Maintain your way to long-term success  

Maintaining a bulk shipping organisation to perform at the top of its safety and efficiency game is a colossal undertaking. Thankfully the DBCE can play a key role in keeping your operation on course with insightful thinking. 

 

The Role of DBCE in Ship Maintenance Optimisation 

  • Self-Assessment Tools – Using the DBCE’s structured framework you can identify gaps in maintenance procedures. 
  • Regulatory Compliance Support – Ensure you align maintenance strategies with ISM, SOLAS, and environmental regulations. 
  • Data-Driven Decision Making – Use DBCE’s performance insights to refine maintenance schedules and investment planning. 
  • Continuous Improvement Culture – Promote a proactive approach to maintenance throughout your operations rather than reactive fixes. 

 

Onboard Maintenance: Extending Vessel Life Between Dockings

Implementing Preventive and Predictive Maintenance

  • Ensure planned maintenance systems (PMS) are correctly aligned with DryBMS standards.
  • In daily operations, use condition-based monitoring (CBM) for critical equipment such as main engines, pumps, and electrical systems.
  • Make sure you keep digital records as this improves tracking of maintenance history and identifies patterns of wear.

 

Ensuring Crew Involvement in Routine Maintenance

  • Bridge & Engine Room Checks – Perform regular inspections of navigation and propulsion systems.
  • Structural Integrity Inspections – Carry out inspections on cargo holds, deck fittings, bulkheads, and mooring systems.
  • Emergency Equipment Testing – Frequently test fire suppression systems and bilge pumps, and carry out lifeboat readiness drills.

 

Addressing Common Causes of Maintenance Failures

  • Lack of spare parts availability – Do not get caught out, ensure critical spares are stocked for key machinery.
  • Inadequate training – Keep your crew well-versed in detecting early failure signs.
  • Reactive maintenance culture – Encourage proactive intervention before failures occur.

 

Adopt a Strategic Maintenance Plan for Long-Term Results 

  • Proactive maintenance is by far the best way to keep vessels in peak condition whilst reducing downtime and costs. 
  • Employ a structured approach in your operations guided by DBCE best practices. This ensures compliance and efficiency. 
  • Promote collaboration between ship managers, crew, and technical teams as this is key to effective maintenance execution. 

 

From dry dock planning to daily deck maintenance, adopting an optimised strategy in your organisation ensures smoother operations, greater regulatory compliance, and long-term fleet performance. 

 

Find out more and subscribe to the DryBMS framework here.