Page 160 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΜΑΙΟΣ 2024
P. 160

MARINE EQUIPMENT


          Optimising spare parts purchase management and inventory maintenance practices requires
          a multifaceted approach encompassing regulatory compliance, vendor and technical
          department engagement, and long-term planning.











                          PROPER SPARE PARTS

                          INVENTORIES AND

                          MANAGEMENT MAY

                          CONSIDERABLY REDUCE

                          THE IMMOBILISING OF

                          CRITICAL EQUIPMENT














                                                            By adopting proactive strategies, shipping companies can
                                                            enhance operational efficiency, mitigate risks, reduce costs,
                                                            and ensure the reliability of maritime equipment.

                                                            Balancing Class Requirements and Vendor Standards
                                                            Normally, newbuilding specifications dictate the provision of
                                                            spare parts in accordance with Class requirements. However,
                                                            this immediately leads to ambiguity as Class Societies offer
                                                            recommendations rather than strict requirements. At the
                                                            same time, some yards refer to vendors’ standards without
                                                            providing a list of what these standards are. The provision of
                                                            spare parts is negotiated between yards and vendors when
                                                            the supply contracts between the two parties are being dis-
                                                            cussed.
                                                            Reliance on vendor standards - as often proposed by ship-
                                                            yards - cannot be absolute, as their standards are frequently
                                                            low and easily bent. Many vendors’ project guides state that
                                                            the supply of spare parts is optional. A more robust clause
                                                            can be proposed to address this issue at the specification dis-
                                                            cussion stage, mandating spare parts as per Class and IACS
                                                            recommendations or makers’ standards, whichever is higher.

                                                            IACS Unified Requirements and Critical Parts
          by Stavros Hatzigrigoris,                         The IACS Unified Requirements were drafted in the 90s and
          Advanced Engineering Services                     remained unchanged until November 2023. MARTECMA
          & Zodiac Maritime
                                                            and its members exerted considerable pressure on the IACS

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