Cold Lay-up

Cold lay-up is a long-term operational status applied to a vessel when she is taken out of active service for an indefinite period with no near-term prospect of employment. Unlike hot lay-up, cold lay-up involves the shutdown of all non-essential machinery and services, reduction of crew to a minimum caretaking complement or complete unmanning, preservation of machinery using conservation procedures specified by the engine manufacturer, and dehumidification of enclosed spaces to prevent corrosion. The vessel is typically moored in a sheltered anchorage or lay-up berth at minimal cost. Cold lay-up requires careful preparation: tanks are cleaned and inerted or gas-freed, machinery is preserved with inhibitor oils or nitrogen blanketing, electrical systems are secured, and the vessel is surveyed by the classification society to agree a lay-up condition. Statutory certificates may be suspended during cold lay-up, and a reactivation survey will be required before the vessel re-enters service. Under MLC 2006, the crew paid off during cold lay-up must receive any wages and benefits owed, and repatriation must be arranged. Reactivation after extended cold lay-up can be a costly and time-consuming process requiring a comprehensive survey and maintenance overhaul.