Operational aspects. Also inside: Pro-active maintenance, Guideline for lay-up, Recycling, Research and development, Rules and regulations and Market outlook.
All text and photographs: Magne A. Røe, except where otherwise stated.
Dear reader
In a survey conducted in February and March amongst shipping companies in DNV’s client base, we asked: “What are the main challenges in today’s difficult market situation?”
Operational aspects
Given the past few months’ challenging business climate for owners and operators in the dry bulk segment, even more focus should be paid to cost-efficient and safe operations. This article gives an overview of some important operational aspects in this context, along with practical guidance.
Pro-active maintenance and how to control docking costs
Docking is a standard maintenance task that every ship operator has to do, no matter how the market fluctuates. When the economy slows down and shipping indexes drop, it is more important than ever to conduct the docking and repairs with a focus on cost control while maintaining the value of the assets.
Guideline for the lay-up of ships
During the major lay-ups in the shipping industry in the 1970s and 1980s, DNV was instrumental in setting the standard for the safe and cost-optimal lay-up and preservation of ships. Due to the financial crisis and economic slowdown, this knowledge and experience are once again sought after, and the guideline has now undergone a complete revision based on the technical developments in shipping over the past two to three decades.
Environmentally sound ship recycling
The bulk carrier industry has been seriously affected by the current recession in the world economy, and most operators are now facing a market where the capacity outweighs the demand.
Best Practice for CSR Bulk approval
The large number of bulk carriers ordered to DNV class over the past few years, combined with the increased complexity of the hull approval work following the introduction of IACS Common Structural Rules (CSR), has resulted in a high work load at DNV hull approval centres.
Optimized hull forms and propeller designs
Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) tools can be used in combination with model tests to minimize hull resistance, improve propeller efficiency and interaction with the hull, reduce the required power, improve fuel efficiency and ultimately mitigate the environmental impact from shipping.
New and improved Nauticus Hull for CSR Bulk
With the release of the new version of Nauticus Hull, DNV hull approval engineers, as well as designers and yard engineers, can now enjoy the most efficient design and verification tool for CSR Bulk
Requirement Explorer™
IMO instruments are constantly being adopted and amended, and DNV has accepted the challenge to develop an Internet tool showing new and amended IMO requirements for a specific ship.
Rules and Regulations update
The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) held its 85th session from 26 November to 5 December 2008 at which it made several important decisions.
Inspired by the sea
Peter Hamer, Middle East area manager for DNV, has been completely absorbed in seafaring life from his boyhood. Fairplay’s Jim Wilson meets him.
DNV to class bulk carriers in Japan
In January, classification contracts for eight semi-open bulk carriers were concluded to DNV class at Oshima Shipyard.
SIGNS OF LIFE amidst gloomier prospects
Dry bulk freight rates have recovered significantly from the shocking bottom levels seen in early December. The Baltic Dry Index in early March was more than three times higher than three months before – and still 82% below the extreme peak seen last spring.