By
Donald Crighton |
Arguably the most important and critical part of operating cruise ships is the maintenance of the vessels. This must be carefully planned well in advance of the vessel’s arrival at the chosen repair yard. Factors such as geographic location, space available and quality of equipment are all part of the equation.
Christian Sauleau, Executive Vice President Fleet Operations of Silversea, explains his views on maintaining the company’s fleet. “We look in the deployment area of the vessel for the yards that have the capability and structure suitable for the refitting. We also take into consideration local rules concerning the possibility to appoint foreign subcontractors and workers for specific tasks. Obviously, the reposition time from cruise end and start ports and the yard characteristics (work force, logistics, space) are the leading factors.” The second step is to verify that the yard has all the special skills required and consider the appointment of external subcontractors. “Prices are important but maintaining the time schedule and the quality of the work has the same, or possibly more, relevance.”
So how does Sauleau manage the relationship with the yard before and during a challenging refit? “If we have no previous experience with the yard, we arrange a visit to check that facilities and organisation are suitable for the refitting. After this we arrange an inspection on board with yard representatives to clarify the work list and to define how the work is to be executed. We ask the yard representative to ensure that they deal with all local authorities (such as customs and immigration) to prevent delay or stoppage of the works. During the drydock, we hold daily meetings with yard management to monitor the work progress and to adopt corrective actions, if needed.” What have proved to be the most critical factors in Silversea’s recent docking programmes and what does the company look at most closely? Sauleau says: “I check in detail the logistic available in the yard: how many cranes available for our refitting; how many robots and guns for hull blasting; service capability and space available to store the owners’ or subcontractors’ materials.”
Cunard and P&O are seeking cost savings by docking cruise ships close to cruising areas, says David Varty, director of projects and planning, technical operations for Cunard and P&O, who is responsible for carrying out all the company’s drydockings. “The primary considerations are location, quality and expertise. Cost and experience with cruise vessels are also vital,” says Varty. The lines are committed not only to ensuring the minimum time out of service, but also to making sure that the repair yard is able to accommodate changes during the refit without delays to the schedule.
“The location of the yard is a key feature in reducing out of service time for the vessel and allows the maximum possible time for repairs in drydock, as well as for the key underwater repairs and classification work that has to be completed,” adds Varty. Clearly, if suitable yards are available close to the vessel’s area of cruising this will reduce deviation and thereby costs.
This is an abridged version of an article that appeared in the Spring/Summer 2013 edition of International Cruise & Ferry Review. To read the full article, you can subscribe to the magazine in printed or digital formats.