HomeShipTech Drydocks: Saving Time & Money with Faster Turnarounds and Fewer Surprises

ShipTech Drydocks: Saving Time & Money with Faster Turnarounds and Fewer Surprises

October 31, 2025

ShipTech Dry Docks has built a reputation for getting hard jobs done on schedule in Dubai Maritime City’s upgraded shiplift complex. With integrated workshops and 3,000–6,000-tonne lifts, they turn planned and emergency work fast, keep class happy, and return vessels to earning sooner.

ShipTech Dry Docks — Location
W141 (a.k.a. 141), Dubai Maritime City, Dubai, UAE
Shipowners save by:
  • Shorter idle time: Shiplift access and in-house workshops mean quicker dock-in, faster critical-path work, and earlier sail-away.
  • Fewer vendor hand-offs: Steel, coatings, mechanical, electrical, and hydraulics under one roof reduce coordination costs and delays.
  • Real Discounts: ShipTech Dry Docks offers a fixed-percent yard discount to owners who come via the Ship Universe Savings Alliance (Susa), which can result in substantial, direct savings on the final invoice.
  • Predictable scope control: Pre-survey inspections surface steel/thickness and machinery issues before docking, limiting change orders.
  • Right-sized docking: Ability to choose afloat repairs or full dry based on defect severity avoids over-scoping and rental waste.
  • Parts & logistics leverage: DMC location and continuous lifts capacity help secure slots and deliveries without premium “emergency” markups.
Common Services and the Cost of Waiting
Hull & Coatings Blasting, coating, anodes 24–60 mo
Do it now
✅ Restores smoothness and slows corrosion
✅ Cuts extra drag from roughness
✅ Predictable slot and cure time
Defer
✖ Steel renewals escalate later
✖ Higher fuel burn across cycle
Extra fuel: $45k / cycle
Propeller Care Polish, balance, repairs 6–12 mo
Do it now
✅ Recovers 1–3% propulsive efficiency
✅ Reduces vibration and bearing wear
✅ Smoother CP pitch control
Defer
✖ Cavitation pitting accumulates
✖ Persistent overconsumption
Extra fuel: $12k / cycle
Sea Chests & Intakes Cleaning, gratings, strainers Each docking
Do it now
✅ Restores cooling flow
✅ Lowers pump load
✅ Avoids engine derates in warm ports
Defer
✖ Overheat trips and lost schedule
✖ Emergency cleaning at premium
Delays/cleaning: $8k / cycle
Shaft & Seals Stern tube, CPP, bearings Per maker
Do it now
✅ Keeps oil integrity
✅ Extends bearing and liner life
✅ Prevents CPP leakage incidents
Defer
✖ Oil-to-sea discharge risk
✖ Unplanned drydock at premium
Fines/cleanup: $25k / incident
Rudder & Steering Clearances, stock, actuators Each docking
Do it now
✅ Tightens steering response
✅ Catches wear before seizure
✅ Confirms actuator health
Defer
✖ Stock or bearing failure risk
✖ Tow-in and berth loss
Tow/repairs: $15k / event
Heat Exchangers Descale, pressure test Per water
Do it now
✅ Restores cooling margins
✅ Lowers pump energy draw
✅ Stabilizes temps in hot ports
Defer
✖ Overheat trips and slowdowns
✖ Emergency descale costs spike
Delays/cleaning: $6k / cycle
Thrusters & Pods Pull, service, re-seal 2–5 yr
Do it now
✅ Restores thrust and alignment
✅ Prevents seal leaks
✅ Confirms bearings and gears
Defer
✖ Unplanned loss of maneuverability
✖ Costly emergency tow
Tow/off-hire: $10k–$40k
Steel Renewal Inserts, sections, collars As found
Do it now
✅ Arrests corrosion spread
✅ Keeps class remarks clear
✅ Shorter blocks time if planned
Defer
✖ Larger cuts next docking
✖ Heavier off-hire next cycle
Extra days later: +2–5 days
Tank Cleaning & Coating Ballast, fuel, cargo Per service
Do it now
✅ Protects structure and coatings
✅ Speeds future gas-free work
✅ Reduces contamination claims
Defer
✖ Slower future entries
✖ Higher reject or claim risk
Claims risk: $5k–$30k
Piping & Valves Renew, pressure test Per scope
Do it now
✅ Stops leaks and pressure losses
✅ Improves pump efficiency
✅ Clears survey remarks early
Defer
✖ Hot work at sea risk rises
✖ Product or fuel losses
Loss/cleanup: $3k–$20k
Electrical & Automation Panels, sensors, PLC Per program
Do it now
✅ Removes intermittent faults
✅ Stabilizes generator loading
✅ Better alarms and logging
Defer
✖ Trip risk during port moves
✖ Longer fault-finding time
Off-hire risk: $5k–$25k
LSA / FFA Tests, refills, service Annual / due
Do it now
✅ Clears survey items
✅ Ensures readiness of critical gear
✅ Minimizes port state surprises
Defer
✖ Detentions and delay risk
✖ Emergency service at premium
Detention risk: $10k–$50k
BWTS / Scrubbers Install, retrofit, service 10–21 days
Do it now
✅ Keeps compliance steady
✅ Reduces change-order risk
✅ Aligns crew training on dock
Defer
✖ Non-compliance penalties
✖ Expedited install costs more
Penalties/rush: $10k–$60k
Accommodation & HVAC Ducting, units, refresh Per refit
Do it now
✅ Better comfort and air quality
✅ Lower compressor runtime
✅ Crew morale and retention boost
Defer
✖ More breakdown callouts
✖ Energy waste on old units
Callouts/energy: $4k–$20k
* Figures are directional. Confirm with ShipTech Dry Docks quotes, class scope, and your consumption logs.
“Do It Now vs Defer” Savings Calculator
Estimate the cost of waiting on maintenance. Replace sample inputs with your vessel data.
Gross annual savings
$0
Net annual benefit
$0
Simple payback
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Fuel & Fouling



Tip: Drag penalty bundles hull roughness, prop polish, and sea chest restrictions.
Off-hire & Emergencies



Use TCE, budget day rate, or your internal time-value.
Scope Escalation

Example: coating breakdown or steel renewal tends to get pricier if postponed.
Planned Dock Cost (this year)

Set to number of vessels if planning a sister-ship batch.
Breakdown
Your Results (per selected fleet size)
Fuel penalty avoided$0
Unplanned events avoided$0
Off-hire days saved$0
Future cost escalation avoided$0
Subtotal gross savings$0
Planned ShipTech scope (this year)-$0
Net annual benefit$0
Note: planning tool only. Replace with your quotes, logs, and class scope.
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