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MINERVA IN FOCUS 27 Dry docking projects | Behind the scenes
Behind the scenes of the
27 dry docking projects
Superintendent Engineers and representatives of the Dry Docking team
from all Groups of the Minerva fleet, present the projects, the main
challenges, the most significant lessons learned and everything that
is useful to share with their Minerva colleagues.
Effective teamwork In 2024, Minerva Marine successfully completed 27 planned dry
dock repairs, with Group B handling 10 of them. The Group B vessels
is essential ranged from 5 to 20 years old, with their repairs requiring meticulous
planning and technical expertise.
for successful According to regulations, tankers under 15 years old must undergo
dry docking every five years, while those older than 15 must dry dock
project execution twice in five years, with an interval of 2 to 3 years in between repairs.
As a Superintendent Engineer, I would like to share my thoughts on
the subject. Introducing myself, I am Konstantinos Moutzouris and I
have been with Minerva Marine since July 2022. My responsibilities
include overseeing the technical operations of five tankers, managing
both planned and unplanned maintenance, troubleshooting, budget
management, spares, dry dock and project planning and execution. I
hold a degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from NTUA
and bring 12 years of experience in the maritime industry, including man-
aging newbuilding sites, dry docking repairs, and retrofit projects such
as ballast treatment plants, scrubbers, and bow thruster installations.
Preparation for dry docking starts well in advance, with the Master,
Chief Engineer, and Chief Officer providing feedback on necessary
repairs. This involves coordination across several departments,
including the Technical, Marine, Dry dock, and Purchasing ones, to
ensure that all needs have been identified and spare parts are sourced
in time, given that many of them have long lead times. Pre-drydock
by Konstantinos Moutzouris, inspections, such as ultrasonic thickness measurements, coating
Superintendent Engineer - checks, and machinery assessments, are conducted to identify any
Fleet B, necessary repairs.
Minerva Marine Inc. When the vessel arrives at the shipyard, an initial meeting is held
with the shipyard team to define the scope of work. Major tasks,
such as tank coating and main engine overhauls, are prioritised.
The shipyard coordinates logistics and manpower to ensure timely
repairs. Special considerations, such as tasks that can only be done
In 2024, Minerva Marine during dry docking, are factored into the schedule to minimise delays.
Daily meetings between the Dry Docking Team, the Ship’s Officers,
successfully completed 27 and the Shipyard’s Production and Safety Teams ensure progress is
planned dry dock repairs, tracked and safety is maintained. Many repairs require close coop-
with Group B handling 10 eration between the shipyard staff and the vessel’s crew, who may
assist with specific tasks, planned carefully to avoid disruptions.
of them. The Group B vessels Unexpected issues often arise during dry docking, demanding quick
ranged from 5 to 20 years old, problem-solving. The most critical phases are the ones with tight
with their repairs requiring deadlines, i.e. when the vessel is out of the water and when the
meticulous planning and repairs are nearing completion. Effective teamwork among the Dry
Docking Team, the crew, and the office staff is essential for a suc-
technical expertise. cessful project execution.
10 ISSUE 30 / Q4 2024
