Modern lay-up requires updated approach

Due to the complexities of modern ships, preparing a lay-up according to latest classification society guidelines can protect an owner’s assets better and simplify future re-activation, ABS advises

ABS has updated its guidance on lay-up and re-activation of laid-up ships to address the preparatory measures suggested for modern lay-up, such as maintaining security, continued compliance with environmental regulations and the maintenance of advanced electronic equipment and machinery. The revised guidance also incorporates the recent re-activation survey requirements released by the Joint Hull Committee and incorporated into the ABS survey rules.

The update reflects current industry conditions, in which soft freight rates, tightened credit markets and other weak economic factors have given rise to an increased number of vessels entering varying degrees of laid-up status, from temporary to long term. The structural and mechanical complexities of modern ships require a more comprehensive approach than was the case some 30 years ago, when the industry last experienced a period of widespread lay-ups.

“Laying-up a ship takes more than pulling into port and powering down,” says Lenny Pendexter, ABS senior vice president and chief surveyor. “Protecting the structure, the systems and the electronics is critical. If the initial lay-up is handled properly, the subsequent re-activation should be relatively smooth.”

Some of the principal issues addressed in the revised guide include procedures for assessing and monitoring safety and protection, such as fire safety equipment, ventilators/air intake/exhaust openings, and the removal and the containment of flammable materials. It also addresses preservation and maintenance practices such as protecting the hull, machinery, boilers, piping, electrical systems and sensitive electronic navigation and communication components from corrosion, weathering damage, freezing, combustion and other forms of deterioration.

According to Mr Pendexter, owners who submit initial lay-up preparations and procedures for review and survey according to the ABS guide “may apply full or partial credit of lay-up time to the owner’s progression of survey intervals.” Additionally, the requirements for updating surveys at re-activation may be modified. “These measures may help owners control costs and avoid delays in returning their vessels to operation,” he added.

The required re-activation survey will include a point-by-point review of the original lay-up items. The length of the lay-up and maintenance procedures followed while the vessel was out of service can affect the extent of the survey. However, the guidance indicates that the equivalent of an annual survey for all class items, updating any due surveys and compliance with any outstanding recommendations are normally required to verify that the vessel meets ABS standards prior to re-activation.

Consideration is also given to possible revisions of international convention requirements that may have occurred during lay-up and possible changes in the way that registry administrations interpret them.

ABS offers owners preparing for vessel lay-up an array of services, including an optional notation (LAID UP), relevant training through the ABS academy also risk assessment and re-activation plan assistance, which is undertaken by its affiliated company, ABS Consulting. ABS Nautical Systems, a division of ABS, offers a full suite of fleet management products, such as its NS5 maintenance and repair module, which includes built-in lay-up functionality. The programme can assist an operator to manage better the reduced scope of planned maintenance activities. MP

Acknowledgement: ABS Activities August 2009