DRY DOCKING & REPAIR

Jonathan Crispe
Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (IOM) Ltd

INTRODUCTION

Why do we dock a vessel

Planning and preparations
Time in dock
Costs and reports

Docking Regulations
Seagoing ships carrying the character of class 100A5 are within
a 5-year class period to be twice subjected to a bottom survey
Older vessels (Age > 15 years) generally need to dry-dock 2
times in a 5 year period

Extended Docking Intervals

Extension possible for up to 7.5 years
Limited to :
Container Ships
General Dry Cargo Ships (MPV)
Docking to be completed before the age of 15 years
Possible for :
New buildings two dockings in 15 years
Vessels in service extension of docking by 2.5 years

Docking Goal
Successful docking

Poor docking

Good service in
operation
Unplanned off-hire &
problems

A poorly executed docking can lead to problems whilst the vessel is in

service - corrosion of the hull, deficiencies by port state control or flag
states, or other defects that often result in expensive repairs and / or off
hire.

DD REPAIR LISTS

This is where it all begins..

DD Repair Lists

and the work starts immediately after the

vessel leaves dock

DD Preparation Word or Excel

ID Number
Services needed
Drawings
Pictures
Commissioning

DD Preparation with PMS Systems

Job List / Repair Items

As much detail as possible is needed

Details of the equipment
Details on what needs to be done
Details of consumables and services
needed
You need to think through each and every job as if you were to do it
yourself. Make notes of what you will need and add this to the job item
in the specification.

Ship Visit
A visit onboard the vessel 4-6 months before the docking can
help very much. Many questions can be cleared, docking jobs
examined, services/surveys confirmed and spare parts orders
can be discussed
It is also a good opportunity to discuss what the crew can
prepare before the docking to save costs and most of all time

DD SPECIFICATION

DD Specification

Hopefully you have a very good crew onboard. Repair items have been
well prepared, reviewed regularly and refined. Detail is comprehensive
and accurate. Repair items submitted on a regular basis.

You have hopefully also been reviewing the repair items as they were
received in the office :o) so there are no surprises.
It is now time to work on the specification and include as many of the
the items you wish done - in as much detail as possible.

Gathering Documentation
Docking 1999

IMO
Solas

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Previous Docking
Specs & Reports

New Regulations
Condition Assessments

Lists from Crew Onboard

DDSpecification 2006
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Sister Vessels

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Best Practises

Superintendent
Owner

Owners agent

Charter

Manager

Purchaser

Master

Yard

Yard agent

Subcontractors

Chief

Classification

Flag state

Planning & communication skills

are essential

Crewing

A complete specification consist of

Owner, manager details

Tentative docking period
Vessel dimension and main machinery details
A COMPLETE list of jobs / repair items with
detailed descriptions
Suggested terms, conditions & guarantees
Tendering instructions

SPARES & SUBCONTRACTORS

Spares & Subcontractors

Let the vessel order the spares needed and coordinate with the purchaser for delivery. It must also
be clear what stores & spares you need BEFORE the
docking and what can be delivered DURING the
docking.
Give agents details to the various subcontractors and
try to estimate WHEN they should attend. You dont
want all of them onboard during the first day in dock.
Let the Master/CE handle all vessels normal stores
and chandler activities. You will NOT have time to
chase printer cartridges and other routine items.

Planning
Plan well in advance
Order on sale and return basis where
possible
Discuss with makers service requirements
Make condition assessments
Use a fleet stock ashore

Spare parts you dont want to be

without..

Tail shaft seals spare parts

SW overboard valve spare parts
Paint for hull, chain locker etc..
Rudder bushes or shaft bearings
Thruster or CPP service kits
ICCP consumables
Service kits/spares for planned overhaul

Subcontractors
Discuss what subcontractors are allowed to do in the yard early
in the tender process.
On what terms are they working in the shipyard? - You need to
know and be aware in case of an accident.
Yard surcharges? - Dont be surprised by their mark-up!
Agree on terms before signing the docking contract.

Docking Services
At the same time as the DD repair contract is being finalised, the Superintendent
will contract many other smaller companies to supply parts or services. It is not
unusual for 10-15 different service companies to be contracted for the docking in
one way or another. These can be:
Paint supervisor
Cargo gear maker service engineers
Tailshaft seal specialist
Steering gear / CPP specialist
Engine service engineers
Radio equipment service engineers
Class surveyors
and so on.

CHOICE OF SHIPYARDS &

TENDERING ASSESSMENT

Choice of Shipyard & Tender

Assessment
Considerations:
Trading area
Cost
Time
Safety record
Technical ability
Local infrastructure
Financial situation
Weather/season in the
area
Operational restriction tides etc

Yard Agents
Most shipyards use local AGENTS. Use them if you have not been to the
yard before. Get references through them and investigate what negative /
positive sides the yard have. The yard agents know the local problems and
even if they make money on your docking the good ones are protecting
their business and want you to return to their docks.

Quotations
As you now have a specification ready it is time to send this to the yards for
quotation. Make it clear by when you expect a response!
Be prepared translate quotes into a usable format. You will get the quotes in
varying shapes and forms. Some on fax, some on e-mail and some in Excel or
Word. 99 times out of 100 you need to manually input all costs in your cost
review.
On many of your items you will receive To be quoted after inspection. Try to
submit more information and force the yard to give at least estimated prices or
prices for part of the jobs.

Total Cost Evaluation

Docking Explorer (ESTIMATED COST COMPARISON 24/10-05)
Port / Yard
Time in dock
Time afloat

Yard 1

Yard 2

Yard 3

10

550,372

508,754

472,138

SHIPYARD ADDITIONAL JOBS (EURO )

TOTAL SHIPYARD COSTING EURO (AFTER DEDUCTIONS/DISCUSSIONS)

TOTAL SHIPYARD COSTING AFTER DISCOUNT (8 % TBC)

550,372

508,754

434,367

Makers Services etc (EURO) - Estimate

116,500

116,500

113,500

Agency costs (EURO) - Estimate

22,000

22,000

33,000

SHIPYARD TENDERED JOBS (EURO )

TOTAL COST EXCL DEVIATION/OFF HIRE (EURO)

688,872

647,254

618,638

Total Time Deviation + OH (EURO 16800 / day) Subject Nkossa to load

564,000

416,760

261,880

368,740

285,240

218,040

TOTAL REPAIR COST INCL DEV/OFF HIRE (EURO) - Nkossa option:

Total Time Deviation + OH (EURO 16800 / day) subject Lavera to load

1,252,872

1,064,014

880,518

TOTAL REPAIR COST INCL DEV/OFF HIRE (EURO) - Lavera Option:

1,057,612

932,494

836,678

DD No

Neorion

Vianayard

Astican

3218

1250

1150
240

NN-86

Item description
Sludge tank cleaning

NN-87

Box for life jackets on Life boat station

480

350

NN-88

Hot w ell temperature controller valve

650

300

650

NN-89

Separating Bilge Oil tank to be cleaned

1176

980

785

NN-90

Cargo tank safety valves to be prepared for landing and overhaul

5760

4000

2400

NN-91

ME Aux Blow er Overhaul

3336

7500

1400

NN-92

ME SUMP AND CRANKCASE SEALING INSPECTION/RENEWAL

900

160

900

NN-93

Savalls drain plugs to be replaced

1320

350

1320

NN-94

Sea chest strainer P.S. and Stb.S.

5787

10500

2780

NN-95

FWG Injector Pump and I.G. SW cooling pump connecting line

3652

6750

5250

NN-96

Addition lifting eyes above various machinery

6300

1000

780

Tips & Hints

When your tenders start to come in it is not
easy to keep track of all costs. You may have 510 tenders on your desk in different formats and
twice as many people to discuss these with on
e-mail / fax.
Spend most time on the yards you feel are the
most likely to be awarded the docking. Use the
others as references to compare prices and
repair time.
When you start submitting additional information
for unquoted work and/or asking for price
revisions mark these items in your summary as
under review.

$$$$$$$$

$$$$$

Repair Contract
A docking contract is similar to any other contract made for a service
or supply of material. The main difference is that there is a lot of money involved
and the service is to be supplied in a country you might not have visited before.
There is a different culture to consider with possibly unfamiliar rules and
regulations.
When you sign a docking contract you confirm an order for a service to be
supplied at a certain place, during a specific period of time and at a specific cost.
As there might be over 200 jobs involved it will be a challenge to complete all of
them within a 8-15 day period - not unusual for a routine docking.

Contract - Terms & Conditions

There will be a sense of achievement when you have finally decided on a
docking location and you are ready to award a yard with the docking. However,
you must first finalise the general terms and formalise the repair contract.

Yard contract / terms

Owners contract / terms
BIMCO - Repaircon

Repair Contract - Terms &

Conditions
Legally, it is the terms and conditions that are confirmed by Owner / Yard
during final flurry of communications that is valid. This will always create
problems..
Owner/Manager awards the contract and includes their terms
The yard confirms the order and at the same time refers to their
standard terms as binding
Owner re-confirms his terms as valid and so on..
What is next and what is valid?
General rule - agree on terms/conditions early in the preparation
process..

Repair contract - Terms &

Conditions
Read them carefully
Seek advise if there is something written that you
dont understand
Cancel sections you dont agree to
Add your own terms
Discuss and agree on penalty clauses / guarantees
Confirm the order as an agent on behalf of the
registered Owner of the vessel

PREPARING VESSEL FOR DOCKING

Preparing Vessel For Docking

Owners agent

Subcontractors

Owner

Yard

Manager

Yard agent

Charter

Classification

Crewing

Purchaser
Master

Flag state
Chief

You need to consider:

Bunkers on arrival at the yard

Condition assessments before docking in
Agents & local suppliers
Subcontractors
Drawings to be sent to the Yard
Have I got all tools for rudder / tail shaft
withdrawal?
Go through the docking step by step and start
working on your own schedule / time planning

ARRIVAL AT THE SHIPYARD

Arrival at the Shipyard

Its time to go..
What do you do with your
other vessels?

Tickets
Hotel
Passport & Visa
Security pass for yard
Drawings
Specification
Terms & Conditions
Phone book / Contact lists
IT tools
Cash
etc etc

Initial Meeting
Arrive a few days early at the yard. Inspect the premises and
discuss the work-scope in detail with the yard representatives.

Safety / security procedures

Review repair items
Sub-contractors jobs
Class
Agents / Spares handling
Crew - leaving/joining the
vessel
Daily meetings onboard
Shift pattern
etc etc...

Different Types of Dry Docks

Floating docks
Graving docks
Synchrolifts

Double Docking or Double Banking

Common Problems During Docking

Poor communications / co-ordination
Delays in connecting shore power. Electric cables in
poor condition
No gangway positioned in place when you need to
get onboard
Delayed general services
Weekend - No work done
Yard workers starting to dismantles parts too quickly
Delayed safety meeting / yard briefing of ships staff

VESSEL ARRIVAL

Docking In - A Busy Time

Awaiting clearance to dock in - use the time at anchor effectively
Safety/security briefing onboard
Vessel condition for docking out to be the same as when
docking in. Ensure vessel condition documented
Engine preparations - crankshaft deflections etc
Planning for general services
Repair items clearly identified
Plant shut down procedures
Ships staff responsibilities

SAFETY & SECURITY

Safety During Docking

Enclosed space entry

Hot works
Open hatches and access
holes
Slippery surfaces
Scaffolding work
Falling objects

Common Accidents

Gangway accidents
Tripping / falling on loose cables etc
Knock on head - Not wearing helmets
Cuts and crushes of hand or fingers
Fires from hot work / electric cables

What You Dont Want to See!

Security - ISPS Code

Assess the security procedures on arrival at the yard

Insist on a gangway watch system if necessary
Keep as many areas as possible closed, locked and sealed
Ensure spaces where yard work is completed are inspected
before closure
Make daily and nightly rounds onboard
Be vigilant and check packages/parts/equipment supplied
onboard
Perform a comprehensive security check of the vessel before
sailing from the yard

START OF WORK

Planning / Follow Up

Initial Works - Day 1

Onboard meeting with Yard / Crew / Super for
Safety / Security / Production issues
Connect general services
FW washing of the ships hull
Open bottom plugs / Drain ballast tanks
Inspections of hull & ship accessories
Inspect and confirm all large jobs to save time
Inspect unquoted repair items
Range out anchors and chains
Prepare staging / scaffolding / lighting
Agree survey plan with Class

Who is the superintendent?

Ships Crew - How to Organise

Daily meetings with yard, ships
staff, sub-contractors
Keep key personnel informed
Maintenance system with work-planner
Clearly defined responsibilities
Quality control
Supervision

Typical Crew Jobs During DD

Inspections & quality control

Documenting work
Safety watches
Class surveyor assistance
Makers service engineer assistance
PMS jobs difficult to do in service (Cooler cleaning, filter
cleaning, ME unit overhauls etc
Dont plan for too many jobs to be done by the crew. The final
docking result may not be as good without their supervision.

Typical Docking Jobs

Tail shaft wear down recording / seal replacement

Rudder integrity confirmation and bush wear / nut
tightness
Clean / overhaul of all ship side valves
Steelworks
Hull cleaning, blasting and painting
Service of bow thruster
Anchor chain & chain locker touch up
Service ICCP & MGPS
Service underwater navigation aids
Service cargo equipment

Blasting & Painting

FW washing on arrival
Blasting, scraping and cleaning. Agree on a figure to blast prior
to commencement. Do some test blast areas if you want to
discuss the various grades (SA1 - SA 3) and scope.
FW washing to get rid of dust from blasting
1st and 2nd touch up coat with anticorrosive paint (Primer)
Sealer + 1st coat of Anti fouling paint (Topcoat)
2nd coat of Anti fouling paint
Draft marks etc

Painting in Progress

Rudder

Check tightness - pressure test no more than 200 mbar

Check for damage / condition of plating & welds
Measure bush clearances
Check that the rudder stock and pintle has not moved
NDT of stock nut closing plate
Check alignment of rudder components / steering gear

Steering Gear Overhaul

You may want to plan a steering gear overhaul as the time during the yard stay is
usually the only opportunity to have this serviced properly. Do you have all the spare
parts that you may need?

Propeller & Shaft Service / Survey

In correct use of heat?

Incorrect push-up?
Better to find this at the start
of the docking !

Anchors & Chains

Chain calibration / measurement of wear

Condition of swivel & D-shackle
Loose chain studs?
Damage to anchor?
Change of shackles or end for end?
Corrosion protection?

Other Jobs Affecting Vessel

Operation

Boiler repairs / examinations / surveys

Cleaning of generators
Switchboard and circuit breaker overhauls / testing
ME overhauls / surveys
Jobs that require extensive hot-work
Overhaul / service of cargo equipment
Major modifications

Steelwork

Steelwork

Overhaul of Overboard Valves

Ballast Tank Touch Up

FOLLOW UP ON PROGRESS

Follow Up On Progress

Hull inspection 2-3 times every day

All areas where works are ongoing checked
2 times every day
Crew reports on progress every morning

Morning meetings with crew/yard covering safety

and product
Discuss jobs possibly delaying the vessel and
add more resources as needed
Regular updated critical path analysis

Quality Control

General inspections of workmanship

NDT, X-ray, vacuum / pressure tests
Comparison against drawings
Certificate / material verifications
Blasting grades / Paint thickness

Specialist Overhaul / Servicing

Planning / Follow up

DRY DOCK REPORTING

Dry Dock Reporting

For daily reports use a standard format to ensure
nothing missed
Provide brief daily progress report and planning for
tomorrow
Highlight critical path items
Update on ETD from dock/yard
Cost update on regular basis
Stick to facts as far as possible. Things may change
in the morning after a bad day...

Monitor Costs
DD No
ABS Ref

Account

YARD
Estimated

YARD
Actual

NN-02

NAJ 0004973

6610

Item description
FW HP w ashing of the vessel hull

9890

11493

NN-03

NAJ 0004974

6610

Gritblast of corroded area

34940

17643

NN-04

NAJ 0004975

6610

Paint w orks

13106

22198

6500

100

3801

NN-06

NAJ 0004976

6610

Fixed CO2 systems disconnect/reconnect, Cylinders

certification
Painting
of ships marks

3557

3287

NN-07

NAJ 0004979

6620

Rudder - rudder clearance check

1420

1652

NN-08

NAJ 0004980

6610

Chain Locker - Painting

4050

4200

NN-05

NAJ 0206321

NN-09

NAJ 0004981

6610

Hull anodes on vessels hull

4370

4655

NN-10

NAJ 0004982

6620

Aft Stern Tube Seal to be renew ed

2000

3000

NN-11

NAJ 0004983

Calibration of vessel's various items of Equipment

3500

NAJ 0004984

6610

Anchor chains

3010

NN-12

4618

NN-13

NAJ 0004985

6620

Tailshaft Gauging / Propeller

5990

1115

NN-14

NAJ 0004986

6610

Sea Chests service & ICCP fitting

1840

1610

NN-15

NAJ 0004987

Fixed Gas Testing Equipment

1500

NN-16

NAJ 0004991

6600

HFO Tank 1P & No.8 Void

5000

13104

NN-17

NAJ 0004992

6610

Bitter End SB Anchor chain locker - repair

1400

NN-18

NAJ 0004993

NN-19

NAJ 0004994

6630

Segregation Valve SW betw een low & high seachest

System Lighting, Maindeck, iw o No.1 C.Tank
Addition

1500

1300

Account
Job No

Vessel ID

Description

Budget
cost

Actual
cost

DOCKING OUT

Docking Out
It is always a good feeling when a
ship is docking out. Some of the
pressure reduces now that the vessel
is back in the water.
However there may still be a number
of day work still to complete whilst afloat.

Getting Ready to Sail

Final cleaning of the vessel. This is more and more important as
many charterers will ask for a vetting inspection shortly after
docking
Transfer to ships power
Checking systems and warming through the plant
Bunkers - requirements for sailing
Stores - There is always late arriving stores / spares coming to
the yard that needs to put onboard prior departure
Safety / security inspections
Crew changes & hand-overs
Preparation of cargo system/plant & presentation for next cargo

INVOICE NEGOTIATIONS

Invoice Negotiations

Try to get the ship away from the yard before

final negotiations
Come to the invoice meeting well prepared
and
do not be rushed into meeting too early
Go through items and highlight agreed and
disputed costs - if possible agree costs as and
when jobs are completed in the yard
Dont rush things unless you feel the yard are
willing to settle quickly for a figure acceptable
to you
Dont get angry - be friendly but firm
The yard will have in mind a figure that they
will not go below - you will know when you
approach this

Final Docking Report

Going home

A week later ?

Catching up

Final Docking Report

Summary of the yard selection process

Vessel movements / deviation calculation
Main docking and service work carried out
Dock costing / invoice
Calibration / Class / Service reports
Photos
Assessment of yard performance

Best Practises 1

If vessel is trading in an expensive docking location, work with Owner /

Charterer to reposition vessel.
Dont hesitate to get to know other Superintendents in the yard. This is a good
way to learn about the yards common problems etc.
Dont live onboard during the docking - It may be cheaper but you will need a
break from the yard activity. It also gives ships staff a break from you.
Prepare all IT/Comms tools well before the docking. You cannot afford to spend
any time discussing with your IT department on why your remote access does
not work.
Use a UHF radio to keep in contact with the crew during the docking. This will
save time if you need to discuss something with ships staff when you are in the
dock bottom.
Use assistants or Superintendent trainees if Owners allow. Of great benefit
during a complicated docking.
Double up on C/Os or 2/Es if possible.

Best Practises 2

Maintain vessel permit to work system.

Always push to go directly into dock on arrival. A late docking in often results in
extended docking time.
Use a paint specialist for major paint jobs.
In addition to being critical of yard/contractor performance, praise good work
where appropriate. This should develop a good relationship with the yard.
A dry docking a is a good opportunity to develop your working relationship with
ships staff. Have them working as a team on your side !
Try and avoid double docking and double banking at the yard, as this could
involve your ship in other owners problems and limits access to the vessel.
Where possible, avoid shifting of the vessel for yard convenience. This will
always delay work.
Ensure you know who is responsible in the yard for the various aspects of repair
- Estimator, Commercial Manager, Invoice Manager etc.

Best Practises 3

Dont take for granted that because a job has been started that it is being
progressed. It is essential that the planning meetings cover all jobs - even the
most minor.
Try to resolve problems that effect progress promptly and avoid deferring
decisions without good reason.
Use local specialists if approved by manufacturer.