Last Updated on November 16, 2023 by Amit Abhishek
Maintenance, whether for your car or a colossal ship, is the heartbeat that keeps machinery alive. It’s the key to prolonging lifespan, ensuring smooth operations, and minimizing costs.
When it comes to ships, having a well-thought-out planned maintenance system can work wonders. It not only boosts reliability but also slashes operating expenses while enhancing crew safety.
Let’s sail through the reasons why planned maintenance is the maritime industry’s preferred service approach.
What is Planned Maintenance?
Planned maintenance is like a well-organized playbook for keeping your ship in top-notch shape. It’s about scheduling and executing crucial service procedures before things break down.
With a solid maintenance plan, you’ll know when to service, what tools and parts you need, and how to get the job done. It’s like having a step-by-step guide for ship upkeep.
Here are some benefits that planned maintenance offers, to shipbuilders and operators:
Say Goodbye to Surprise Repairs
Just like your car needs regular check-ups, ships need them too. Preventive maintenance means you’re less likely to be hit with unexpected repairs. That means less downtime, lower service costs, and a bunch of other perks.
In the maritime world, preventing problems before they happen is crucial. Emergency repairs at sea can be dangerous and super expensive.
Having a plan to do critical maintenance when you’re docked means fewer surprises, safer voyages, and less money spent.
Automation Makes Life Easier
Modern maintenance management systems are all about automation. Tasks are set up to run like clockwork, which means your ship stays in tip-top shape without you breaking a sweat.
Cut Down on Costs
Ignoring small issues can lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the line. Think about hull cleaning – scraping off barnacles and sea life.
Skip it, and you’ll deal with worse fuel economy, lower performance, and possibly mechanical trouble. Fixing all that can cost a bundle and take up a lot of time.
Preventive maintenance is like an insurance policy against surprise downtime. It saves money, time, and headaches. Every day your ship isn’t working, you’re losing out on revenue.
And depending on your operation’s size, a sidelined ship could mess up your whole business.
Boost Efficiency
Ships are expected to be super-efficient these days. Traditional maintenance can be a drag, but a planned maintenance system makes it smooth.
It predicts what repairs and maintenance your ship will need, stopping problems from getting worse. This keeps your ship running at peak efficiency, which means fewer repairs and a longer operational life.
Keep It Safe
A planned maintenance system is like a ship’s guardian angel. It keeps an eye on all systems, making sure everything is in shape. This reduces the risk of accidents and injuries on board or during voyages.
Neglecting maintenance can lead to catastrophic accidents, like engine failures. Implementing a planned maintenance system is a smart way to avoid these kinds of disasters.
Other Maintenance Procedures
There are a few other ways to maintain machinery and equipment:
Preventive or Scheduled Maintenance System (PMS):
This system follows a strict schedule, based on running hours or calendar intervals, regardless of machinery condition. Parts are replaced as per the schedule, even if they’re still usable.
Corrective or Breakdown Maintenance:
Maintenance is performed only when machinery breaks down. It’s not ideal for emergencies and can be costly as it may cause additional damage during breakdowns.
Condition Maintenance System:
Condition-based maintenance system regularly assesses machinery through sensors, checking its condition. Maintenance is conducted based on real-time data. It requires expertise to avoid misinterpretation and costly repairs.
Final Thoughts
Planned maintenance systems are the compass guiding ships to smoother seas. They’re cost-effective, efficient, and ensure the safety of both the vessel and its crew. So, don’t just toss maintenance aside; plan for it and keep your ship sailing smoothly.