Email [email protected]
Phone Numbers +6087-415 286 +6087-415 267
Call Us: +6087-415 286 +6087-415 267 Mail Us: [email protected]

Vessel Layup Services

Why our Vessel Layup

The option to layup a vessel is usually undertaken when its continued operation is deemed uneconomical due to market conditions or during a period of downtime between long term contracts. International Shipcare provides prospective clients with detailed information on ship lay up options and the pre-layup preparation required to ensure the vessels remains secure and well preserved during the idle period. Careful consideration of the layup options and pre-layup preparations will help to reduce the overall cost to the owner through the period of layup and return to service.

What Is Vessel Lay-Up in Shipping?

Vessel layup service is a process where ships are temporarily taken out of operation and professionally maintained, preserved, and secured to reduce costs while ensuring they remain safe, protected, and ready for future reactivation.

Our Vessel Layup Services: Hot and Cold Lay Up

When a vessel is placed in cold layup, most of its systems will be shut down in order to reduce wear and tear and reduce fuel and maintenance cost, leaving only those systems online that are essential to the ongoing preservation of the vessel. Cold layup is suitable for vessels that are expected to be idle for a period of more than 6 months. ISC’s approach to layup will provide,
  1. Swift reactivation process when required (estimated at 10 Days)
  2. Ship specific maintenance schedule based on owner’s requirements and duration of layup
  3. Extensive Layup Preparation to ensure the vessel is fully ready for cold layup
  4. Major machinery and equipment decommissioned and fully preserved
  5. Sealing of all accommodation access points, machinery spaces and store rooms. Spaces to be kept dry using dehumidifiers throughout the layup period
  6. Periodic routine maintenances by ISC staff
  7. Entire owners crew to be repatriated
  8. Permanent ISC watchkeepers on board to manage safety and security and continuously monitor vessel condition.
  9. All preparation, preservation and maintenance procedures will be fully documented especially for key areas of focus:
  • Engine room
  • Accommodation
  • Deck
  • Hull
During hot layup, machinery and equipment are kept in optimal working order to enable immediate reactivation. It is suitable for vessels expected to be idle for up to 4 months.
  • Immediate reactivation subject to availability of full complement of owners crew
  • Vessel to be maintained in accordance to Classification Society and Flag State requirements
  • Reduction in manning based on Safe Manning Certificate as approved by Flag State
  • ISC available to supply fuel provisions and marine services
  • Machinery kept operational in most economical manner in consultation with ISC

In consultation with the client,  ISC will build a detailed layup plan based on the specification of your vessel the estimated layup duration and any additional or unique requirements you may request. Our team will analyse your needs and generate a layup proposal based on the specific requirements of your vessel.

Ship Lay Up & Laid Vessel FAQs

A laid vessel refers to a ship that has been temporarily withdrawn from operation and placed under lay-up conditions, either in hot lay-up or cold lay-up, depending on how quickly it needs to be reactivated. Learn more in our ship lay-up Malaysia guide.

Hot lay-up keeps the vessel partially operational with a reduced crew, allowing quick reactivation. Cold lay-up involves shutting down most systems and reducing maintenance costs, but requires more time to return the vessel to service.

Ship lay-up helps reduce operational costs, preserve vessel condition, and extend asset lifespan while keeping the vessel ready for future use when market conditions improve.

A vessel can remain in lay-up for months or even years, depending on market conditions and maintenance planning. Long-term lay-up requires proper preservation to prevent deterioration.

Costs vary depending on the type of lay-up (hot or cold), vessel size, location, and duration. Cold lay-up is generally more cost-effective for long-term periods. 

Anchorage refers to a temporary stopping point where a vessel remains operational while waiting for instructions, cargo handling, or port clearance. In contrast, ship lay-up service involves taking a vessel out of operation for an extended period, with systems maintained or shut down to reduce costs and preserve the vessel’s condition. For a more detailed comparison, read our anchorage vs ship lay-up services guide.