Modernization

Ship modernisation — tasks for shipyards, design offices and contractors

Ship modernisation is a complex operation that extends service life, improves efficiency, reduces fuel consumption, meets new IMO requirements and expands vessel capabilities without buying a new one. It is always a project that combines design, equipment supply, installation, commissioning and coordination with the classification society. The Steel Water task board publishes tasks for modernisation of vessels of any scale — from installing a single device to comprehensive re-equipment.

Tasks are posted by shipowners, shipping companies, technical managers, design offices, shipyards and fleet operators. Contractors are design offices, shipyards, ship repair yards, system integrators, equipment suppliers, installation and commissioning companies.

Types of modernisation on the task board

• Main propulsion plant modernisation — main engine replacement or upgrade, emission reduction systems, transition to new fuels
• Exhaust gas cleaning systems — scrubbers, SCR, EGR, IMO sulphur and NOx compliance
• Shore power installation — connection to shore grids, port requirements compliance
• Steering and propulsion complex modernisation — azimuth thrusters, propulsion-rudder complexes, dynamic positioning systems
• Cargo systems modernisation — cargo crane replacement, new cargo handling systems, automation
• Automation and monitoring systems — control systems, monitoring, integration with shore services
• Passenger and accommodation modernisation — superstructures, cabins, public areas, life support systems
• Safety and communication systems modernisation — GMDSS, VDR, emergency systems, firefighting systems
• Vessel conversion for a new task — change of purpose, installation of specialised equipment, layout change

What to specify in a modernisation task

• Vessel — name, type, IMO, flag, class, deadweight, year of build, current condition
• Purpose of modernisation — what needs to change, why, which requirements to meet (IMO, class, commercial)
• Scope of work — design, supply, installation, commissioning, class coordination
• Equipment — preferred manufacturers, equivalents, technical requirements
• Documents — technical specification, existing drawings, class requirements, reference projects
• Working conditions — at shipyard, in dock, afloat, with or without decommissioning
• Timeline — when required, tied to repair, dry docking or departure
• Urgency — scheduled or emergency, tied to new regulatory requirements
• Additional — need for 3D scanning, structural loads, stability recalculation

What matters for shipyards and contractors

Modernisation is always a project where design expertise, class interaction and schedule management are critical. When responding to a task, specify: experience with similar projects, availability of a design office or design partner, ability to perform the full cycle (design, supply, installation, commissioning), availability of equipment and qualified personnel, experience with classification society coordination, readiness to work with imported equipment, timeline and phasing, warranty on the result. If the task is tied to new IMO requirements — confirm understanding of deadlines and scope.

Documents and safety

Modernisation is accompanied by a full package of documents: technical specification, design documentation, class approval, equipment certificates, work completion acts, test reports, additions to ship documents. All changes affecting stability, strength or safety are confirmed by calculations and coordinated with the classification society. If you have experience with such approvals — mention it in your response.

Post modernisation tasks for free — find a contractor with the required experience, a designer and equipment. Or respond if you have a shipyard, design department or system integration experience. All active tasks — in the Modernisation section.

Currently on the task board there are 0 tasks.