Whether a change in ownership, problems with the increasing age of your vessel, routine maintenance work or the growing interest in making eco-friendly adjustments; the reasons behind refit and repair work on a vessel are many.
Similarly, there are numerous yard options in this fairly densely populated sector of the industry.
This begs the question many captains and clients find themselves asking – what is the right yard for my vessel and what do I need to consider before making a final decision?
Aside from finding a shipyard that meets the specific needs of the vessels’ scope of work, it is ideal to look for yards that want long-term relationships with the vessel beyond the initial yard period.
Often vessels will go in for custom fabrications, mechanical servicing or paint jobs. Through the process they will identify other unforeseen areas of issue that require attending and this would mean either having an extended yard period or, multiple, fragmented yard periods in a set time frame. So, choosing a shipyard that is invested in furthering long-term relationships makes for easier communication, trust and avoids unnecessary complications through continuity of work.
Most shipyards today have specialties in specific areas ranging from engineering, hydraulics, carpentry, interior and exterior painting. Though a yard with specific focuses might be helpful at addressing pressing problem areas on the vessel, a reputable “full-spectrum” shipyard is key to ensure access to a wide-range of services for unforeseen or future repair work.
Refit periods also bring about concerns regarding crew safety, accessibility and opportunities for crew training. With the vessel out of the water, training to familiarize oneself with new installments on the boat or even general gaps in training for certain crew members is a prime opportunity.
Malta, being a popular destination for many kinds of marine vessels (and a deeply impactful place in history with regards to the maritime industry) houses a number of shipyards that cater to different sizes of boats. An ideal place for winter refits, the islands’ prime location in the Mediterranean Sea ensures your vessel is ready and accessible to popular tourist destinations of Italy and Greece for summer charters after works have finished.
The island itself observes comfortable temperatures even in the winter months (some of the highest average hours of sunshine in Europe) and accommodation up to 40% cheaper as compared to the peak season. With a buzzing social atmosphere and growing food-culture, it keeps crew and budget conscious owners satisfied.
Melita Marine Groups’ refit department takes all these factors into consideration, with a leading yacht refit and repair yard in the heart of Malta, catering to yachts up to 100 meters. We combine in-house services with a specialized team of professional project managers, multiple, well developed suppliers, engineering, mechanical, electrical, electronics, steel, wood carpentry, upholstery workshops, an in-water work facility, tender storage and more. The yard is ISPS, ERA, ISO 14001 and ISO 18001 Certified at economic costs.
With a broad network at our disposal, Melita Marine strives to meet and deliver your refit and repair expectations. For more information visit our website at or get in contact with us directly at [email protected]