151,000 from the EU¡¦s Framework Program. SHIPMATES (SHIPrepair to Maintain Transport which is Environmentally Sustainable) is a three year project to provide a blueprint for a technologically advanced and environmentally friendly ship repair/conversion yards, with a target of a 20 percent productivity improvement over today¡¦s European yards. ¡§As an activity, repair and conversion has more of the characteristics of a service industry than manufacturing¡¨, says project coordinator Karl Ward, of the Shipbuilders & Ship Repairers Association. ¡§Relative to shipbuilding, it is high volume work with a rapid turnaround and is highly unpredictable.