RINA publishes new lay-up guidelines

Genoa-based classification society RINA has published new guidelines to help ship owners identify and secure safe and cost-effective locations to lay up their ships during the current economic downturn. The guidelines cover various types of lay-up, mooring arrangements, class, insurance, flag and port authority requirements. They also set out the measures which need to be taken in order to ensure that ships are laid up in a safe condition and that proper maintenance is carried out on machinery and systems.
The guidelines provide an overview of the services that RINA can provide to ship owners during the entire lay-up process, and useful information on how to choose the most suitable location for laying up a ship.
Dino Cervetto, Manager of the Technical Function of RINA’s Marine Division, said: “As a result of the global economic crisis, and the consequent downturn in the freight markets over the past year, a number of owners have decided to take their ships out of service, and in particular to place them in lay-up.
“Lay-up can be a complex process. It requires proper planning which covers everything from flag administration requirements to important technical and maintenance issues. It is also essential to define the lay-up period and to choose the best lay-up location available. RINA’s guidelines are designed to help owners with the whole process, and to ensure that nothing is left to chance,” he added.