Moore Stephens:
Ship Operating Costs to Rise in 2016 and 2017
Vessel operating costs are expected to rise in both 2016 and 2017, with repairs, maintenance and spares set to record the most significant increase in each of the two years, according to shipping consultant Moore Stephens.
According to MANA, Vessel operating costs are expected to rise by 1.9% in 2016 and by 2.5% in 2017, while the cost of repairs and maintenance is expected to grow by 1.7% in 2016 and by 1.9% in 2017. Additionally, expenditure on spares could go up by 1.7% in 2016 and by 1.8% in 2017.The cost of meeting regulatory requirements was high on the list of concerns cited by respondents, one of whom noted that “operating costs will rise for technical expenses such as maintenance and repair held over from previous years, while the cost of ballast water treatment plant will have to be taken into consideration in 2017 drydocking budgets.” Another respondent pointed out that “with the Ballast Water Management (BWM) convention coming into force in 2017, drydocking costs will increase significantly, depending on the type and size of ship involved.”