The Business of Shipping by Ira Breskin

Author:Ira Breskin
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: Cornell Maritime Press
Published: 2018-03-27T21:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Ship Husbandry: Procurement of Vessel Stores, Supplies, and Services

Ship husbandry—procuring stores, spare parts, supplies, and services—is another critical shoreside operation. The seaworthiness of a ship at the start of a voyage depends, in part, on discharging these obligations.

In addition to such items as paint, maintenance materials, manila and synthetic line, spare parts, and food, ships need the services of many specialists: pilots, tug operators, customs brokers, surveyors, and maintenance and repair experts.

Owners also appoint representatives (agents) in overseas ports to obtain berthing assignments; order fuel (bunkers); contract with stevedores; arrange for customs, health, and immigration clearance; and many other services. Cumulatively, the discrete elements of ship husbandry constitute a significant vessel management responsibility.

Modern procurement relies on the shipowner’s computerized database, a compendium listing thousands of items in the shipboard inventory to the names and performance records of all suppliers, as well as an Internet connection. The database is updated to reflect new, approved suppliers; the drawdown of inventory; revised price lists and pilotage fees for major ports of call; and new government regulations concerning toxic materials usage.

In practice, as the ship consumes supplies and spare parts the details are fed into the shipboard computer and relayed automatically to the home office database.1 The ship’s entries always include the unique inventory number of each item and the identification (description) of that item. When replacement is needed, computerized records show which suppliers stock an item, the lead time required to fill an order, suppliers’ performance records (prompt delivery, condition of material, accurate billing, etc.), and a list of suppliers holding current contracts with the shipowner.

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