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MINERVA IN FOCUS 27 Dry docking projects | Behind the scenes
Advanced planning along During 2024, the following dry docking projects were
completed in my fleet:
with a contingency plan • MT MINERVA GLORIA
ensures the success • at Fujian Huadong
MT MINERVA MARINA
of every dry docking project • at Qatar Technologies
MT APOLYTARES
at Fujian Huadong
• MT MINERVA OLYMPIA
at Sefine
• MT MINERVA LYDIA
at Fujian Huadong
• MT MINERVA VERA
at Qatar Technologies
• MT MINERVA SOPHIA
at Sefine
• MT MINERVA KALLISTO
at BLRT Turku
• MT MINERVA SYMPHONY
at Skaramangas
The most challenging dry dockings were those of the
“MINERVA MARINA” and the “MINERVA VERA”, which
were performed in Qatar.
The dry docking process presents significant challenges
that must be overcome in order to complete the project
successfully. Some of the challenges we faced included
the following:
• Environmental factors and weather condi-
by Dimitris Papadodimas, tions. Weather and other environmental factors
Marine Superintendent - are major obstacles in dry docking operations.
Fleet C, High temperatures in the region caused delays
Minerva Marine Inc. and interruptions in operations, which affected
the timetables and increased costs.
• Scheduling and coordination with shipyards.
Dry docking must be carefully timed to avoid
disrupting the vessel’s schedule. Scheduling
also needs to take into account the availability
of the dry dock facility and the workforce who
will be performing the work.
• Safety concerns. The dry docking process
presents various safety risks to the workers and
the environment. Shipyards must have strict
safety protocols in place to protect workers,
while also taking steps to prevent pollution and
other environmental damage.
• Budget and cost management. Dry docking
can be an expensive process, and shipowners
must carefully budget for the work that needs
to be done. Unexpected repairs or upgrades
can add to the cost of the dry-docking process,
making it important to have a contingency plan
in place.
Moreover, shipyards must ensure that they comply with
all applicable regulations, which can be time-consuming
and costly.
The most significant lesson learnt was the importance of
overcoming challenges with advanced planning and sched-
uling strategies, along with a contingency plan, in order
to be well prepared, ensuring the success of the project.
20 ISSUE 30 / Q4 2024
