AI Repair Cost Estimator

Drydock costs vary widely based on vessel size, type, age, and scope of work. A routine drydocking for a Handymax bulk carrier (30,000 DWT) typically costs $500,000-$1,200,000 including hull cleaning, coating, propeller polishing, and Class survey items. Larger vessels (VLCC, container ships 8,000+ TEU) can exceed $3-5 million. Our tool provides a risk-weighted estimate based on your vessel's specific parameters.

The biggest cost drivers are: (1) Vessel age — older vessels require more steel renewal and machinery overhauls; (2) Hull condition — extent of corrosion, pitting, and coating breakdown; (3) Engine hours since last overhaul; (4) Regulatory requirements — upcoming Class surveys (Special Survey is the most expensive); (5) Shipyard location and availability; (6) Emergency vs. planned repairs — emergency work can cost 2-3× more.

Under IACS rules, commercial vessels must undergo intermediate survey (drydocking) every 2.5 years and special survey every 5 years. However, vessels with approved In-Water Survey (IWS) schemes may extend the interval between drydockings. Many operators plan maintenance during special survey windows (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 years) to consolidate costs.

A standard drydock scope typically includes: hull cleaning and blasting, anti-fouling paint application, sea valve overhaul, propeller polishing/repair, tailshaft survey, rudder inspection, ballast tank inspection and coating, anchor chain calibration, cathodic protection renewal (zincs), and Class survey items. Additional work may include main engine overhaul, boiler maintenance, and piping renewal.

China offers the lowest drydock costs (30-50% less than Europe), but with longer lead times. Turkey and Eastern Mediterranean provide competitive pricing with proximity to European trade routes. Southeast Asia (Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia) offers mid-range pricing with fast turnaround. Brazil's yards are competitive for vessels already operating in South Atlantic. The best value depends on your vessel's trading pattern and urgency.

Cost reduction strategies include: (1) Early planning — book yards 6-12 months ahead for better rates; (2) Competitive bidding — get quotes from 3-5 yards in different regions; (3) Condition-based maintenance — use our risk analysis to prioritize critical items; (4) Afloat repairs — some work can be done alongside, avoiding dock fees; (5) Consolidated scope — bundle all work into one dock period; (6) Owner-supplied materials — source parts directly from OEMs.