Every ship requires periodic dry docking in a shipyard to undergo maintenance and necessary repairs. The timing for drydocking is determined by classification society rules. As a general guideline, vessels younger than 10 years typically require drydocking every 5 years, while older ships may need it every 2.5 years.
To ensure control over expenses and repair time, every ship owner prepares a comprehensive drydocking specification. This specification includes essential vessel information such as the ship’s name, IMO number, year of build, length, class, and more. However, its primary focus is on providing a detailed description of the repair works to be carried out during the drydocking period. The quality and accuracy of the specification significantly influence the quotations provided by shipyards.
The drydocking specification should be structured with clearly marked chapters, such as general services, painting, steel and pipes, machinery, etc. Each chapter is then further divided into individual works, which are broken down into various activities.
Creating a proper drydocking specification requires a wealth of experience, but it is equally crucial to be skilled in interpreting shipyard quotations. The shipyard’s tender must be carefully examined and compared to ensure that it aligns with the provided specification.
At our organization, we specialize in assisting ship owners with the process. Our services encompass writing accurate specifications, meticulously analyzing and comparing shipyard tenders, and providing training to enhance the overall delivery of the drydocking process. With our expertise, ship owners can ensure that their vessels receive the highest quality maintenance and repairs during drydocking.