Ship maintenance plays a central role in protecting lives at sea, ensuring operational reliability, and maintaining regulatory compliance. When maintenance standards slip, the consequences can be serious. These include accidents, vessel detentions, pollution incidents, and costly repairs.
Recent incident data highlights the scale of the issue. A significant share of marine incidents has been linked to equipment, system, or structural failures on board. This underlines why maintenance must remain a continuous operational priority rather than a periodic task.
Why Ongoing Maintenance Is Essential
Safety at Sea
Regular maintenance keeps shipboard systems reliable and fit for purpose. It reduces the risk of mechanical failures, loose fittings, and structural weaknesses that can trigger serious accidents.
Regulatory Compliance
Vessels must comply with international and local regulations, including safety and management standards. Consistent maintenance helps operators avoid detentions, deficiencies, and enforcement actions.
Legal Responsibility
Shipowners are legally required to maintain seaworthiness. When a vessel falls below acceptable standards, it can face claims from charterers, cargo interests, or insurers.
Operational Performance
Well-maintained systems operate more efficiently. This reduces unplanned downtime and allows vessels to maintain schedules even under tight port turnaround conditions.
Fuel and Cost Efficiency
Maintenance identifies inefficiencies early. Addressing engine or system issues can reduce fuel consumption and limit long-term operating costs.
Maintenance Under SOLAS and the ISM Code
International safety frameworks clearly define maintenance obligations.
Under safety conventions, vessels and equipment must remain in a condition that supports seaworthiness at all times. Similarly, safety management requirements mandate structured maintenance systems and corrective action when deficiencies arise.
Operators must not only fix technical defects but also address the root causes. Poorly designed or outdated procedures often contribute to repeated failures. Aligning procedures with real operational tasks—and involving seafarers in their development—improves compliance and effectiveness.
Planned Maintenance Systems (PMS)
A planned maintenance system allows operators to schedule, perform, and document maintenance in line with classification and manufacturer requirements. Its objective is simple: safe, reliable operations and regulatory compliance.
Effective PMS frameworks begin with risk assessment. Operators should consider:
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Equipment history and past failures
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Manufacturer guidance
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Inspection findings
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Vessel age
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Critical systems and failure consequences
Targeted inspection campaigns have shown that deficiencies in planned maintenance remain common. These findings reinforce the need for robust planning, accurate records, and proper execution.
Key Maintenance Risk Areas Identified
Corrosion
Corrosion weakens structures and creates safety hazards. It often affects decks, ballast tanks, pipelines, walkways, hatch covers, and securing points.
Unchecked corrosion can lead to water ingress, cargo damage, pollution, and even structural failure. Corroded firefighting systems and escape routes also pose direct risks to crew safety.
Mitigation:
Regular inspections, protective coatings, and timely repairs remain essential.
Mooring Equipment
Poorly maintained mooring lines and equipment increase the risk of line failures. A parted line can cause sudden vessel movement, damage shore infrastructure, or injure crew.
Common issues include worn brake linings, corroded windlasses, thinned anchor chains, and seized capstans.
Mitigation:
Frequent inspections, prompt replacement of worn components, proper lubrication, and routine braking tests help reduce risk.
Leaks and Engine Room Hazards
Oil and hydraulic leaks often signal degraded seals or worn components. These leaks reduce efficiency and significantly increase fire risk in engine rooms.
Exhaust gas leaks add further danger. High temperatures near leak points can cause burns or ignite surrounding materials.
Mitigation:
Early detection, swift repairs, thorough cleaning, and daily bilge checks help limit escalation.
Hatch Cover Integrity
Hatch covers protect cargo from water ingress. Common deficiencies include damaged rubber packing, corroded channels, frozen cleats, and ineffective drainage valves.
These issues can lead to cargo damage and expensive claims.
Mitigation:
Routine inspection, manufacturer-aligned maintenance, and ultrasonic testing allow early intervention before failures occur.
Maintaining Standards in a High-Pressure Environment
Fast port turnarounds and limited crew resources often create pressure to shortcut maintenance tasks. While this may save time temporarily, it increases long-term risk.
A structured PMS, supported by realistic scheduling and clear instructions, helps crews balance operational demands without compromising safety.
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Source: Britannia P&I Club
