Dry Docking Best Practices 2026

In 2022, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reported that 73% of all ship detentions by the Paris MOU were due to deficiencies related to maintenance and repair, with 21% of these detentions specifically attributed to inadequate dry docking procedures. The average cost of a single day of unscheduled off-hire time for a bulk carrier can exceed $50,000, emphasizing the importance of effective planning and execution of dry docking operations. According to the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the global fleet is projected to grow by 4.5% annually through 2026, increasing the demand for dry docking services and the need for shipowners and operators to optimize their maintenance strategies. Regulation 21 of MARPOL Annex VI, which mandates the implementation of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new ships, has further highlighted the need for efficient dry docking practices to minimize downtime and maintain class certification.

The IMO's Ship Recycling Convention, which entered into force in 2023, also has implications for dry docking, as it requires ships to have a certified inventory of hazardous materials (IHM) on board, which must be verified during dry docking. To ensure compliance with these regulations, shipowners and operators must carefully plan and prepare for dry docking, taking into account factors such as the ship's trading pattern, cargo requirements, and maintenance needs. The ISM Code, which is mandatory for all ships over 500 gross tons, also emphasizes the importance of planned maintenance and dry docking in ensuring the safe operation of ships. By implementing a well-planned dry docking strategy, shipowners and operators can minimize the risk of detention, reduce maintenance costs, and maintain their competitive edge in the market.

The classification societies, such as DNV and ABS, have also developed guidelines and standards for dry docking, which provide a framework for shipowners and operators to follow. For example, DNV's rules for ship classification require that ships undergo dry docking at least once every 5 years, or as specified by the ship's flag state, and that the dry docking is carried out in accordance with a approved plan. The plan must include details such as the scope of work, the dry docking schedule, and the procedures for maintaining the ship's class certification during the dry docking period. By following these guidelines and standards, shipowners and operators can ensure that their dry docking operations are carried out safely and efficiently, and that their ships remain compliant with all relevant regulations.

Pre-Dry Docking Planning

The key to a successful dry docking operation is careful planning and preparation, which should begin at least 6 months in advance of the scheduled dry docking date. This allows sufficient time for the shipowner or operator to identify and address any potential issues, such as hull damage or machinery problems, and to develop a comprehensive plan for the dry docking. The plan should include a detailed scope of work, which outlines the specific tasks to be performed during the dry docking, such as hull cleaning, propeller polishing, and machinery maintenance. The plan should also include a schedule, which sets out the timeline for the dry docking, including the start and completion dates, and the sequence of tasks to be performed.

According to BIMCO's dry docking contract, the shipowner or operator is responsible for providing the yard with a detailed specification of the work to be carried out, which should include information such as the ship's dimensions, the type and condition of the hull and machinery, and any specific requirements or restrictions. The yard should then provide a quote for the work, which should include a breakdown of the costs and a schedule for the dry docking. The shipowner or operator should carefully review the quote and the schedule, to ensure that they align with their requirements and budget. The IMO's Guidelines for the Implementation of the ISM Code also emphasize the importance of pre-dry docking planning, and provide guidance on the development of a dry docking plan.

The classification societies also play a critical role in the pre-dry docking planning process, as they are responsible for verifying that the ship is compliant with all relevant regulations and standards. For example, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) requires that ships undergo a pre-dry docking survey, which assesses the condition of the hull and machinery, and identifies any potential issues that need to be addressed during the dry docking. The survey should be carried out by a qualified surveyor, who should have experience in dry docking operations and be familiar with the ship's design and construction.

Dry Docking Operations

During the dry docking, the ship is taken out of the water and placed in a dry dock, where it can be inspected and maintained. The dry docking operation typically involves a range of tasks, including hull cleaning, propeller polishing, and machinery maintenance. The hull cleaning process involves removing any marine growth or debris from the hull, which can improve the ship's efficiency and reduce its environmental impact. According to the IMO's Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter (LC), ships are required to have a hull cleaning system in place, which can be used to remove any marine growth or debris from the hull.

The propeller polishing process involves polishing the propeller to remove any rough spots or imperfections, which can improve the ship's efficiency and reduce its fuel consumption. The machinery maintenance tasks typically involve routine maintenance such as lubrication, filter changes, and inspections, as well as any repairs or replacements that may be necessary. The dry docking operation should be carried out in accordance with a detailed plan, which sets out the specific tasks to be performed, and the sequence in which they should be carried out. The plan should also include a schedule, which sets out the timeline for the dry docking, including the start and completion dates, and the sequence of tasks to be performed.

The classification societies, such as Lloyd's Register and Bureau Veritas, have developed guidelines and standards for dry docking operations, which provide a framework for shipowners and operators to follow. For example, Lloyd's Register's rules for ship classification require that ships undergo dry docking at least once every 5 years, or as specified by the ship's flag state, and that the dry docking is carried out in accordance with an approved plan. The plan must include details such as the scope of work, the dry docking schedule, and the procedures for maintaining the ship's class certification during the dry docking period.

Post-Dry Docking Procedures

After the dry docking operation is complete, the ship must undergo a series of inspections and tests to ensure that it is seaworthy and compliant with all relevant regulations. The inspections and tests typically involve a range of tasks, including a visual inspection of the hull and machinery, and a series of performance tests to verify that the ship's systems are functioning properly. The classification societies, such as DNV and ABS, have developed guidelines and standards for post-dry docking procedures, which provide a framework for shipowners and operators to follow.

According to the IMO's Guidelines for the Implementation of the ISM Code, the shipowner or operator is responsible for ensuring that the ship is compliant with all relevant regulations and standards, and that it is maintained in a safe and efficient condition. The post-dry docking procedures should include a review of the dry docking operation, to identify any lessons learned or areas for improvement, and a plan for implementing any necessary changes or modifications. The shipowner or operator should also ensure that the ship's crew is properly trained and equipped to operate and maintain the ship, and that they are aware of their responsibilities and obligations under the ISM Code.

The post-dry docking procedures should also include a review of the ship's maintenance records, to ensure that all necessary maintenance tasks have been completed, and that the ship is compliant with all relevant regulations and standards. The maintenance records should be updated to reflect any changes or modifications made during the dry docking, and should be available for inspection by the classification society or other regulatory authorities. By following these procedures, shipowners and operators can ensure that their ships are maintained in a safe and efficient condition, and that they are compliant with all relevant regulations and standards.

Implementation and Compliance

The implementation of a dry docking strategy requires careful planning and execution, as well as a commitment to compliance with all relevant regulations and standards. Shipowners and operators should work closely with their classification society, flag state, and other regulatory authorities to ensure that their dry docking operations are compliant with all relevant requirements. The IMO's Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter (LC) requires that ships have a waste management plan in place, which includes procedures for the disposal of waste during dry docking.

The shipowner or operator should also ensure that the dry docking operation is carried out in accordance with a detailed plan, which sets out the specific tasks to be performed, and the sequence in which they should be carried out. The plan should include a schedule, which sets out the timeline for the dry docking, including the start and completion dates, and the sequence of tasks to be performed. By following these procedures, shipowners and operators can ensure that their dry docking operations are carried out safely and efficiently, and that their ships remain compliant with all relevant regulations and standards. The classification societies, such as DNV and ABS, have developed guidelines and standards for dry docking operations, which provide a framework for shipowners and operators to follow, and which can help to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.