MAINTENANCE, A CRITICAL FACTOR IN THE EXPLOITATION OF A SHIP

To be effective in keeping the ship in the optimum operative condition, programmes of corrective and preventive maintenance must be based upon consideration of the ship as an integral assembly of machinery and hull. Accordingly, optimisation of ship operation depends upon a number of interrelated factors, such as low specific fuel consumption,uninterrupted operation of machinery, and minimum hull roughness. Following a breif description of the more comprehensive preventive maintenance procedures, based both on programming and condition monitoring, an evaluation is made of the applicability of each method and a qualitative estimate of maintenance cost is made. Owners frequently find difficulty in having available the personnel for carrying out maintenance or handling equipment. Also it is not always possible to acquire adequate equipment. One solution here proposed is the organisation of maintenance or handling equipment. Also it is not always possible to acquire adequate equipment. One solution here proposed is the organisation of maintenance centres, with trained staff, suitable equipment and an overseas network of support workshops to carry out surveys, measurements, trend analyses, replacements and repairs.