Reducing the Cost of Unexpected Steel Renewals in Dry Dock
Unexpected steel renewals can turn a planned dry docking into a hugely expensive undertaking. Once the vessel is in the yard, additional repairs mean more than extra steel: access, labour, NDT and coating costs increase, schedules slip and off-hire extends. The owner is left negotiating additional work under pressure, with limited time to challenge the scope or obtain competitive prices. Discovering the true extent of deterioration at this stage can undermine months of planning.
Appointing an experienced, independent inspection company to undertake a thorough pre-docking survey gives owners the opportunity to identify these requirements while they still have time to plan, compare quotations and control costs.
Marine Inspection Services (MIS) brings together expertise in structural condition surveys, ultrasonic thickness measurement (UTM), non-destructive testing (NDT) and the preparation of practical repair specifications. Our teams translate inspection findings into clearly defined repair scopes that shipyards can price, taking pressure off owners and managers. Our experience in special surveys, Condition Assessment Programme (CAP) surveys and steel repair supervision means we understand both class requirements and how repairs are carried out in the yard.
A combined survey with the owner’s interests in mind
Effective pre-docking preparation requires an understanding of how a vessel’s structure has deteriorated, how far that deterioration extends and what will be needed to repair it.
MIS combines UTM, visual structural inspection and coating condition assessment with a review of previous survey reports, thickness measurements and repair history. Knowledge of the applicable class requirements guides the inspection and helps identify areas requiring closer examination.
Our technicians are experienced in both thickness measurement, visual inspection and generation of repair specifications. They recognise suspect areas that could lead class to request an increased measurement scope and investigate them during the pre-docking attendance. Low readings prompt examination of adjacent structure, while visible corrosion, cracking or deformation guides further measurements and NDT where required.
This approach helps establish repair boundaries early and reduces the risk of the scope expanding unexpectedly once the vessel enters dry dock.
Clear deliverables before yard quotations
MIS brings the findings together into practical documents that owners can use:
- UTM report written in class software satisfying class requirements highlighting areas of substantial and renewable wastage.
- Visual report giving an overall picture of each tank documenting visual defects, coating condition and areas requiring attention, supported by photographs and location references.
- Suggested Repair Report with repairs that comply with class rules setting out proposed renewal boundaries, steel grades, dimensions and estimated quantities, together with NDT, coating, access and associated work requirements.
The defined repair scope is central to the commercial value of the survey. It allows owners to obtain yard quotations before arrival at dry dock, and make informed decisions on budget, materials and scheduling. Importantly it also gives shipyards detailed scope allowing yards to quote accurately for cost and time.
Experience that takes pressure off the owner
MIS’s experience of class surveys and repair supervision helps connect the inspection findings with class expectations and practical shipyard requirements. Clear evidence and early engagement allow proposed repairs and outstanding technical questions to be reviewed before they become urgent decisions alongside the dock.
Combining measurements, visual findings, coating condition, historical data and knowledge of class requirements provides a sound basis for pre-docking planning. Any access limitations or areas requiring further inspection are clearly identified, so the owner understands what remains unresolved.
For owners, the benefit is direct: fewer unknowns, better-defined repairs and greater control over cost and time. Involving MIS before yard quotations are requested moves critical decisions to the point where owners have the greatest opportunity to influence the outcome.
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