





When a vessel remains anchored for more than a month, an underwater inspection becomes essential to assess the condition of the hull and anticipate potential damages. This inspection helps detect biofouling accumulation (algae, barnacles, and other marine organisms), the erosion of antifouling coatings, and the structural integrity of the ship.
Delayed Berthing Due to Weather Conditions
In port operations, adverse weather conditions can lead to port closures, forcing cargo-laden vessels to wait at anchorage before berthing. This delay, which may extend further due to congestion once the port reopens, exposes ships to several technical and financial challenges.
Challenges of Prolonged Anchorage
- Biofouling Accumulation: Seawater promotes the formation of biological deposits on the ship’s hull. After a month of immobility, the presence of algae, barnacles, and mollusks becomes problematic, increasing hydrodynamic resistance and fuel consumption.
- Degradation of Protective Coatings: The erosion of antifouling paint compromises hull protection, leading to premature corrosion.
- Inspection of Sea Inlets and Sacrificial Anodes: Underwater inspections ensure that seawater intake grids are not clogged and that sacrificial anodes, essential for corrosion protection, remain intact.
Financial and Operational Costs of Immobilization
Beyond technical concerns, prolonged anchorage results in:
- Additional operational costs (fuel for onboard systems, provisioning, and crew maintenance).
- Cargo delivery delays, which may incur contractual penalties.
- Expensive hull cleaning post-berthing, impacting the profitability of future voyages.
The Importance of Regular Underwater Inspections
Given these challenges, underwater inspections are highly recommended once a vessel remains at anchorage for over a month. These inspections, conducted by professional divers or underwater drones, provide detailed reports with images and videos to identify necessary corrective actions (cleaning, repairs, etc.).
Conclusion
Prolonged anchorage presents significant challenges requiring a proactive approach. Regular underwater inspections help mitigate biofouling effects, maintain vessel integrity, and optimize operational costs. Incorporating this practice into maritime operations enhances maintenance efficiency and ensures better overall ship performance.
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