Dry Dock Done Right: Turning Pressure into Performance

Dry docking is more than a scheduled event. It is a chance to strengthen a vessel’s condition, improve reliability and prepare for future trading.

When Fleet Management took over MT CABO DESEADO, the timeline was tight. The work list was extensive. The vessel was heading into a winter dry dock in Jiangyin, China. Through careful planning and close partnership with Ultranav, we delivered a controlled and effective turnaround.

A Tight Start, a Clear Plan

Fleet Management assumed technical management in Singapore in December 2025, and the vessel entered Chengxi Shipyard in Jiangyin 11 days later. In that short time, our teams assessed the vessel, mobilised resources, and built a clear work plan.

The scope went beyond routine repairs. It included a major mooring system modification to meet Neo Panama Canal and terminal requirements. This required detailed engineering, approvals, and careful installation.

Winter added pressure. Snow, frost and sub-zero temperatures affected coatings, steel work and deck operations. We managed this through tight planning, daily coordination and close supervision. Work progressed safely and to schedule.

Crewing Built for Performance

To ensure a successful dry-dock our Fleet Personnel Department (FPD) and Tanker Operations teams, under the leadership of Capt. Soma Nair and Jagjit Singh respectively, worked together to choose seafarers with technical competence, leadership capability and a strong safety mindset, which included a seasoned Master and Chief Engineer. 

Selection of senior officers involved a structured assessment process that considered performance history, technical expertise and leadership attributes such as discipline, and close coordination between ship and shore teams. Ensuring safe vessel takeover, and alignment with the owner's operational schedule was critical. 

Focused Upgrades, Stronger Performance

Throughout the project, the team balanced safety, schedule, technical priorities and owner expectations while delivering a broad programme of upgrades and renewals that strengthened reliability, improved efficiency and enhanced the vessel's long term trading readiness. This included:

• Installing a Schneekluth duct to improve propulsion efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.
• Installing Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) for the main cooling seawater pumps.
• Installing electrical heating systems to support operations during anchorage and slow steaming.
• Installing energy efficient LED lighting across accommodation, deck and engine rooms. 
• Applying a low friction hull coating to improve hydrodynamic performance.
• Renewing approximately 75% of cargo, steam and hydraulic lines on deck.
• Overhauling critical machinery and auxiliary systems.
• Modifying the mooring arrangement to meet Neo Panama Canal and Galeota Terminal requirements.

Each step was planned and executed with care. The focus was simple – to keep the vessel safe, deliver consistent performance, and ultimately protect the owner’s asset.

Clear Results, Nil Observations

Following dry dock, the vessel returned to service in strong condition.

She achieved a SIRE inspection with nil observations and passed a United States Coast Guard inspection. Readiness improved for PSC, SIRE 2.0 and RightShip requirements.

The project transformed the vessel into a stronger, more efficient and inspection ready asset, helping Ultranav reduce off hire risk and improve long term trading confidence.

Working in Partnership

This project demonstrates what can be achieved through a strong partnership built on clear communication, shared objectives, and close collaboration. Throughout the project, we worked side by side with Ultranav to deliver a successful outcome. Reflecting on the achievement, Ultranav’s Chief Technical Officer, Josu Abaroa, also recognised the dedication of the seafarers and project team, noting: 

“We would like to highlight the outstanding performance of the crew of MT Cabo Deseado, who successfully completed a demanding dry-dock period in China under challenging weather conditions, complex repair scopes, and multiple retrofits aimed at enhancing the vessel’s energy efficiency.”

MT CABO DESEADO is a practical example of how we work. We bring together experienced people, clear processes and disciplined execution. We treat each vessel as our own, managing risk, protecting uptime and supporting safe, reliable trading.