Optimization of 300 Feet Deck Barge Project Management Through Comparison of BIM and Conventional Methods at PT. Sky Batam

Deck barge construction projects are vital to the shipbuilding industry, requiring efficient time and cost management. Conventional project management often faces challenges such as delays, budget overruns, and poor coordination. Digitalization through Building Information Modeling (BIM) offers an integrated approach by combining 3D design, scheduling (4D), and cost estimation (5D) in real time. This study compares conventional and BIM-based project management on a 300-foot deck barge built at PT. SKY Pulau Batam shipyard. Using purposive sampling, data from actual project documentation (conventional) and BIM re-simulation was analyzed via descriptive statistics and independent t-tests. Results show BIM significantly improves project efficiency. The average duration with BIM was 89 days versus 107.4 days with the conventional method (Sig. (2-tailed) < 0.001). Budget deviation with BIM was eliminated, compared to 6–10% deviation conventionally. Technical documentation and coordination also improved markedly, with drawing revisions dropping from 21.2 to 4.2 and reduced delayed RFIs (p < 0.001). The study concludes BIM is more than a visual tool; it measurably enhances efficiency in time, cost, and documentation. These findings support strategic recommendations for accelerating digital transformation in the national shipbuilding industry’s project management.