Latvian Shipping Company to Dry Dock Eight Tankers

Latvian owner and operator of medium and handy size tankers Latvian Shipping Company (Latvijas Kuģniecība) plans to dry dock eight of its vessels at Riga dockyard until July, to reduce fuel consumption and upgrade communication equipment.

While in dry dock, the vessels will undergo technical repairs, get a fresh coat of paint, and new satellite equipment. The company estimates that over USD 3.6 million will be invested into the repair works of the ships. Two of the company’s medium range tankers have already undergone the dry docking repairs, with six more to go until July.

During the repair works, the ships will be lifted out of the water utilizing a floating dry dock in order to access the entire hull. The body of the vessel will be painted with an anti-fouling and finish coating in order to assist with reducing fuel consumption.

Satellite antennas and the communication systems will be installed on the ships thereby ensuring continuous internet connections, improving communication and data exchange between the ship and its managers in Riga whilst the vessel is at sea.

The company also plans to install an additional hydraulic tugger-winch on the forecastle deck to comply with the latest Single Point Mooring regulations and, a special aft towing strong-point to be installed on the poop deck to comply with Norwegian oil-terminal requirements.