Extending Vessel Lifespan through Ship Preservation in Malaysia

In the maritime and offshore industry, maintaining idle ships is just as important as active operations. When vessels are not in use—whether due to project delays, seasonal inactivity, or operational downtime—they are vulnerable to corrosion, system failures, and environmental degradation, that’s where ship preservation in Malaysia becomes a critical part of long-term asset management.

What is ship preservation?

Ship preservation refers to a set of preventive measures taken to protect vessels while they are laid up or inactive. This ensures that all onboard systems, structural components, and machinery remain in good condition and can be reactivated without extensive refurbishment.

Preservation is essential for both short-term and long-term lay-up situations, depending on operational plans.

Benefits of proper ship preservation

Preserving a ship reduces the risks of damage that might otherwise go unnoticed during idle periods. Key benefits include:

• Protecting hulls and internal systems from corrosion
  
• Ensuring mechanical equipment remains operational
  
• Minimising costs associated with reactivation
  
• Extending the vessel’s service life
  
• Enhancing regulatory compliance for future inspections
  

These advantages make ship preservation a wise strategy for owners and operators with fluctuating deployment schedules.

Common techniques used in Malaysia

In Malaysia, ship preservation typically involves a combination of technical and logistical steps, tailored to vessel size, type, and duration of inactivity:

• External cleaning and coating of hull and superstructure
  
• Installation of dehumidifiers and desiccants in enclosed spaces
  
• Lubrication and sealing of moving parts
  
• Shutdown procedures for engines and systems
  
• Regular inspection and reporting schedules
  

These methods help ensure that preservation efforts meet safety and classification standards.

Choosing the right partner for ship preservation

Choosing an experienced service provider is essential for effective preservation. Altus Oil & Gas Malaysia offers tailored ship preservation services that align with industry best practices. Their teams operate across major ports and shipyards in Malaysia, including Johor, Kemaman, and Labuan.

Whether preserving cargo vessels, offshore support vessels (OSVs), or floating units, Altus provides flexible options including cold lay-up and warm lay-up preservation programs.

When should ship preservation be planned?

It’s advisable to initiate preservation plans as soon as a ship’s idle period is confirmed. Early intervention prevents accelerated wear and allows for scheduled inspections. Common scenarios include:

• Decommissioning or between charters
  
• Project suspension or delays
  
• Regulatory downtime or inspections
  
• Low-demand cycles in marine operations